Second Chance Ranch

Adopted 2008

The day I found Second Chance Ranch I really wasn't looking for a horse, little did I know she was looking for me!  My husband had just been deployed and I needed a new focus, a new direction, but it had been a long time since I'd been on a horse!  As soon as I saw the picture of Peggy Sue on the website I knew I had to at least meet her and see the rescue for myself.  I called and set up a time to come out and with my mom and sister in tow started a whole new chapter in my life. 

The first visit was a bit overwhelming, in a good way!  I never knew horses could be like the ones at the ranch!  I walked into a pasture with fifteen horses and they were so friendly!  They followed us around like big puppy dogs and made me feel comfortable around horses for the first time.  I don't think I even met Peggy Sue that first day because so many others wanted my attention.

Well after that first visit, it was all over!  I knew I would be adopting one of these "kids" as Katie calls them!  So I went back and this time got to meet Peggy Sue.  As soon as I looked in her eyes I just trusted her.  Everyone else would think I was crazy... trusting a 3-year old off-the-track Thoroughbred?  What was I thinking?  I was a totally green rider and this would be my first horse!  But I knew there was a gentle quietness to this horse and I just felt it. 

Katie agreed with me and told me how she had known Peggy Sue since she was born.  We tacked her up and Peggy was tolerant that I hardly knew what I was doing.  I spent the next month visiting the ranch on a weekly basis learning, and riding Peggy - just getting to know her.  I wanted to make sure it was a good match and so did Katie.  Well, the rest is history....I officially adopted Peggy Sue and she became part of our family.  And to think I had told my husband, "Well it's not like I'm going to run out and buy a horse or something.  I'm just going to take some lessons and visit this rescue I found!"

UPDATE: We have adopted our second OTTB from Second Chance Ranch! Apache Joe is shared with my mother, and my husband, Nate. While he was home on leave he rode Joe a few times. This three year old gelding was so quiet, we had to convince him it was okay to “trot”.