Leo was the worst case of abuse on our county. He was found in a junkyard with five dead horses. The day he arrived at the rescue, the vet looked at him and said he probably wouldn’t make it through the day. But Leo defied the odds and kept fighting.

My trainer decided to foster him until he was adopted. At the time, I was just a beginner taking lessons with my trainer on a spicy white pony. After my lesson one day, I ran up to the fence to meet the new horse, and he came right up to me and licked my boots.

Leo and I have been like peanut butter and jelly ever since. That Christmas, I was surprised to find Leo in the barn isle with a big red bow around his neck. Leo chose to leave his past behind him and commit himself to the goals we made together.

For the past seven years, he has heard all my secrets, caught my tears, and has given me his all in everything I’ve asked of him. He’s never said no to a challenge. I am so thankful for Leo’s forgiving heart and his patience with me. He’s taught me everything I know as far as riding goes, and how to be a better human. Leo will always be my heart horse.