My Horse is Worth Protecting Contest Winner: 'Flirty'

Congratulations to Abrea Hensley, whose photo and story won our "My Horse is Worth Protecting" contest! "Before Flirty, my disability kept me from successfully completing a shopping trip, completing day-to-day tasks, or spending time with my friends. Flirty came into my life almost three years ago, and she has transformed my life," said Hensley.  | Photo: Abrea Hensley

'Navajo'

"At 29 years old, Navajo is still #worthprotecting . In this picture Navajo is giving me my first ride 12 weeks post-op (ankle surgery). You can see my aircast. I had no worries getting on him. He's still worth his weight in gold!"  | Photo: Sarah Craig

'Curly'

Photo submitted by Debbie Bodeen

"My 12 year old Quarter Horse. She loves to be outside and her protection from flies specially here in Florida. She is #worthprotecting"  | Photo: Sofia Passariello

'Chip'

"'Chip' was saved from the kill plant when he crossed our path," said Dietrich. "We just happened to be at the barn with our other horses when Chip arrived. We weren't looking for another horse, but I could tell he was an old soul with kind eyes. The kids tried him out and they were in love. I was in love with the fact he is a babysitter type horse. Nothing phases him. My kids get to go trail riding, team sorting, and just hang out with him. This past spring, we almost lost him. Took him to the vet, he is much older than we thought 20+ years, has a wave mouth, he requires more senior care. He is slowly putting weight back on with additional feed and supplements. Chip is trooper through it all and this old soul with the kind eyes, will be around for a long time.He isn't a champion, working horse, or hero horse, but to this family, he is. Chip is worth protecting."  | Photo: Stacy Dietrich

'Marott'

"At 30 years old, Marott my OTTB Thoroughbred, is worth protecting," said Elesion. "I've had him since he was 3, so for 27 years he and I have been best buddies! I've always taken the best of care of him because he's always taken the best care of me! There isn't anything I wouldn't do for him!He truly is the kindest, sweetest, quietest and best looking boy I know! I Love him very much! I don't know what I'd do without him, he has truly rescued me!"  | Photo: Kyrie Elesion

 

"My horse is worth protecting! I have had him since he was born and even though he has PSSM 2, he always tries his hardest for me! He is a silly, goofy boy who LOVES people!"  | Photo: Janet Tinnin

Santana's Valentino

"This is Santana’s Valentino! He is 22 years old. I bought him when he was 1 year old! The ad read 'Miniature Stallion $200 or best offer' ( the newspaper classifieds). I paid $150 with a $10 deposit! We have been through a lot together. His birthday is Valentines Day, February 14th 1998!"  | Photo: Susan Midulla

'Guinness'

"Guinness is important to me for so many reasons," she said. "She has taught me more in the past year than I’ve learned in 6 years of riding. She is my first horse I’ve ever owned, however deciding to buy her was a hard decision. I started out leasing her and within the first week I’d fallen off three times. I was seriously questioning if I was ready for her. She is my first english horse and I’d only been riding english for about a month when I got her in January of 2019. I had lost a lot of confidence and I dreaded every lesson because I was so nervous. However I began to gain more confidence back with the help of my family and friends. Me and my mom decided after the pinto show in Fargo, North Dakota, we were going to decide to keep her or give her back. The Pinto show was my very first travel show and I was really excited. We did halter, showmanship and trail in hand. I was planning on riding but the day of I got so nervous I decided not too. After the show me and my mom had a talk and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep her or not. I’m so glad I did. Guinness has improved my riding and allowed me to improve my training with others. I’m so excited to see what the future has in store and continue to learn with her."  | Photo: Instagram User @_sassybaymare

Heaven

"My sweet mare is a 6-year-old OTTB that I got in March. I’ve lost everything the last three years, first abandoned by my husband of 30 yrs, he left while I was out riding horses with friends, no explanation and he divorced me a little over a year later, but the worst is that a year after he left, only one month after I lost my home, my youngest son was killed in a motorcycle accident when a older couple pulled out in front of him, he was on his way to work. He took care of me after my husband left when I was too shocked to care for myself. My son had just turned 20 yrs old. Through all of that I struggled to keep my 2 horses. Unfortunately I got really sick last September and had to give them to a rescue to rehome. I was so upset, I thought I would never have a horse again, they are my whole life, I used to train and be a riding instructor so horses really were my life. On a whim I decided to go look at OTTB’s and Heaven just touched my heart immediately. I can’t even begin to explain how much love and joy she has brought into my life. In only 2 months she has become my best friend. I am so blessed to have found her, an OTTB who is so quiet and understanding with a old lady like me. She will even match her steps to walk with me slowly without me asking her. I’m not riding her yet, tomorrow will be my 1st day riding her. I need this mare, I love this mare with my whole being, heart, and soul. I would do anything for 'Heaven,' even die for her. Protecting her and caring for her is how I get up every morning. 'Heaven' is my heaven on earth."  | Photo: Deb Lajoie

'Claire'

"My horse, Claire, is #WorthProtecting because she is a strong, courageous mare with an incredible will to live in spite of the many obstacles that life has thrown at her. She’s miraculously defeated a near fatal disease, survived two life-saving surgeries, and deals with a debilitating, progressive condition on a daily basis with the infaillible attitude of a champion. Claire also has to live with insect bite hypersensitivity, which is painful and tricky to manage. Through all of these challenge she has never lost her love of life (or her appetite!)."  | Photo: Lucille Vigouroux