"I would wonder if it was fate that lead Raven and I together. When I
heard her story I knew that we had to meet to see if we were a match. After placing a written application for Raven I
had a telephone interview with Margory, I was on the short list and organised to travel up to Aratula the next
day. I was excited and nervous, could this be the horse for me?
As we drove north I thought back to my recent visit with my specialist who had
looked at me in disbelief when my husband stated "Gill wants to go back to horse riding, what do you think?". My doctor
slowly expelled a deep breath after considering the question. I was dreading his answer. "As long as you don't have any accidents,
it could be good therapy for your joints and muscles, but don't you dare fall off".
Our van pulled up and my heart nearly stopped when I first saw Raven, she was
a long way into recovery and rehabilitation but she had a cloud of sadness about her. Margory watched me closely and
approved of my gentle knowing touch with this sensitive mare. Once I mounted her and gently urged her forward her persona
lifted. Raven wanted to be under the saddle again she moved forward with a regal determination. It was obvious
to me that somewhere in her past that she was loved and cared for, she was compliant and gentle with me and I was gentle with
her. Raven listened to me and I listened to her, we had a match.
At the time of writing this Raven and I have been together for 4 months.
We are tightly knit and have consistency in attitude and respect for eachother. When she arrived home on the truck she
looked bewildered as the loading ramp came down. I spoke to her softly and she pricked her ears forward as if to say
"I remember you, thank goodness I know somebody here".
Raven has developed a sense of mischief and has a twinkle in her eye.
I told her as I groomed her for the first time "you only have to be a kind girl and you will never know hunger or hardship
again". We struck a deal and Raven has blossomed into a beautiful, kind, willing and dependable friend and mount to
me. Raven has learnt to trust my judgement and will take me anywhere I ask. Raven keeps me safe whether we
are out with other horses and she is equally happy for us to go it alone.
I can't thank Margory and Andrew enough for entrusting Rav into my care.
She is a special horse and fulfils my special needs, she is my physio therapy and I have improved in mobility which is directly
attributed to riding. When I am on Rav I am 21 again. I am more comfortable sitting in the saddle
than sitting on a chair. Because of Ravs placid and gentle naturem I have been able to enjoy a canter. She has
a lovely lope and an easy jog, how good I feel about myself because of the muscles I am able to develope through riding.
Ravs night yard is close to my bedroom window and some days when I wake and am not feeling good she will whinny to prompt
me out of bed. My commitment to Rav makes me get mobile and once I feel her soft muzzle on my cheek I forget my problems.
I love my dogs and I love my horse. I have an attitude that you cannot
own an animal but if you are kind and consistent they will allow you have a relationship with them. Touch your
animals as if your heart is in your hand.
To Margory and Andrew, thank you for the wonderful commitment you have to the
broken spirited horses. Thank you for the care, respect and dignity you give them thus allowing them to re-engage with
life. Most of all, thank you for saving Raven, it was criminal that she was in the "dogger" pens, most of all.
THANK YOU FOR LETTING US CHANGE EACH OTHERS LIVES!
