Help horse from kill pen be trained for Handicapped Therapy Program.

There are literally tens of thousands of horses that get sold at auctions every year and sadly not all of the end up finding good homes. After being raised at places unknown, Jack was somehow ended up at an auction, then another, and another until he arrived at a CO kill pen where I first saw him. This place is known to be the last stop before crossing the boarder into Mexico to be slaughtered and the lot owner allows a group of kindhearted volunteers have go take pictures and try to find the horses homes.

From that place, Jack loaded on a trailer and stayed on a private farm to rest, be evaluated, and live in quarantine while awaiting vet exams to be certain he was free of any injury or disease before his long journey to New England area. Jack was very fearful, thin, and and obviously relieved to be unloaded from that very long trailer ride. The whole multiple auction pipeline, as well as whatever treatment he had before being sold in the first place gave Jack many memories leaving him in a state of Post Tramatic Stres. His whole world was all turned around,. Jack was so far away from all he known, and just had a 5 day journey cross country in a snowstorm that seemed to travel all the way from CO to MA with him. So we renamed him "Jackson Frost". for the storm, and his heart that was frozen in fear and confusion. We waited knowing that time was what he needed, more than training to learn to trust people again. Meanwhile we introduced little things, like how to be caught, haltered, and how to accept a treat fed by hand. It took 3 months before we could simply walk up and pat him.

Then we started breaking thru that frozen heart, and it has been wonderful to see him change and truly transform from where he was, to the happy, curious, friendly gelding he is today. Jack will allow himself to be caught, haltered, lead, lunged, grooming, and being worked around. He is accepting of water, mud, tarps,automobiles, traffic, loud noises. He is interacting with people in a stall with him, and loves playing with his horse friend, and will meet visitors at the fence now instead of running away.

Jack has learned to accept voice commands and is now starting saddle training. Jack will also need to allow side walkers, as well as a leader when carrying a rider. He will need to learn to be calm when mounted from the ground, mounting block, or when approached by somebody in crutches or wheelchair, Most riders in Equine Assisted Therapy only require the horse to walk, yet other riders are advanced and need a horse to trot,canter, or calmly walk a wooded trail. Everything we expose Jack to he learns quickly. He has come so far from the horse I saved from that kill pen in Colorado. Yet there is more work to do, and I'm no longer able to fund everything myself.

Up until now I have funded all of Jack's expenses myself, and have donated my time for training as well. However due to some unfortunate changes in my personal financing and housing situation I need some help to complete his training to be suitable for either a Veterans Therapy or Equine Assisted Therapy Program horse. I've contacted several locations and unfortunately they do not have the time or the funding to accept Jack into their programs until he is fully trained. I have the skills and the time to help him along, but I simply cannot afford all the expenses alone anymore. I need help from you, and others like you to make this happen!

Jack is only 6 years old, he could easily be used in a program for at least 20 years. By helping me complete this horse's training, this horse will be able to help several hundred people overcome their physical and emotional limitations thru an accredited and certified non-profit program here in New England. I need help paying to house and feed Jack for the next 3 months to complete his training. I also need some help paying for his vaccinations, hoof and dental care. I will continue to donate my time and skills as a trainer, and would gladly update anybody who wishes with pictures, of Jacks progress and invite to the celebration party when Jack graduates training and begins his new life as a Therapy Horse!

Please help me, help Jack the horse I saved from a kill pen. The horse everyone thought was worthless and sent thru auctions to be sold for meat for dog food. This horse can change peoples lives, and thru this incredible journey, he can bring awareness to the great circle of life. We all can help and support each other in life, and in service to others.

This specific campaign will be to pay for boarding fees for one month, and getting spring vaccinations.