Back on Track ‘Horse Therapy’: Jodan & Gus

“Gus wasn’t the horse I wanted, but he turned out to be the one I needed.”

The second my first horse stepped off the trailer I knew I had made a big mistake.

I had heard not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but you wouldn’t have to with Gus: one glance at him and you would know he was every inch of his twenty years. His back ways swayed, his muzzle was gray and the look in his eyes read “I gave up retirement for this?” Not exactly the prancing show horse I was dreaming of!

Even though Gus wasn’t the horse I had wanted, he turned out to be the one I needed. His attitude towards everything was “Bring. It. On.” From competing against fancy hunters to riding in the egg and spoon race, Gus was a rock I could depend on. I went to him with all my problems, from braces to my dad losing his job, and his mane was always there to catch my tears.

Gus was retired this year after much thought and, yes, some tears. His days are now filled with sunny pastures, kisses and walks to combat his arthritis.

Without Gus I would not be the horse women and person I am today and even though we never won a blue ribbon he gave me some much more valuable.

Here at Horse Nation, we believe that the best therapists are our own horses. We love sharing the stories of special equines and the lessons horses have taught us — email yours to [email protected] to be featured in an upcoming edition of Back on Track “Horse Therapy.” Go Back on Track, and Go Riding!