The Difference a Year Can Make

One year ago today, LEARN horse rescue took in an animal that most expected to die. He was mere days away from total starvation and had suffered horrific burns along with lung damage. The case of neglect and abuse was so severe that the horse named Whisper made the news and the local community was outraged. Against all the odds, Whisper not only survived but also began to heal. He and his friend Traveler (also starving and discarded) began the process of learning how to be horses that were loved and cared for, rather than abused and neglected.  

It was this story that got my attention. I began following the story of Whisper and Traveler through the local news. From there I found out more about LEARN and not too long after that started keeping up with the group via Facebook. What I found out was nothing short of amazing. A small and dedicated group of people, spearheaded by Elizabeth Steed, moved heaven, earth and hell to save this horse. These people slept in the barn with him, feeding him around the clock, tending his wounds, administering his medications and virtually carrying him on their backs towards the finish line of health. And it worked.

About a month or so after I began following Whisper’s story, I had a chance encounter with Elizabeth Steed in a local deli. Recognizing her from the Facebook page, I introduced myself and expressed interest in helping out. A few weeks later, that’s what we did. By this point, it was getting close to the end of the school year, i.e., hot, but that’s the thing about animals – they need care no matter the weather. What’s funny is that the heat, humidity, and dirty hard work didn’t bother me. Sure, I was tired. Sure, I’ve sustained a few bumps and bruises, one of which was epic. But the point is that volunteering with LEARN wasn’t work – it was fun. It still IS fun.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to see Whisper turn into the sleek and sassy stud he is. Just Friday night, we were having a minor tug of war over the blanket he was supposed to be wearing. I was holding it and so was he…in his teeth. Nobody was going to let go, but I’m not stupid enough to try to force a now eleven hundred pound animal to yield – another volunteer came to my aid with a simple trick of blowing on his nose and he let go. Eleven hundred pounds. That is almost twice the weight he was upon arriving to LEARN.

Several months ago, I was witness to an extreme starvation up close and personal for the first time. I have touched my fair share of horses and knew this guy was super thin but when I laid my hand on the side of his jaw that should be bulging with muscle and felt nothing but bone and hair, I cried. But again, though the power of giving, he’s just fine. Still working on getting his weight up, but he’ll live out his days in comfort and security, rather than eating pine straw, dirt and wood chips to try to stay alive. Whisper, Traveler and Jude survived because people cared, and instead of caring from a distance, they did something – they gave.

I’m writing about this because my experience with LEARN has been one of giving. Not just me, of course – I’m a very tiny piece of the puzzle – but of everyone involved. They give their time, their strong backs, their knowledge and their loyalty. They give their money, their fuel and their hearts because heaven knows the need never ends. They give because they feel called to do so. They give when giving feels like it will break them. Giving, rather than receiving, is where it’s at. Giving touches the giver more than the receiver can ever know. If I were able to tell my unhappy, angry and hurting teenage self one thing, it would be to give. Give back. Give somewhere, anywhere – it doesn’t matter, even if it’s just a little bit. Giving heals you. Giving makes you feel good. Giving makes you feel proud and that your life has a little more meaning, one small moment at a time. Giving is that light that shines in the dark and keeps the bad of the world at bay. Find the thing that resonates with you, and give. Remember that giving doesn’t necessarily mean money. It can mean so many things. Go find somewhere to give. You’ll know when it’s the right fit, and you’ll know what I mean. I promise.

If you would like to be a part of LEARN, we’d love to have you. It doesn’t matter if you know anything about horses or not – many people there have forgotten way more than I’ve ever known and are happy to work with those who are less experienced. The requirements are to be honest, be hard working and to be willing to give. That’s it. If you would like to be a part of this, please feel free to call Cynthia Deaton, Volunteer Coordinator, at 501/258-6057. Also, LEARN has a very active Facebook page that is updated quite regularly – “like” it to stay up to date on what’s going on.

***While Whisper will remain with LEARN, his lovely friend Traveler is available for adoption. She is a 12 year old off-the-track-Thoroughbred mare, almost solid bay excepting the tiny white star on her forehead. She’s 16.1 hands, has a very affable personality, plenty of sense and is a beautiful mover. A pedigree relative of Bold Ruler, Traveler would be an outstanding hunter prospect with some additional training. Please contact LEARN for more information regarding adoption of Traveler or the other adoptable rescues.***

You can read more backstory with pictures here: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Whisper---One-Year-Later.html?soid=1103981497731&aid=J5gjC2lMtDs