SUCCESS STORIES

Hi!
My name is Viktorija Briggs and this is Baldr (pronounced BAL-dur), formerly known at Passion Horse Rescue Ranch as "Sky". Baldr is a 3 year old Belgian/Quarter Horse cross and definitely the largest animal I’ve ever owned! I’ve always had animals around, from pet nude rats to snakes and chameleons to parrots and dogs, cats and fish. And of course, my first horse, Ahri, my gorgeous, hot-headed, black, 2 year old Arabian.

Ahri is why we came to Passion Horse. He’d been ‘ruined’ by a farrier and for the last 6 months I could no longer get close to him. He would literally chase me out of my own yard if I was inside the fence. Ahri needed discipline and I needed help. Badly!

On March 22, 2008 my husband, Briggs, and I were going to go to Burleson for lunch and to a motorcycle shop. He forgot to turn where he should and we ended up in Cleburne, so we decided to go to Popeye’s for lunch. Briggs saw the horses at Tractor Supply and made a "u"-ey to go back to take a look. I didn’t know why he was turning around until I saw the horses as we were pulling into the parking lot. As we walked up I was laughing to myself because these horses were HUGE. And I thought my Ahri was a big horse. Ha! Ahri’s delicate looking compared to these massive creatures.

Rhiannon came over and introduced herself and was talking to us for quite a while, introducing us to the horses and their stories and answering our questions…."Where are you located? Do you also train horses? Do you give people lessons too?" Etc. She was wonderfully patient. She introduced us to her mother, Deb, Passion Horse‘s owner. We talked to Deb for quite a while also and were both immediately comfortable and knew we’d found a place not only for Ahri to learn some manners, but for me to also learn how to handle that big black fireball.

I was in GA when Ahri was picked up and taken to Passion Horse. Then I had to wait a week to see my baby. That was a VERY long week. Finally on Friday I couldn’t stand it any longer and I called Deb. She said to come on out to see him. I was just passing the road that turns towards her place (had the directions already in my purse all week), so I turned around and headed to the ranch.

After visiting with my Ahri - who was begging me to take him home - I was given a tour of the grounds. I met all the horses and was just amazed at their size. I met Sky and pet his face and head from over the stall gate. He was absolutely awesome! He was my favorite. Those big soft brown eyes and great big soft muzzle.

The next day Briggs wanted to go see Ahri and to get his tour of the ranch also. We visited our boy and while Deb showed Briggs around I went to visit ‘the big white one’. I pet and scratched his head and every time I’d start to walk off he’d follow me to that end of the stall and have this sad, sad look in his eyes. I just couldn’t walk away while he still wanted my company! A gigantic, beautiful creature like that wanting MY company! How cool was that!

Well, eventually Deb and Briggs got around to Sky’s stall. Deb told me I could go inside with him. She didn’t have to tell me twice on that one! I stepped in and was in complete awe of this beautiful, massive animal. Standing next to him in his stall was incredible. I wanted to make him mine right then. I just kept running my hands all over him and resting my head on his shoulder, petting him and feeling something I never thought I would. He had touched my heart like no other animal ever had. Not even my Ahri.. I was even jealous at the thought of others who could still take him from me. He gave me an instant peace and calm. I hoped he wanted me as much I sure wanted him!

Briggs, Deb and Sonya also stepped in. Deb told us Sky’s story while we petted and loved on him. She told us that Sky was very shy and wasn’t really completely comfortable being touched, but that she, Sonya and others were working with him and that he was doing better. Sonya was talking about his tail needing to be trimmed and this or that work needed to be done. I was getting jealous and possessive feelings that were surprising me - "No! You can’t cut his tail! No! You can’t be the one to love on him. He’s mine!" I was overwhelmed with how intense I was feeling about the thought of anyone but me caring for him.

Ok. Problem. How would my husband take to the thought of me having another horse? And how do I go about it?

After we’d all come out of the stall Briggs was petting Sky over the stall gate - I could tell he liked the big gentle horse and knew he was thinking something like that was a lot safer for me than the hothead Arabian we already had. I asked Deb how much, she told me, and I knew right then that it was feasible and it would happen. But I needed the "ok" first. So I gave Briggs the information so he could think about it….he did and now Sky’s mine!

