Grace Equine Rescue and Therapy for Humans, Inc.         

G.E.R.T.H. began with a family who has the love of children and horses, real big hearts, a really big dream, but most importantly - God!  After purchasing two horses for riding, we came across the path of two more horses who were in an abusive and neglectful situation.  We did what we had to to purchase those horses and provide them with a home with unconditional love, patience and lots of understanding.  Although the horses lived in fear of people, it was with much prayer, love and patience that they began to reciprocate love and trust. See pics and stories below~ 

MIDNIGHT was our first rescue horse; he is an 8 year old polish arabian gelding. When Lexi first saw him, she knew she wanted to take him home and get him out of the situation in which he was living.  Regardless of whether he could be ridden, or was even trained, she wanted to take care of him. It is, no doubt, the awesome heart God has given her that made her just want to take him home and take care of him when she first saw him.  His mouth was so messed up from pseudo-cowboys trying (and succeeding) at forcing the bit into his mouth, that he could not eat properly and it would take forever for him to finish his food, with a lot of the food falling out of his mouth.  He had never had his teeth floated nor did he have his wolfe teeth extracted.  That was another story in itself.  Every time anyone would come near him and put a lead rope on his halter, he would rear up because of his fear of what was going to happen next. Due to all the patience Lexi had with Midnight, she was actually able to get a bit back into his mouth.  He doesn't like the bit, but he will allow it only for Lexi.  Most of the time she just rides with the bosal or halter and reins - that way there is no bit hitting against his teeth.  She has since taken Midnight to a show where they placed 5th out of 18 horses.  We were all amazed and excited!  Lexi has decided she would like to use Midnight to run an endurance race. Physically, he is definitely ready for it.  We will see how well his training goes to see if mentally he is ready to train. USEF actually had a rescue horse win 'Horse of the Year' this year! His name is Jamaica; go to www.usef.org.  What an amazing story! It's amazing what the right people can do with lots of love!

(before)

(after)

KINJI is our second rescue horse.  He is a 14 year old polish arabian gelding. He endured much more physical and mental abuse than the others; therefore, the journey to his healing is taking much longer. He loves our whole family and has built a trust with all of us.  When visitors come out, he is very apprehensive, but with a little coaxing and some carrots, he will usually come around. You will see some really beautiful pictures of him in the 'gallery'.  He will always have a safe home with us.

When we first met Kinji (we named him that because we knew he would be 'King'), he stood in the corner of a small outside "stall" with the hot sun beating down on him day after day.  When he ate, he would put his head to the side so he could keep watch of anyone or anything that might come near him.  He had whip marks all over his chest and terrible fear in his beautiful big brown eyes.

When we first saw him, he broke our hearts.  He was so fearful and sad.  We asked if we could try to touch him and were told it was ok - at our own risk.  After very carefully getting the leadrope on him, I took him walking around the big pasture.  Day after day we came to visit him, walking him in the pasture and talking to him.  We also continued praying over him and talking to God about what a magnificent animal he was.  One day I went by to see him and one of the 'pseudo-cowboys' who took care of the horses, hit one of the other animals out there with a glass beer bottle.  We knew we immediately had to get Kinji out of where he was.  The only problem was that he wasn’t free. We did have to pay to get him out of where he was living. We didn't have the money, but we did get it scraped together. Fortunately, Kinji had built a trust with us, so it wasn't too difficult to move him. 

We continue to work with him to keep the trust and unconditional love building.  I have been able to get up on him to ride both with a saddle and bareback, but only under supervision.  As expected, Kinji is ‘king of the pasture’ and so incredibly beautiful when he is watching over his herd.  When startled, he stands totally erect with his beautiful arabian head held high, tail high and he sounds an alarming snort as a warning.  The journey to complete healing will be a longer one with Kinji - but we have the time and patience and most of all, the unconditional love. 

(befores)

(afters)

As you can see, Kinji is part of our family and loved by everyone!

 Isn't love amazing?

MORE PICS IN THE 'GALLERY'!