Hero’s Story!
Name: Hero
Breed: Paint
Color: Red Roan
Height: 15.1 hands
Sex: Gelding
Arrival: Spring 2021
DOB: 2000
The dictionary defines hero as “a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities.”
According to Jewell Horton, who has spent a lifetime rehabilitating and rescuing animals of all kinds, this definition captures the essence of one specific horse she knows very well. In fact, she’s known him since he was two years old. His name just happens to be Hero.
And, Hope Reins has been blessed to add him to our herd because of Jewell’s generosity.
“I would rescue many stallions that were unpredictable,” says Jewell, Hero’s former owner. “And, Hero always protected me and kept all the other horses in line.”
Hero also helped first responders train on the life-saving techniques used when rescuing fatigued horses or other livestock during dangerous flooding and hurricanes. Hero would be immersed into lake water with floatation devices while rescue teams practiced their techniques on the horse.
Hero is a rock. He is calm, steady and confident. Nothing phases him. He holds space for kids with LOTS of energy, LOTS of anxiety, and LOTS of feelings. He stands still and lets kids move all around him. He will use his head to nudge kids as a way to invite them in or to remind them that he is right there beside them. He is an amazing teacher who helps kids learn how to be present.