IN THEIR WORDS
Here, you will find stories submitted to us by people who have adopted or visited the rescue. The stories are in their own
words and have not been edited.
SPARKY.......
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The first time I went to Double B Equine, seeing all the horses I was in heaven. Ever since I was 5 I had dreamed of having my own horse. All I could think of is, if I had over 100 Acres of land I'd adopt all of them. The first one I layed eyes on was Shrek. Loved how he pricked his ears up when Lenny brought him over, his ears made him look so cute and he was a perfect size for me. I fell in love with him. But, Brenda mentioned Sparky and told me all about him, but my mind was set. Brenda tried and tried to get me interested in one of the other horses, but as stubborn as I am, I wouldn't turn to any of the others. The day came to go get Shrek. Leading Shrek was awesome and we made it almost all the way to the trailer. Well, of course it had rained a few days before and some spots were muddy. Shrek wanted no part of the trailer or leaving Double B and turned fast and hard on me and caught me off guard. I gained control over him and tried again. Well needless to say I was going to say hi to a mud puddle the way he pulled me. My husband and Lenny got ahold of him and while I was indoors signing papers tried to get him in the trailer. Poor Lenny was run over by Shrek who so desperatly wanted to get back in the field with the other horses, but thankfully wasn't hurt to bad. I would say bruised. I was aggravated at that time, where as I have wanted my own horse since I was 5, looked at my husband and said let's grab Sparky and go. I had not introduced myself to Sparky where he had just come back to the shelter a few days before, but I knew I was not going to leave Double B until I had a horse! Im spoiled in some ways and I know it. At first Sparky didn't want to get into the trailer and it took awhile to coach him in. I was a little scared of him not knowing how he would be. He bangoed a little in the trailer on the way home, until we figured out why. We had a flat on the trailer. We had to pull over in a spot to inspect it to see how bad it was, and of course was in a place we shouldnt have pulled off on. I had crawled in the trailer to see if he was alright. This was our very first face to face interaction. Now knowing how he would be, I stayed a little ways away from him. My mother-in-law told me to stay in the trailer where we had to get across the intersection to a safer place while we waited for help. As I crouched down, I felt a puff of air on top of my head. I looked up to see Sparky looking down at me. I reached up and patted him and he nuzzled my hand. Right there and then I knew we would be alright. When we got him home I had no idea what he would be like with my husband's horse and my son's pony. The first few days were acting like referee's keeping them from beating each other. Finally the 4th day came and they were acting like they had been buddies forever which was a relief. I still hadn't gotten on him to ride him where it has been 14 yrs since I had ridden. The first time I got on him was an actual funny experience. He has a fast walk/trot and I wasnt ready for it, but he thought I was! After about 45 minutes of both of us fighting against each other (him wanting to trot with me on him and me trying to western rein him) I walked him back to the barn and that is where we both bonded more. I had untacked him and as I wass untacking him and went to walk by him, he ever so lovingly stretched his neck out and nuzzled me near my face. I would have to say I should have listened to Brenda the first time she mentioned him. He is my happy maker, always trying to please. As of right now I cannot ride him due to an injury, but I have finally been able to hobble out to the barn. And to my delight he had missed me. When I opened the barn door (his stall is the first one in) and said Spark's he instantly greated me with a wet kiss and his significant snort and instantly rubbed me all over with his head. According to my husband he missed me because he would mope....But also I would spend my mornings before the injury of going out, haying them and then me and Sparky would have our own time where i would brush him and talk to him. I have to say, he loves camera's as well and loves to pose for them or even try to lick the camera. I want to say Thank-you to both Lenny and Brenda for him. Without him, I wouldn't be in high spirits where I know I have someone waiting for me to come see them and spend the time with him, play, brush and just have laughs at him where I swear he loves to do!!! THANK YOU for making my dream finally come true after 25 years of waiting.
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In My Words- Miller
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Sat, Apr 30, 2011 at 6:49 PM
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Miller
I still will never forget the day Troy ( a co-worker) came to me and said that he was buying a new home that had several stalls and wanted to know if I would be interested in boarding with him. I had told him that although I had always wanted a horse that right now it was not a possibility. Then Troy stated that it was and brought up the Double B website. Troy went on to tell me about his experience with Brenda and Lenny and all the horses that were looking to be adopted to “forever homes”. Until this point I hadn't even known there there were such places in Maine. That day was life changing!
