Cloughd 9 Ranch and Rescue

❤️❤️Ransom❤️❤️

The tough thing about horses is, although they are a pet, they are also like a vehicle. Where most people would never dream of trading in their dog, horses get passed around a lot as needs change, disciplines change, and kids outgrow their beloved friend. 

We got Travis his first horse when he was eight years old. She was a spicy mare and was way too young and inexperienced for him. She proved to be quite a little handful lol. So we bought him Ransom, an older gelding who was a sure thing! Ransom gave our kids the confidence to ride, and we put every beginner we came across on him. He was used for everything….lessons, trail rides, playdays….and as long as you didn’t ask him to participate in a parade, he would do absolutely anything you wanted!😊

But he was a fairly little guy, and Travis eventually outgrew him. After five years, we sold him to a little girl, and he has been adored by her ever since. But his new family’s needs have now changed and they are parting with him.

When I was contacted this weekend and was asked to buy him back, it was a very quick and easy “yes”. He is one of those horses that is worth his weight in gold. He has given everything he has. He deserves a soft landing and to be spoiled in his retirement. I feel 100% obligated to give him that and we will be picking him up on Saturday. 

I’m so excited to get him and spend whatever time he has left with him. And who knows…..at 24 years old he may still have it in him to teach a grandbaby or two to ride!❤️

Spring grass is here! I think the ponies had a good day yesterday😊

Every horse matters.
Every horse owner matters.

Not just the winning ones.
Not just the shiny ones.
Not just the ones people notice on social media.

The nervous horse matters.
The quirky horse matters.
The retired, the rehabbing, the field ornament, the forever-sound-but-never-quite-right one .....they all matter.

And so do the humans.

The owner who rides every day.
The owner who hasn’t ridden in months.
The owner who stands at the gate with a cup of tea just watching.
The one who wanted to do more this year.
The one who had to do less than they planned.

The owner who feels guilty.
The owner who feels judged.
The owner who wonders if they’re “doing enough”.
The owner who is quietly doing their absolute best.

It’s easy to forget, in a world of highlight reels and hot takes, that horses don’t care about your timeline, your bravery, your confidence, or your results.

They care about:

being fed

being safe

being understood

being listened to

They care that you notice when something is off.
That you stop when something doesn’t feel right.
That you advocate when it would be easier not to.

Some days caring looks like training.
Some days it looks like rest.
Some days it looks like cancelling plans.
Some days it looks like standing in a muddy field questioning all your life choices — and still turning up tomorrow.

You don’t have to prove your love by pushing.
You don’t have to earn your place by suffering.
You don’t have to justify your decisions to people who don’t live your reality.

Your horse’s life is shaped by your presence, your consistency, your compassion.
That matters more than any opinion ever will.

So if today all you did was show up, check them, feed them, and whisper “I’ve got you”
that is not nothing.
That is everything.

Every horse matters.
Every horse owner matters.

Including you. 💛🐎

We got all the little cuties moved from our Blue Ridge property today. They are making new friends (Penny didnt know what to think of them!!) I know they loved running feral on 33 acres but it’s time to reel it in a bit and get a late start on their New Year’s resolution to shed a couple of pounds. 😊 A big thank you to Cullyn for taking the best care of them! I know they will miss all the treats!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Enjoyed a nice quiet ride at home today! Stay safe everyone! This virus is scary. Better safe than sorry!❤️