I was so excited when he told me that I called Deb immediately to tell her the good news. Apparently, she called several others. So, "Sky" then became "Baldr"….I’d already found his new name.

Baldr is a Norse (Germanic) God: One of the Aesir "The Shining Ones" - the principal race of Gods. Son of Odin (the All-Father) and Frigg (Goddess of Love & Beauty, Foremost among the Goddesses).

Baldr means "The Bright One"
He is the God of Beauty, Joy & Innocence
His gifts to us are: beauty, gentleness, guidance, happiness, harmony, inner-light, reconciliation, reincarnation and wisdom

He was the most loved by all the other Gods, but one. Through deceit he was killed, but through love he was re-born.

His Greek counterpart is Adonis and his Roman counterpart is Atunis.

After quite a bit of research I felt that this name was the most fitting. He is a big horse and needed a big name with a story to fit his resurrected life from betrayal at not being loved & cared for to one that will be filled with all the love and care he could ever need or want.

My first "alone" time with Baldr I put a chair in his stall and sat down. I had to pick my feet up for fear of them getting stepped on by those enormous hooves! He sniffed me a bit then turned to look out of the stall but he very slowly side stepped closer and closer until he was almost on top of me. I wasn’t sure if he was going to sit on me or squash me into the wall! I began petting his belly and legs, if I stopped he stepped closer. Ok, I got the hint.

Then all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with an intense feeling that had me in tears, almost to the point of sobbing. I felt foolish, wondering why I was so upset. But then I realized that they weren’t MY feelings. They were Baldr’s! I analyzed the emotions I was feeling and realized that they were a mix of the release of a great deal of sadness and a joy that is so intense it could only bring tears. I knew then that Baldr was very happy we were together. And I swore to him at that moment that NEVER, as long as I live, would he ever know sorrow or sadness or pain or hunger again.

Then he turned his back on me - at first I wasn’t sure if he was deciding to plant a hoof in the middle of my forehead, poop on me or what! No, he just wanted his butt scratched. I can imagine it would really suck not being able to scratch your butt!! Poor guy!

Baldr is my pure love and joy. He gives me a peace that is indescribable. Epona has given me one of her children and I will honor Her by loving and caring for him as long as he lives.

The Hawkes adoption story
I met John and Vicky Hawkes at Wills ranch when I was first moved to Texas. Although they did not know me, they immediately jumped in and started helping me build my rescue. John and Vicki are two of the most caring and giving people I have ever met. Love their horses. Vicki and Josh went with me one weekend to help me rescue 3 draft horses. Vicki immediately fell in love with Skye (Belgian/Paint Cross) and once back at the ranch John also fell in love with Cynthia Ann (Full Belgian). The Hawkes immediately adopted both babies and took them home to spoil, love and bring back to life. Skye has been a challenge and kicked Vicki very hard her first day in the stomach. She was scared often as babies are. Up to the time they met me they were quarter horse owners. They now will tell you that owning a draft is one of the best things they have ever done. I personally (Debra writing this) them for all they have done for me and my ranch. They have made that difference when so needed with food donations and total emotional and physical support to help me achieve my "passion".

Comments from John:
She was also very under weight and very skittish. Cynthia had never been touched by human hands until Vicky and Debra brought her to Will Ranch. She is now in training with Wendy White and Skye has had 90 days training and is being ridden now. She is sweet and calm now as well. Skye was also very tough the first few times with the Ferrier and in fact kicked Aaron in the hand and he swelled up like a ham. She stands still now and is very quiet for the Ferrier. I don't have any tear jerking stories about them , just that they are really nice horses and we are glad that Debra gave us a chance to be with them. Later