I went home and spent some time looking at the horses and knew that Troy was adopting Brea. I looked and thought hard and noticed Calico. Although he is older I still thought that perhaps we would click. It still took a couple of days to really think about this. But I eventually emailed and got more information on Cal. And I made an appointment to go and see him. THEN my daughter found out and she was ADAMENT that she was going with me. We went …...and fell in love. We attending a great clinic held by Missy and Ron and learned SO much information and signed his adoption papers. As Missy had known Calico....I voiced my concerns. What a great help Missy was......forever answering all of my many emails. I had bought a saddle online and it DID NOT work -Missy even offered to drive to Newport (Katahdin Saddlery) and help me pick one that was right fit for both Calico and I.
But then I received a phone call...Calico had eaten some green hay that had made him Colic. I called Brenda to make sure that he was OK.....and she assured me that Lenny had been up all night with him and that he was fine. I admitted to Brenda my reservations regarding how much I thought that both my daughter and I might want to ride and perhaps Calico would not be a good match. Brenda understood completely and went on to state that they had just gotten in another horse and she thought he would be a good match. The next day was the colt breaking of “Buddy” in which I wanted to watch Ron in action once again. I told Brenda I would be stopping in because I still wanted to see how Cal was doing and I would look at the new horse.
It was cold and rainy as I pulled into Double B. I spent quite a few moments with Calico and then Brenda asked Lenny to show me Miller. He was so wet and gave me this look that stole my heart. I could not believe how gentle this horse was!! When I went inside and spoke with Brenda someone had already been in to see him and was going to call her back. Sunday I called.....the gentleman had not called back yet and I asked for first refusal. Two days later Brenda called me back and asked if I was still interested....YES!!! When I left work I headed straight to Double B and signed the paperwork. Miller was adopted! I was informed that although he hadn't been ridden by anyone at Double B ( due to all the rain and snow and then ice) but that he had stood quietly will being saddled and bridled. I figured “come what may” I was willing to work anything out and knew that if I had any problems Ron, Ruthie and Missy would be there to help.
Five days later Miller was transported. He was truly mine. 40 years old and finally have my first horse! But then I made the decision to move Miller to another barn....so he was moved again. Poor baby had been moved 3 times inside of 3 weeks. Given the fact that he had been moved SO much I wanted him to have a chance to settle in and spend some good bonding time together ( and find a trainer...for ME!)
I will never forget the day I had my trainer try Miller for me. I was nervous ….for Christie and myself and Miller. I was not sure of anything except he did stand very quietly to be saddled and bridled. Christie took him into the indoor arena and mounted him. As she rode around and tried various things ...her smile grew bigger and bigger! “ He is amazing” Christie said. But he didn't like the bit that had come with his bridle so I didn't dare ride. He threw his head up and down and danced. This boy was NOT happy. The next time we changed his bit and I got to ride.
POOR Brenda.......I called her right after I left the barn. I spoke so fast I am not sure she even understood me. I was so excited! And she so excited for me.
It has been a couple of weeks since our first ride and we have bonded SO much. I love hearing his nickers as he sees me walk up to him. He has put some weight on and started shedding his winter coat...who would have known underneath all that dark winter hair is going to be a beautiful red chestnut horse? I am looking forward to joining some of the trail rides that Mark does. Acadia here we come!!!
Many Many Thanks to Double B!!
Melissa Long
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Jess with Frosty, Misty and Dreamer
Jess's Story
• My host Family
Being an exchange student ...
That's a wonderful experience for life. At first, I was really excited and a little scared at the same time. Excited because I have been waiting for this moment for such a long time. I was thrilled when my mom told me that I could go to the US !! And scared because you know, going in a foreign country for a long time, where people are speaking a language that you don't speak very well and in a family you have never met ... Try to imagine =)
So I was in the plane, asking myself so many questions such as "What am I doing ?", "Why am I doing this ?" and the most important one "What if my host family doesn't like me ?". So I landed in Portland, after more than 9 hours of flying. That's where I met Carla WRIGHT, my host mom. She imediatly made me fell good, we started to talk while waiting for my luggage. She drove out of the airport and I just fell in love with MAine ! It was just so different, so beautiful ... All this snow and the stars ! (I cannot see them very well and not that much because of the pollution ...). We arrived at home and I met Thomas, my host dad, Siri the dog, Oakley, Willow, Oreo Cookie and Domino, the cats. The goats, Jack and Sawyer, were in their house because it was late.
