Hearts and Horses Loses Beloved Therapy Horse Unexpectedly

One of Hearts and Horses beloved therapy horses, Rebel, passed away suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 21. Rebel suffered an intestinal perforation. His passing at CSU Vet Hospital was "peaceful & gentle." This beautiful sorrel & white registered Paint had been an ambassador to Hearts and Horses equine therapy center for people with special needs for the past 5 years.

I had the opportunity to meet Rebel on Friday when I visited the Hearts and Horses Ranch. When we approached Rebel's pen, he came up to say hi. I could tell in my very short visit that he was a kind and gentle soul. I am grateful I had the chance to meet him.

How Did Rebel End Up at Hearts and Horses?

In January 2012, Miranda Lohry, Rebel’s owner and H&H volunteer, was kind enough to allow him to participate in therapy classes, which he seemed to take to right away. He would also be seen out & about in the local area at parades and 4H events, which he equally loved to participate in with Miranda.

What Made Rebel Special?

 

Rebel’s calm yet expressive demeanor made him the perfect therapy horse for all of our programs. His outgoing and loving nature made for a great match with kids in the Changing Leads program. His gentleness and trustworthiness were ideal for the riders in our Riding in the Moment & Hippotherapy programs. His knowledge and experience challenged our advanced riders to learn something new each ride. And his star shined brightest when teaching new riders the ways of horsemanship in our Therapeutic Riding classes.

Jan Pollema, Director of Hearts and Horses, told me, "He died very suddenly today. Its been a very very tough day. We're all heartbroken."

Rebel was nothing short of a therapeutic riding center’s dream horse, and the hole that has been made with his passing is immense. We will miss him terribly and our heart goes out to the Lohry family.