Finding a Home for Cooper

This economy has really been difficult for our horse rescue. For the past year, we’ve received at least a dozen calls a week from owners who can no longer afford to keep their horses. At the same time, contributions are down, grants are harder to get, the cost of feed and medical care continues to rise and our adoption rate has slowed to a mere trickle. So I guess it is not all that surprising that we are having trouble finding a home for Cooper.

Cooper (Big Red Express) came to us in the summer of 2008. Donated by a caring owner who wanted the best for his horse, this four year old, liver chestnut thoroughbred gelding arrived at the farm a bit underweight but without any serious racing injuries. I’ll never forget the day he arrived. His trainer told us that he hadn’t been turned out since he was a two year old, so when we unloaded him from the trailer and turned him out into our receiving field, we expected that he race away. Not Cooper, he was almost hesitant walking in the grass. It was almost as if he didn’t know what that green stuff under his feet was. He’d take a few steps and then put his nose down and sniff. Then he’d take a few more. For ten minutes he slowly worked his way in this manner up the field toward the far fence where our retirees had gathered to inspect the new arrival.

Cooper is a gentle soul. Never high in the pecking order, he has the good sense to wait at feeding time until the more dominant horses select a feeding bucket before coming to the fence but he is quick to approach our volunteers for a scratch or a treat. It was clear to us from the beginning that his behavior showed all of the characteristics of a right brain introvert so when we did begin to work with him, we took it nice and slow. On the ground, we played the seven games but focused on going slow and building trust. When riding, we worked on having Cooper relax. To build his confidence, we took him out on short trails around the farm but tried not to push him past thresholds. Slowly he came out of his shell. He demonstrated beautiful gaits and a willingness to learn. He clearly has potential and we thought it would be easy to find him a permanent loving home.

Yet here we are, over a year later, and we still haven’t found Cooper a home. Cooper has a problem. He cribs. And despite his sweet nature, fluid gaits and obvious potential, we can’t find someone who wants to give a horse that cribs a chance. Right now he is being sponsored by our equine dentist and he is loved by every volunteer at the rescue, but what Cooper really needs is a partner. Someone who would take the time it takes to build a loving, trusting relationship and would work with Cooper to bring out his full potential.

So if you know anyone who would be willing to take a chance on this really great guy, please let me know. Cooper deserves the chance.