My Horse is Worth Protecting 2021 Contest Winner: "Stefanie and Quinn"

Congratulations to Stefanie Moat, whose photo won our 2021 "My Horse is Worth Protecting" contest! Stefanie and her 7-year-old mare, "Quinn," barrel race and honor fallen heroes "in ways some can only dream of." In her entry, Stefanie said, "Yes, that is real smoke off a Navy SNJ-5. The pilot is airshow famous Don Nelson, who was an Army aviator and earned 18 air combat medals. This was an honor to do along side him."  | Photo: Stefanie Moat

"Thunder"

"This is my boy Thunder. He’s 6 years old. I bought him from people that had too many horses and not the right attitude when it came to treating him right. He was skinny and looked so rough. I’ve fattened him up and gained his trust. He’s coming along nicely and I wouldn’t trade him for the world, so yes he’s absolutely worth protecting." 

— Chelsea Emslie

"Reina"

"This mare right here is the reason I made it through high school, college, moving to different states, partners, kids, and chose the career field I am in today. I bought Reina as a 5-year-old who had attitude issues that resulted in the previous owner being afraid of her. I was 14 years old and was pretty high and mighty about my riding abilities. Reina knocked me down and taught me how to actually be a better rider. She taught me humility, modesty ,and actual horse knowledge, due to actually having to research how to train and to be a better horsewoman versus just going off of my parents' way with horses. We've had wins and losses, injuries and scares over the years. This mare went from biting, kicking, bucking, and charging to being a calm, yet wise, lady who can just tell how I feel and act accordingly as seen in the picture. We are now 21 and 30, still together, but now she has extended her protectiveness and wisdom over my daughters. She has taught them to be kind and a real love of horses. She will protect them in the pasture, acts excited when she sees them and, safely, plays with them. Almost as if they were her own. Yet when the kids are not around, she and I still share moments like this and remember exactly how much we have been through together and how much we still care for each other. I may now have a small herd of my own, but she will always be my number one."

— Beth Retzlaff

"Leo Lena Quest"

"Leo Lena Quest is my guy. He deserves to be protected from pesky bugs. He is my buddy."

— Karen Flemming Stankovics

"Sparrow, Krymson, and Klover"

"My horses are worth protecting. I have Sparrow (9), Krymson (14) & Klover (25). My horses are my best friends. I can't imagine life without them. Each horse came to me under different circumstances & each one holds a special place in my heart. I've had Klover since she was 7 and Krymson since she was born (Klover's her mom). Sparrow came home with me about a year ago. Klover is my talker she is always nickering & tells me she wants her belly scratched & to eat. Krymson is my serious one, we have been through alot together. Sparrow does not know personal space but she's the sweetest thing ever so curious & smart."

— Kristine Faul Pecca

"Sterling"

"Sterling is worth protecting. Coming 4, Sterling and his biological twin sister were born unassisted in a field, not only defying the odds of survival, they are thriving. After an almost year of neglect for them and their mom, they were being given away for free. A rescue stepped in, showed up, cut a too-small foal halter off his face, and took them home. I adopted both siblings to honor their bond and provide them with unconditional love & care."

— Amanda Muse

"Stryder"

"Stryder came into my life as a rescue. A few years later after both he and I spent separate time at training, I was told by my instructor that he was too hot and I wouldn’t be able to ride him. My mom was worried he was going to hurt someone after he came back from training because he seemed so wild. I heard my parents talk about options and could tell things weren’t looking good. I decided that I could ride him and I was going to! While my mom worked I was out in the field working with him. Loving him a little more gentle each day. Today Stryder and I do western game shows, practice dressage, trail ride, jump XC, gallop on the beach, and even nap together! Stryder is 100% worth protecting."

—Ella Dietz

Elderly Equines

"All of the special needs and elderly equines in our sanctuary. Super seniors, minis, 2 missing an eye, DSLD, Cushing's/PPID, former neglect cases. Willamette Horse Outreach Alliance provides the daily care and true sanctuary they need."

— Amanda Muse