Since then started this amazing experience. With my host parents, we had so much fun and they made me discover Maine's culture as well as the American one. On my first day in the US, we went to Rangeley to watch the snowmobile parade and he fireworks on the lake. I have never seen that much snowmobiles ! It was crazy ! And I was also impressed that people were driving ON the lake ! I remember on the way home that Thomas stopped on the side of the road and we came out of the car and just started to look at all the stars ... it was so quiet, so peaceful ... It felt like a dream.
Another day, it was so beautiful and we went snowshoeing (1st time for me) in Small Falls and on the afternoon we went to the movie theater in Farmington and I discovered a new american thing which is salted popcorn with butter on it. At first, I though I wouldn't like it but I tried (because for me, you cannot just say "I don't like this food" if you haven't tried, you have to try everything and if you like it, you like it, and if you don't, well at least you know how it tastes) and I actually LOVED the popcorns !
My host parents also knew that I love skiing so they took me to Titcomb Mountain. It was open until late, something like 10 or 11 pm and it was really cool to be able to ski when it was dark ! We also went to Maine Maple Syrup Sunday (maple syrup is one of my weakness)
Another day, we went to Freeport and LL Bean store and we walked from stores to stores (Lindt, When pigs will fly, ...). It was on the way to Porltand where we went to Portland Pirate's game. It was the first time I went to a hockey game and it was sooooo much fun !! With my host dad we also went to a Seadogs' game and it also was the first baseball game I watched ; and a Maine Red claws Basketball game ! I have to tell you, I love basketball ! GO CELTICS ! Carla found out there was an open gym in Phillips where I could play basketball on Saturday evenings and on Mondays, it was volleyball.
During Spring Break, with Carla, we went to Boston and it was just A W E S O M E !!! and Bailey Island/Land's End which was so great too !! and Newport, RI, which was amazing as well ! And for Memorial Day Weekend, we went Carla, my 2 bff and I to OLD ORCHARD BEACH !! It was ... I cannot describe ... magic ! And finally, when it was sunny and hot, we were on the boat on Rangeley Lake, waterskiing or tubing =)
• My High School
GO ROADRUNNERS !! I visited the high school for the first time on 1-23-2010 and it was really nice from Mr Ellis to let us come in because it was on a Saturday. You know, MTA is a huge circle, with the gym in the middle and so at first I was just ... lost because everything just looked the same to me lol One of my favourite part was the gym. Typically american with the american flag in the middle and blitchers, ... etc Loved it !
The other thing I loved about the school was the schedule. We went to the guidance office and Mr Ellis told me that we were going to make my schedule. He explained me everything about the blue/gold day calendar with the periods and Mountain time ... and then he told me to look at the paper in order to choose my classes. Choose my classes ? WHAT ?? I have to tell you, I was really surprised because in Francewe don't choose our scheduel. Depending onwhat section you are in (3 main ones are Scientific, Literary, Economic), you schedule is made at the beginning of the year and given to you on your 1st day of school. I wish I could explain everything but it would take way too much time lol
So my first day of school was pretty ... interesting lol since it was a snowday (first time for me because we don't get enough snow to cancel school, except this year ^^). Tuesday, 1st day of "real" school. I had to take my Macbook and I was sooooo excited ! We have notebooks and books in France, no laptops which also means that we have to write everything lol It was just awesome to have one ! I loved it ! (and I didn't wanna give it back at the end of the year lol).
So MTA is kind of a small school (250-300 people at MTA ; 2500 in mine in France) but I think that was just perfect. It is so friendly, everybody know eachother which means as soon as I walked in the hall, people looked at me and asked me a lot of questions (which was kinda scary lol).
So my schedule was on Blue days : Band [I play the flute and I think it was a awesole class, the teacher also told me to play in the UMF orchestra], then English not one of my favourite but that's the same thing in France with my French class], Algebra 2 [I joined the Math Team and it was a great experience] and then Spanish [which was also interesting since I take German in France]. On Gold days : Health [one of my favourite class ! So interesting and funny], Pers. Fitness, Biology, and then US History [interesting].
Also, during Spring, I joined the track team. I did the 100m Hurdles and tried the discus. I was qualified for the State meet in hurdles and even if I was in the last ones, I was pround to be part of the Roadrunners.
