It used to be you’d hear “Thoroughbred,” “Arab,” or “Quarter Horse” when you asked what kind of horse someone owned. Now, you’re just as likely to hear “Rescue.” Horses have long been bought and sold by breed or discipline, but a whole new category is making inroads in the horse industry – the rescue horse. These horses may be unwanted, broken or labelled dangerous, but all have one thing in common…a story of kindness, of someone who cared. Following are three such stories.
The Unwanted
Jon Cooper and his wife Carmen were interested in developing a program that would use horses to help people, and felt rescue horses would be a great fit for the program. They visited Bear Valley Rescue in Sundre, Alberta, looking for the first of their prospects. After meeting a lot of horses, they fell for Bear, a small, sorrel two-year-old, who had come to Bear Valley as a weanling. A horse trainer by trade, Jon started Bear himself. Quiet and easy going from the start, Bear’s training progressed well and, at just three, he was being used as a lesson horse in one of Jon’s riding programs.
In the summer of 2010, Jon was invited to participate in the Cowboy Up Challenge at the Calgary Stampede, a sporting event that showcases both horse and rider as they manoeuver through a series of obstacles, demonstrating horsemanship skills and speed. The horse’s ability to trust his rider and be a calm, willing partner is put to the test during the three days of competition. Although not a horse Jon considers extremely athletic, Bear was solid and confident throughout the competition, finishing fourth in Canada and eighth overall.