My name is Sonja. My son and I came from Germany, about 13 years ago to Texas. It's been my dream to have a horse and a "Little House on the Praire". You can imagine how hard it was starting out. Working for minimum wage and doing every thing on my own. I've learned a lot.
I bought a horse named Tex. I loved him very much but he did not appreciate the good life he had with me. He was hard headed and did not cooperate with me. He ran off with me twice in the pasture and broke my stirrup but I did not fall off. Next he stepped on my foot and the doctor had to remove my toenail. Then he kicked me in the face, my teeth went into my cheek and knocked me unconcious. I had to go to the emergency room. After weeks of thought I decided not to sell him but gave me back to my friend that I had purchased him from. Tack, trailer and and all. I thought I was done with horses.
I often visit Tex at my friend's farm. One day we were drinking coffee and my friend mentioned horses and Tex. She knew I loved horses and she handed me a Passion Horse business card. She told me to go see the horses. After some thought I agreed and called to make an appointment.
I went to Passion horse and I met Debra. We talked for awhile and I explained my experiences with Tex and she just shook her head. Debra offered to help me and be able to love and ride again. She showed me around and I saw Zoe! A beautiful horse 3 years old PMU rescue. She is a Belgian/QH cross. She had just come home from being trained by Wendy White in Weatherford. Right away we had a good connection with each other but I was still afraid. With words of encouragement and support from the Passion Horse volunteers and taking lessons I began to get my confidence back. Deb, my teacher is very supportive and passionate person full of understanding.
So I bought Zoe!!!! Soon Debra and Jeff delivered Zoe to my farm and we cried together. Zoe found a good home and I got my dream back!! We were fulfilling both Passion Horses' and my dream. Thanks to Deb becauase she is the one who taught me to love and ride again. You will not believe what she does for her horses. I can say only come to Passion Horse Ranch and have your own experience.
Now when I come home from work, the first thing I do is see how Zoe is doing and get ready to work her in the round pen. Even if I am tired Zoe gets me going and just having fun. When the sun comes up we can see her from the kitchen window or sit on our backporch and drink a cup of coffee. We call her and she comes running! What else could you want??? With hard work and belief and trust in myself I did it! I have achieved my dream. If you love horses you will forget the pain.
I am so thankful to Deb and Jeff Naismith and all the volunteers from Passion Horse Ranch. God bless each one of you. It has been an experience that I will never forgot in my life and I think I will take it with me to the other world.
Thanks Sonja

My name is Rebecca and I would like to tell you the heartwarming story of Emily and Dutch. Dutch was a PMU rescue that was actually rescued from another rescue ranch. He was a draft cross, sorrel in color with three white socks and a blaze. He was brought to Passion Horse Ranch along with 4 other horses in desperate shape. After several months went by the horses were rehabilitated and were being adopted out one by one, soon the only horse left was Dutch. Little did he know how his life would soon change forever.
In February of 2008, Emily a young girl full of love for horses, was driving by the Tractor Supply in Mansfield. There in the parking lot she saw horses, BIG horses. She asked if she could go over and pet the horses. That was when she met Deb and heard about the Passion Horse Ranch. She asked her mom if they could sign up to be volunteers to help with the sick horses. Her mom agreed and signed both of them up. Later that month she was contacted by Deb and asked to come to the ranch and volunteer with some chores and helping with the horses. Emily, of course said yes with no hesitation. When she arrived at the ranch she got introduced to all of the horses. There were your big horses, Bentley, your small horses, Dakota, your bling horses, Baxter and everything in between. Emily started by mucking stalls in the back part of the barn. Emily was working hard when all of the sudden she felt a nudge on her shoulder. She turned around and the biggest brown eyes she had ever seen were staring right at her, it was Dutch. She giggled and kept working, when all of the sudden there it was again. She turned around gave him a pat and kept working. She starting on other projects and noticed someone was following her, guess who. Dutch had picked his human, Emily. Emily asked about Dutch's story and found he was the last horse up for adoption out of the group of five rescued the previous year. From that moment on Emily was in love. She worked at the ranch every chance she could to make sure to spend time with Dutch. She bought him cookies and they became true soul mates. Emily asked her mom and dad to adopt Dutch, but her parents told her they did not have the money, but she could see him anytime she wanted. In her heart she truly wanted him for her own. Her mom started working with Dutch, training him for a special day coming up. Little did she know her parents were scheming. They had talked to Deb in March and decided to adopt Dutch for Emily for her birthday in July. What a secret they would have to keep for so long. Several times a week the whole family would come out to volunteer and of course work with Dutch. As the months passed on Emily was getting more scared that one day her Dutchy Boo, as she calls him, would be adopted and she would never see him again.
That special day her mom was training Dutch for, well it came. On July 26, 2008, Emily was presented with her horse mate Dutch for her 12th Birthday. She could not wait, she climbed up on his back and then her parents knew all the hard work was worth this very special day.

