Told by Dr. Malone, our Clinical Psychologist
Lucy is a 20-year-old Sorrel Paint mare. She had a harsh beginning in life. She was owned by a person who beat her so badly that she still has scars on her neck.
She was rescued from this situation by a young lady who was eight years old at the time. Lucy was a horse to be reckoned with. Not willing to let anyone hurt her again, she gave this young lady quite a time.
But eventually, they bonded, and Lucy took her young rider to shows. Now, in the show ring, horses are quiet, well mannered, and move in a slow, controlled manner, even at the canter. Not Lucy. She and her young rider would race around the perimeter of the ring, lapping the other horses and riders.
Eventually, after several years of work, Lucy got the idea and began to slow down. She loved jumping, as did her young owner, and the two had a successful show career until the young lady grew up and got married and had children.
Lucy reluctantly went to pasture and began to be a pure brat. She went through two retirement homes, refusing to be caught by anyone, causing a ruckus and generally indicating she was unhappy.
The young owner was in college by this time and had her hands full with a family, school, and a job. She contacted Melanie and asked if we would consider boarding Lucy.
We went to pick up this horse who had been branded such a pain and found a proud mare who was grieving for her loss. After two days at TROT Lucy began to relax. She accepted young riders and carried them with care and love.
She still does not like people to touch her face without permission, and still is wary of certain men, but overall, she takes our most anxious riders and fills them with a sense of confidence.
Her young lady still visits her at TROT and makes regular contributions to the program. For this, we are extremely grateful. Lucy loves her lady above all else, but she is happy waiting for her and working at TROT with other anxious young girls.
Lucy requires medication for the chronic ulcer condition she developed while living with abusers. This medication brings the cost of caring for Lucy to $325 per month, most of which her owner pays. We are very grateful for this sponsorship.
