Fast-forward from horse-crazy girl to today (still a horse-crazy girl): I work as an attorney representing law enforcement and Animal Control officers. When Animal Control seizes abused and neglected animals, they go to the Denver Dumb Friends’ League’s Harmony Equine Center.

Since I handle the court end, I had never been to Harmony until I decided to adopt a new horse to keep my Morgan company and to be a new trail horse. I was blown away by Harmony and the dedicated staff who works there – it really brought home to me my own misconceptions about adoption horses – they aren’t animals of last resort because of age, physical condition, or temperament. Instead, they are a group of animals with amazing potential who are just waiting for a great new home and partner.

My Animal Control officers will think I’m a horse hoarder, but I ended up adopting two mares – Callie, my new trail prospect, and Korra, a little mini to keep Callie and my Morgan, Kim, company as a pasture pal. Every morning when I head out to feed, ride or take a lesson, I’m so happy that Harmony and The Right Horse Initiative is doing this work because they made my little herd possible.

What #RightHorse means to me

#RightHorse means changing the mindset that an adopted horse can’t be as willing, full of potential and competitive as a horse purchased from a breeder. I think we have come a long way in encouraging dog and cat adoptions (all mine are adopted), but we aren’t there yet as equestrians and as a nation for horses. I am thrilled to have learned about Harmony and #RightHorse so I can spread the word about this amazing program.