A rescue horse, Bonnie, from Saskatchewan has not only found a new home at Eagles Nest Ranch, but she is bringing comfort and joy to young people too - especially those with special needs. She needs ongoing medication though and there is an opportunity to provide support for Bonnie and the horse program in general. In the photo with Bonnie, from left, are Wolf Barbour, Simone Janzen, Leina Reinhardt and Teo Janzen.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A horse that was rescued in Saskatchewan is proving to be the ideal therapy horse for young people at Eagles Nest Ranch in the Cypress Hills, says the one who rescued her.
It was quite by chance that Leina Reinhardt heard about the 20-something horse called Bonnie who was in danger of being put down. A rancher who was 96 years old had reached the point of having to sell his property, and the animals had been transported to a site for auctioning.
On the way there Bonnie fell over in the transport trailer and was trampled on. She was the only horse that was not sold and had been returned to the ranch. She would not be able to stay there though and the owner had a difficult decision to make.
It did not take Reinhardt long to decide what to do.
“I’m going to go and get her.”
She first ensured there was temporary accommodation for Bonnie with a family member and then drove to Saskatchewan with a horse trailer.
When she arrived at the ranch Bonnie still had clearly visible injuries on her head, and Reinhardt was expecting a battle to get her loaded into the trailer. She approached her with a halter and there was no resistance.
Not only did the loading go well but also the 90-minute drive to bring her home. Once Bonnie was unloaded she was limping and retreated to a dark area of the barn as if depressed, said Reinhardt.
The next day she arranged for a farrier to attend to her feet and then someone to take care of dental work. There was medication for inflammation as well.
“She healed quickly,” said Reinhardt.
Bonnie was not keen when approached with a saddle though.
“She gave me this eye that said, ‘Don’t you know I’m retired,'” said Reinhardt.
However, Bonnie did not at all mind children sitting on her bare back.
“This horse is meant for children,” said Reinhardt.
Last summer she took Bonnie to Eagles Nest Ranch where there are four horses in a special program she has been involved in for years. The horses seem to draw young people to the ranch and summer camps, especially those who may be experiencing some issues or have had personal struggles.
“Horses have an incredibly intuitive sense, they synchronize with people. They help them feel understood and supported,” said Reinhardt.
Rescue horses seem to understand young people in a very special way and read their cues, she said.
“It’s an incredible bond.”
Many of the young people return again and again to Eagles Nest Ranch wanting to reconnect with a particular horse and the horse often recognizes them. Reinhardt says it is not about providing a riding program but rather about building a relationship of trust.
Bonnie has some ongoing health issues that require medication that costs about $90 a month, and the hope is that people will provide financial support for this. They are also fundraising to build a new shelter for the horses and need some equipment that will cost about $2,000 altogether.
Anyone that makes a donation towards this before the end of the year will qualify for a tax receipt, said Reinhardt.
You can make a donation for the horse program from the website or contact the local office.
