I started volunteering at RVR Horse Rescue with my mom when I was 11. I had always loved all animals, and Mom wanted us to have an opportunity to spend time together while advocating for animals.

I had already met many wonderful horses at RVR before Horace arrived, but I instantly connected with him. I begged my parents to adopt him. He was already sponsored for adoption along with the horse he came into the rescue with. But luckily for me, his adopter knew how much I loved him and allowed me to play with him, groom him and take riding lessons with him. Eventually she decided that I was the right person for Horace and turned him back to RVR so that I could adopt him. I will always be thankful for this.

Horace’s adoption was a big event. Everyone at RVR was really happy for me and Horace. We had a potluck at RVR and 40 people came to see me promise to be Horace’s forever person and sign the adoption contract. (My mom signed officially since I was underage.) Because I have Kazakh heritage, we included some aspects of the culture into the adoption. Kazakhs were traditionally nomadic horsemen, and the horse is still an important part of the culture. The first time a child gets a horse is celebrated. I wore a replica of a national costume.

Horace and I spend most of our time together bareback with no bridle. For fun, we explore trails, play games, and jump over barrels. My riding goal is to be able to do mounted archery, so our training time includes working on guiding Horace only with my legs.

I don’t know if Horace and I will ever compete in shows or archery competitions, but our time together is so important. Horace enjoys our activities as much as I do, and it is important to me that he is as happy as I am.