Coming Full Circle
Horseshoes By Design was started as a way for me to give back to the horse community while also teaching my daughter that we could make a difference to those horses in need. On our journey, we learned of the many horses that need our help at rescues, sanctuaries and organizations across the country. They survive by donations and rely on all of us to help.
About a month before the USET Gala, I received an e-mail from Jerilyn, the President of the Equine Rescue & Adoption Foundation. She found my site, loved my work and wanted to have a shoe designed for their retiring board President.
I told her it would be my honor to design a shoe and that I was going to be attending the USET event next month. As things have a way of divinely coming together, they were only 45 minutes away and came down to meet me, see the designs and enjoy the show. They extended an invitation for me to come visit their rescue when I was finished. As it turned out, Palm City, FL was on my way to Orlando where I was meeting my family for a well deserved vacation!
I have only visited the many wonderful rescue farms by web site, I had not actually been to one. On my way there, I wasn’t sure what to expect, I only knew I was filled with emotion, yet feeling grateful for this opportunity. When I arrived, I saw a beautiful barn, lots of land and horses turned out in lush, green pastures. I arrived on the day they were having a holiday fundraiser open house. Jerilyn greeted me and took me on the tour. I walked into the spotless barn and was greeted by a beautiful Christmas tree with all types of donations for the horses around it. There were stockings and reindeer hanging on the stalls and the energy was so positive.
We walked out to the first pasture and I greeted my first rescue horse, and…. I lost it. I was filled with such emotion. I was happy they had this beautiful place to live, but yet so sad this was a part of their journey. How could this happen? The first mare I met was going blind in one eye. We were both curious. I held out an open hand for her to sniff and she couldn’t have been friendlier. She would have to learn to trust all over again.
On our way to the other pastures, we passed by the garden stone where a few days prior, they held a candlelight vigil for their long time rescue and companion ~ Johnny. It was emotional for everyone. I said a prayer for Johnny as I passed by.
I met so many other horses who were happy to meet me! Cliff a 20 year old Hanovarian/Appaloosa cross was such a sweet guy! He loved all the attention…and I loved giving it to him! I met baby Logan and his mother Paris, Heather and Sadie. I listened intently as Jerilyn share each of their stories, the progress they are making and how well they are adjusting.
Cliff & Jerilyn
I thanked Jerilyn for giving me this opportunity and for introducing me to all my new four legged friends. As I got in my car and drove away, again, I was overwhelmed with emotion. The tears strolled down my face as I drove along the heavily wooded lane. I already missed the horses… I prayed they would all get a second chance…I still felt helpless…and I was grateful they had such amazing people to care for them.
Please visit the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation at www.eraf.org If you are in the area, on January 21st they are hosting an Art, Wine & Equine fundraiser. If you go, please post some photos here.
As always, thank you for your support. Each time a shoe is purchased, not only are you honoring your special companion, or giving a unique gift of luck…but more importantly, we are also helping horses like Cliff, Logan and Heather get a second chance.
~Laura
Baby Logan
