It all started with a Cletus
We moved to the country in 2019. Each evening, my husband and I would walk a winding road that led past this small, 3-acre property that had horses roaming a wooded pasture. Like most people, I wanted to stop and pet the “pretty horse..” Although this horse was neither pretty nor wanted to be petted. in fact, he looked like his owner had given up on him. His eyes were black and his hooves and mane were tattered. He didn’t want to have anything to do with people. Yet, somehow, I was drawn to him. It was an odd feeling. A feeling that true horse lovers can appreciate and resonate with.
Each night as we passed by, I grew more and more upset at his life. The neglect and the sadness that had turned to anger with humans was so strong in him that it would often bring me to tears – and those who know me, know that I don’t cry.
“I was strangely drawn to him.”
I knew I just had to do something. So I made an excuse to pass by this property often waiting for a chance to meet the owner. And one day I finally did. He was honest. He had been around horses his whole life, but he was done. He had given up. And Cletus – that was the horses name he said – had become a nuisance. Cletus didn’t like people and his people didn’t seem to like him.
I convinced my husband to buy him. And that was my first rescue. Today, Cletus loves people. He is gentle now. He trusts again. And he is my “heart horse” (many of you know what I mean). We will never part.
But going through the very long journey from rescue to rehabilitation to trusting opened my eyes to the amazing therapy a horse can be. My life has not been easy. I have had many difficult trials – the kinds movies are made of. But somehow, Cletus knew. He sensed that my story and his story were similar. And while I brought him back to life where beautiful green eyes sparkle where once black holes existed, Cletus brought me back to life as well.
I have a heart for the Cletuses of the world.
I have a heart for the “Cletuses” of the world. And so it started. I would find a horse, convince my husband to buy him, and then I would give my all to see that sad animal realize the life it truly deserves. One time I even rescued a mare who was pregnant. That foal, which my girls named Laylani, is the namesake of our charity -Layla Rose Ranch.
And now I want to do more. There are so many horses like Cletus out there whose owners have given up. These horses are the product of neglect and even abuse. This is wrong. And I going to do something about it.
If you feel like me, please consider donating to our cause. 100% of your donation goes to the rescue and care of a rescued horse. With the eventual goal of that horse being placed in a loving home – a home it and all horses deserve. And, all of your donations are fully tax deductible.