I started volunteering at Colorado Horse Rescue in February of 2018. When I retired from my full time job at CU to work part-time with a canine rehab facility, I knew I wanted to volunteer at a non-profit in Boulder County. I had read an article about “retirement” and it encouraged one to think back to when you were young to see what you enjoyed in your youth before school, jobs, families etc. We had horses growing up and I have such amazing memories of this time in my life. I knew then that volunteering at the rescue would be a perfect fit. When the Companion Connection program was getting started, I was asked if I had any interest. I had been working with the trainer there at the time, Susan, in private lessons. I loved being able to work with a horse that needed more exposure, more experiences, and more handling in general. Catching, haltering, grooming, and working on their ground manners was so rewarding. It has been bittersweet to see so many of these horses find great homes.
What has your experience been like working with Micah over the past three years?
Working with Micah has been such a tremendous experience. He’s so smart, and curious and very treat -motivated. He’s a fast learner and really wants to please. He is still a very nervous horse and keeps me alert at all times. My horsemanship skills have improved significantly during my time working/playing with him.
What was Micah like when you first started working with him? How has he changed or grown over time?
I met Micah soon after he arrived at CHR and everyone, including the vet at first glance, thought he was quite young. It turned out he was about 15 or so. He was essentially feral and obviously unhandled. The trainers had a very difficult time catching and haltering him. I started working with him when he was in training camp and thus a small pen. It took months to be able to approach, halter, and lead him through the gate slowly without him bolting. But once we were able to achieve these goals, he soon became a quick learner. He stands well for grooming and hoof picking, he does well with ground driving, and we’ve started liberty work with him. He’s a natural. I remember his “graduation day” when he was able to be turned out to the pasture rather than the small pen in training camp. At that point, we were confident we’d be able to catch him. He now walks up to staff for treats and pets.
What’s something special or unique about Micah that people might not know?
For those people just meeting him, it’d be hard to believe how feral he was. Also, in training, when he gets impatient, he stomps his left front hoof. I’m trying to work that into some liberty skills.
Why do you think programs like Companion Connection are so important for non-riding horses?
The Companion Connection program has improved so many horses’ lives at CHR. First, obviously, by improving their likelihood of adoption. Our horses in the Companion Connection program have been handled sufficiently to hopefully allow an easy transition to a herd. As volunteers working with this group of horses, we are able to work one-on-one with these horses to encourage their growth and development. The program does such a great job of connecting people with these horses. We frequently receive pictures of the horses with their new family after they’ve been adopted.
If you could change one common misconception about non-riding horses, what would it be?
He is now approaching me when I enter the pasture. This is a huge change for this guy!
The Companion Connection program has made a difference in each of these horse’s lives. The walks around the rescue, grooming, and training exercises have contributed to improvements in their physical and emotional health.
The hours we spend with the horses help them become more engaged, more social, and more confident. It’s always bittersweet to see them head out to their new homes but is always our ultimate goal.
If you are interested in Marvelous Micah, please fill out a Horse Match Profile today!