I sat perched on the fence bordering the pasture in which my horse calmly stood. For such a strong-willed, proud horse, I was deeply touched by his choice to stand inches from me, periodically dipping his head down near my leg and letting me scratch the tender spot between his ears. The serene and gentle image was very different from the one we had experienced just the day before. I know all of the days can't be perfect ones where horse and rider are wholly connected and all is right with the world. But even in the more challenging and difficult moments, he is one of the most rewarding blessings in my life.

At the rescue we strive to make similar connections between human and horse. Although we can't guarantee that every adoption will be a perfect match made in heaven, we emphasize the importance of the commitment the adopter is about to make. Some of the horses we have seen have come to us broken and world-weary. It is the least we can do to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve in lovingly caring for them and finding them the right home.