I tried Lacrosse too and I just LOVED it ! We don't have this sport in France ... or maybe only 3 "teams" but nobody knows that sport
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I'm sorry it's kinda long but I tried to sum up everything as much as I could. Also I'm not done yet, I have to add the rescue and what I'm doing in France and I'll be done. (Just tell me if that's too much lol)
Also, did you get the grant from Bangor Savings ? I hope so =)
Miss you all,
Jess
Dalton and Calico
Dalton's Story
My name is Dalton Reed, I’m 14 years old. Like most little kids I wanted a horse my whole life but I never took it serious enough to pursue it. Now that I’ve done some research and calculate how I can feed and provide a shelter for the horse I can’t stop. I was introduced to horses when my Boy Scout Team went to a horse boarding facility when I was little. The reason why I wanted a horse so much is because I just love the way then run, walk and trot, another reason why I’ve always wanted a horse is because I was always the black sheep, no mater wear I went I would always get picked on, and I’ve never had that many friends and I knew if I got a horse I could have a friend. Once I turned 14 I got over $300 for my birthday and then the horse thought came back, soon after I decided I wanted to have my own and I wasn’t going to give up this time. I started calculating and e-mailed some people who owned a horse boarding facility and I found out I definitely couldn’t pay for a horse with only $300, so my parents said look into adoptions, at first I didn’t know what this meant so I typed in “ Horse Adoption In Maine” and I probably looked through fifty other websites before I found Double B Equine Horse Rescue. When I realized this was a farm to help horse get away from their abusers and help get them healthier my hart just went out to Double B. I think if I was ever to get a horse it would be from Double B mainly because there here to help! And it’s amazing what they do for these animals, I’m very kind and sensitive when it comes to animals and I know if I was to get a horse from Double B it would have the best home ever and would never have to worry about me hurting them. Before I ever road a horse I thought I could do so many things like race, or show jumping. If I was to get a horse from Double B I think I would let the horse rest for a few months and let him get used to the place, and then get their cost nice and maybe put him in a showing at the Union Fair or any kind of small fair. Both my parents think I should be saving for collage instead of a horse but I already told them I can’t just give up wanting a horse, and I want to prove them wrong. I’ve spent over $300 on my horse supplies, I’ve bought my Saddle, Lead rope, Ace bandages, Brushes, Buckets, bridals and my saddle pad. Just last week 1-8-11 I was riding Ryan one of the horses their and he rides so smoothly and he’s extremely gentle at first I thought he would be the best horse for a kid, but as I was thinking this he bucked me off and I landed on ice, but I’m not giving up on him just because he gave me a little bruise. I’m willing to get on him every time I’m their even if he bucks me off. I think if you want a horse you need to expect things like, you can’t just have one it’s a big responsibility and you need to be hard on them but nice to. I feel that I’m ready to have a horse I’m just waiting until I have a job. I want to let every one know if your going to adopt a horse then Double B is the place because in some ways they treat you like family and thats whats making me come back. If I wasn’t for Lenny and Brenda then all these horse wouldn’t be safe and loved, but because of Lenny and Brenda the horse are. I want to say thank you Lenny and Brenda because if you didn’t do what you do then these horses would not have a place to call home.
-Dalton Reed.
Ron and Chaos.
Faith's Story.
I met chaos in may of 2009 it was the first date my husband and I had been on since our daughter was born over t2 years earlier. Yes he agreed to go to double b for our date , to this day double b and their mission is still a part of me. My daughter and I are frequent volunteers. for me seeing chaos it was love at first sight although he clearly didn’t feel the same way. Chaos was king and didn’t want to give his time or space to anyone even with treats it was grab (sometimes) and go right after. Already having my hands full with my family work and various critters, not having a barn big enough I let the idea of him being mine go.
On a trip to double b I learned of his adoption. Happy and sad along with heartbroken all at once, I was really devastated. Hoping that it would work for him but at the same time not. lucky for me he came back a couple months later, his time away didn’t change him. My mother told me after my first love (horse) passed away that when I found the “one” I would know, well I found him. I knew I met him because he was meant to be mine.