On a personal note:
I would like to thank Debra for all her help in making my baby girl's dream come true. I never thought in a million years, I could actually pull it off, and I couldn't have without your help. Thanks, you are truly an angel.

A friend of ours was looking for a horse. That's when everything changed. She called me up and asked me if I knew where Montana St. was. She said there was a horse rescue place there and she was trying to find it. A few hours later she called me again. She said we had to come out there and see this area; that it was exactly what we were looking for. The short story behind all of this is, Passion Horse is the reason why we live where we live, enjoy life like we do and are happier than we have ever been.
After we were settled, our friend called and wanted us to go up and see her horse, Samson. She was boarding him with Deb at Passion Horse. We went up there and fell in love. There were horses EVERYWHERE. Deb had just gotten a group of PMU rescue “babies.” After she explained what PMU was and introduced us to Bentley, Bailey and Dakota she was off to continue her work and we were left to look around, love the horses and hand out treats. It was great. We've been going back several times a week to help out and enjoy what can only be described as relaxing labor.

Deacon drew Lanaya's attention the moment she laid eyes on him. His wild-eyed look intrigued her. Everything was as new to him as it was to me but she was immediately drawn to him. Kindred spirits of those left to their own accord and saved by one caring enough to take them in. Each time we would visit, I would find her at his stall or gazing off at him in the pasture, commenting on his silly rough housing. She had chosen him. Slowly, I began to see what she meant. He was beautiful. The cool aura around him began to soften and his eyes began to warm. Deb had been working with him, building trust, creating security. We began to consider adopting him. Getting a horse was NOT on our “to do” list but suddenly it consumed the lion's share of our conversation. Then one night, he chose her back. It was almost dark and we were getting things finished up. Before we started to clean the stalls in the center barn, the babies would have to be led out to their pasture area. Deb had this down to an art and the babies would follow her in an orderly, single file line from the barn to the pasture gate. We all knew to stand out of the way and let the pied piper lead them through. But on this night, something changed. The front 3 horses led out of the barn and toward the gate but the 4th, Deacon, stopped, turned out of line and walked over to her. He stared at her, maybe two inches from her face, nose to nose. He stayed maybe 10 to 15 seconds, turned and went to the pasture. Everyone just kind of stood there quietly acknowledging the moment and then without much ado, went on about their work. It was only a few days later we formally adopted him. It was meant to be.

Hello my name is Dexter and I am a two year old Belgium Draft/Paint horse cross; and this is my success story.

I came to Deb's Passion horse rescue as a five month old, and it has been my home ever since. But Deb's main mission was to find me a forever home one that would love and care for me for the rest of my life. In order to show me off and try to find that perfect home I got to travel (I love riding in the trailer!) and go to various Tractor Supplies around the area.

It was at the Tractor Supply in Mansfield that I got the first glimpse of my new owners. It was a hot Saturday and I was in the pen with Dakota, and another horse. Several people had come by to look us over but none of those people looked like my forever people, I was nervous and not real anxious to meet them. But then it happened! Amber and her mom stopped by and my interest was caught. I did everything that I could do to make them pick me; I chewed on their shirts and tried to give them kisses. They laughed and petted me; but then to my dismay they drove off. I was not sure what I had done that made them leave.

It was close to the time that we were going to go back to the ranch when this guy showed up. I am not sure what made me stand over by him, maybe he knew Amber and her mom, but I enjoyed having him rub on my neck and back. I was still depressed because Amber had left but I thought maybe I could find a home with this guy.

Deb loaded us all back up and we headed home for the night. It was the next afternoon when my stall doors opened; and guess what? It was Amber! She and her parents had decided that they wanted me to be their horse!