Jake

Jake - White QH Gelding. Appx. 16 - 18 yrs. Stout. Appx. 15.3 hands.  This horse was a roping horse. He has been used very hard. He can no longer be used for roping, but he really knows his stuff! Because he was used so hard, he is unsound in his front legs. He might be able to be used for light riding, but it would be better for him to be a companion horse. He has given so much of himself. Doing his job to the very best of his ability and doing it quite well…no matter what! Until, he could longer be a roping horse and was dispensable. So, when someone can't use him up anymore…they throw him away?

This horse is now christened Jake by his savior Alex. Alex is a lovely lady who has helped TIER and horses more than words can convey! She is the driving force behind A Drop in the Bucket - All Natural Herbal Remedies for your Horse. You can visit her site at http://www.dropinbucket.com/ for the health of your horse! TIER does!  Alex saw Jake's picture, read his story and said "I undertake to support him in his new safe home, to pay for his feed, veterinary treatment, trimming, remedial shoeing, whatever. Does he have a name from his past life? If not, will you drop the #99 and call him Jake?" So, Jake it is! Alex has become the first official sponsor of a TIER horse since Jake will come to live out his days with us. Thank you Alex, from me, TIER, all the horses (& TIERA). A special thank you from Jake. We look forward to Jake's arrival and getting him comfy!

Update 7/20/01 - Jake is doing wonderfully! His ankle is not fused yet (farrier & vet say sometimes it takes a long time!) but he is walking so much sounder than he used to. Also, his calm, no-nonsense manner makes him such an asset when it comes to turning out anxious horses in the pasture! HA! He will simply stride in (Jake doesn't really "walk". He strides.) go to the end with the most grass, drop his head and start munching. Not paying attention to the other horses or anything else. It has a calming effect on any apprehensive horses and we turn him out with almost anyone!

As you will see from the picture of Jake & Buck that is attached. He is also good at showing newbies the ropes! HA! In the attched picture, he seems to be saying "Look here Buck, see this gate? It's closed and locked. Nothing can get in here to get us. We are safe!"

He still has white horse syndrome (lying in anything wet that is sure to discolor his coat and finding where we have just watered so he can roll), but that is okay because that is who he is. Plus, it gives the volunteers something to really work on! He is gentle enough for children to groom him and yet spunky enough to put the pushy horses in their place without being overbearing. A truely wonderful horse is Jake!

Update 6/17/02 - Jake is one of those horses that people tend to gravitate to. He just has that certain "come hither" look. Probably because he is hopeful that the visitor will have a treat for him. HA! He is such a big puppy dog when children are around him. He is big, but he never moves quickly around children or inexperienced adults. Jake loves to be brushed and pampered. Anyone can lead him anywhere without a problem as he is the perfect gentleman. In fact, he is one of the horses that is used in our youth mentor programs in educating young people about caring for horses. It is our hope that through the mentoring programs, we will not only educate youth on basic horse handling and care, but that we may plant a seed of responsibility for the future. After learning about each of the horses at TIER and the reasons they were in need of being rescued, it is our hope that each youth or adult will carry a deeper understanding of committment and responsiblity for horses in the future.

Plus, there is the added bonus of seeing the look on people's faces when one of the horses puts their head on someone's shoulder, gives them a nuzzle, nickers when they see a favorite friend. Watching their eyes and the smiles as the horse they just spent all that time grooming and pampering is turned out and rolls in the dirt! HA! Then jumping up, shaking themselves off and running through the arena bucking and playing because they feel so good!

Jake will politely stand while those that are unfamiliar with handling horses are taught the basics of putting on a halter, leading, brushing, picking hoofs, etc. Even though he is big, Jake is always the gentleman with these folks. We ask everyone to place any treats in feed bins to avoid accidents. But Jake is so sweet and appealing it is hard not to want to hand him a treat. He is always cautious about taking the offered apple, carrot, piece of watermelon, cantelope. And.....he is always appreciative....he shows you in his lovely big brown eyes just how much that treat meant to him.

The pictures below are from Bath Day 6/13/02. This is the first time the youth in our mentor programs had bathed a horse. Of course, Jake was enjoying every minute of the attention. In fact, I do believe I saw him snoozing while those small hands soaped, rubbed, rinsed and combed/brushed him. He was also thoughtful enough not to roll until after the kids had gone home! HA!