In June 2010 at double b’s open house I got to see firsthand the magic of Ron Johnson (trainer affiliated with double b) work with chaos. After this I wanted him even more, chaos wanted to please just didn’t know how. There was a mother and a daughter looking and asking questions about him they wanted him to. How could he go again he heart was breaking all over. With my periodic begging it hadn’t changed my husband’s (nick) mind, but I figured I would give it a shot begging him over voicemail. I wanted chaos home. I left there torn, heart broke and depressed knowing that he’d be gone. Brenda (my angel that day) told me not to worry about it go home talk it over and she would give me a few days to contact her. I finally got reception in Anson and listened to my waiting messages. Nick had called chaos could finally be mine!!, but this had to be it for the horses he made our forth. Nick made me the happiest woman that day I cried with happiness. Chaos was finally going to come home although a lot of work still had to be done. With the help of friends we put up a small barn, pasture and fence.
Chaos went and lived with Ron Johnson (trainer affiliated with Double B) it was important to me to have him broke but not his spirit. Chaos is around 5 lived at the rescue since 9 months and had never been trained even at his former home. chaos still kicks and bucks at times with the saddle on but that’s him he has made great strides since I adopted him. Ron worked a miracle and did a good job with him. Chaos now lets me give him hugs and kisses after much work and he is still boss most of the time. I have only had a problem with him once being mean besides that he is still him but a lot milder who wants attention at times.
The first week of august he FINALLY came to his forever HOME!! I still cant believe that he is mine. I would like to train him in jumping but time will tell for now I will just enjoy leadline walks and talks, someday my daughter will ride him. I am completely happy I have my family and my “other”babies. I know its easy to say this is their forever home but too often you hear it and they come bak. There like your child they depend on you take care of them and all your animals and they will take care of you. You can build a bond and have love and respect with anything if your willing to work at it. Chaos and I will have this relationship it just might take sometime. Chaos will be with my family and me till the end he will know another home. he was lucky enough to find a “forever” home and I was lucky enough to find him. I wish the same for all animals and pray that someday people will understand that animals are not disposable and hope that the ones that have treated any animal poorly comes back and haunts them.
I thank double b for rescuing him (and all the animals) on that day a long time ago to my husband and daughter I love you more than life and to everyone who made this possible for chaos to come HOME. thank you
All our love Tayler Faith Nick
Angelina and Chancey
Angelina's Story
It was a little while after my dad died when i first started going to the rescue center. I had always liked horses and thought they were pretty but, I started to like them more and more. Eventually it got to a point when I was begging my mom for horse riding lessons which we didn’t get to do that often, I was still happy though. Then I decided to look online for horse rescue centers in Maine, thats when I found Double B. Going to the rescue center was really fun and if I went there after a bad week at school I could just let go of everything and just think about the horses. There was something reassuring about them and I would always be happy when I went home even though my mom sometimes had to drag me away. lol. The horses were always my thing, I am one of the only people in my family that likes them more than just: oh they’re pretty, or oh my gosh they are so soft. Brenda and Len will always let me in there house when I want to come in, and they are always so friendly. When ever I leave they always thank me and it makes me feel special that I’m appreciated so much.
I can’t have a horse at my house because we don’t have the room and we can’t afford it. I love horses more than anything in the world, so to be able to go to the rescue center means so much to me. I get excited every time there is a new horse at the rescue center, and I always wonder, is this going to be the horse that my mom will let me get? I know it probably won’t happen but it is good to dream. I know this sounds a little corny but every night I wish on the first star I see, I say, “Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, wish I may, wish I might, have the wish, I wish tonight”. The only thing I ever wish for is a horse.
When I first started going to the rescue center there was a horse there that was a standardbred, had rain rot all over him and he was skinny. This horse’s name was Lewie. Lewie got adopted after I had been going to the rescue center for about 6 months and when he left I was heart broken. With Lewie I realized my first connection I ever had with a horse, it was the best one ever too. Lewie was amazing and he is with a great owner now. I have visited him a few times since he got adopted but I know, that bay gelding was the best thing that ever happened to me. Since then I have had another connection with another standardbred that I will always call Hollywood, but her name is Paris now. I worked with her all last summer. She got adopted before I went back to school for my 8th grade year. Now there is Nikki and I really want to start working with her but who knows what will happen this year. So the thing is, if I never found Double B on their amazing website, all these amazing things would have never happened to me and I wouldn’t be the horse person I am today.
From,
Angelina Couturier
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IN MY WORDS
