Update 1/23/24 – Available

Location: Reardan, WA
🤷🏻‍♀️ Breed: Unknown
  Age: Long 3 year old
Height: 14.2 hh
🚹 Gelding

I ended up at the feedlot. I didn’t know it was a bad place – I just knew it smelled like fear, and the other horses never stayed long. Honestly, I didn’t trust anyone enough to reveal much about myself. My first memories are a blur of noise, fear, and the sharp bite of ropes pulling me around. Humans were something to avoid – they moved too fast, shouted too loud, and always seemed to want something from me that I didn’t know how to give.

One day, a family took me away. They said they wanted to help me, but I couldn’t understand that yet. I stayed away, kept my distance, and kept my guard up. Eventually, they couldn’t keep trying, and I was brought to a new place: Vindicate Horse Rescue.

I wasn’t sure about this “rescue” idea. It sounded like another word for trouble. But these humans were different. They didn’t rush me. They didn’t grab at me or yell when I wouldn’t come near. Instead, they waited. They spoke softly. They let me figure things out.

I still remember the day they put the halter on me for the first time. It was terrifying, but they didn’t force me. They gave me time, and somehow, I knew I wouldn’t get hurt. It was a turning point – one of many. Now, I’ve learned that humans aren’t so bad. Some even scratch my favorite spots, and I let them touch my face, though I’m still a little hesitant about my nose.

I’ve come a long way. I am learning their language one word and pat at a time. I’ve even learned to trust kids – they laugh and play, and I like their soft little hands. My handler says I’m learning to be a “gentleman,” whatever that means. All I know is that I don’t run from people anymore. I even meet them at the gate sometimes because, well, they bring food.

I really need someone to adopt me who understands the past I came from. I remember the hunger most of all – how it clawed at me, day after day, until I’d eat anything I could find just to make the ache stop. Weeds, bark, even scraps of wood – none of it was food, but I didn’t have a choice. I could feel my teeth grinding down, wearing away with every desperate bite, but it didn’t matter. When you’re starving, you don’t think about what it’s costing you. You just survive. I was relieved to hear the vet tell the rescue lady that they were my baby teeth, so I will get new ones soon, and no one will ever be able to tell I was starved ever again. I hope to never feel it again either.

I still have a lot to learn, and there are moments when the old fear creeps back in. But when I look at the humans around me, I see something I didn’t see before: patience, kindness, and a chance to just be me. My journey isn’t about speed. It’s about trust. And for the first time, I feel like I’m getting there.

-Lloyd 🐴

Description: Lloyd is a stunning black gelding with a heartwarming journey and incredible potential. Since joining our rescue, Lloyd has made remarkable progress and is now ready to find his forever home with an experienced and patient owner.

Training and Temperament:

• Handling: Initially untouchable, Lloyd is now halter broken and has been started under saddle. He now approaches strangers and teenage children. He has successfully taken commands from skilled trainers with responsiveness without reactivity.
• Commands: He responds to “easy,” “woah,”, “walk on,” “trot,” “canter,” “move out” (back to the rail), click to move, and correction sounds.
• Skills: Lloyd is becoming adept at giving to pressure, flexing his neck in a soft, supple way, and taking direction from his handler. He follows directions to walk, trot, canter, and back down at direct verbal commands as well as a series of clicks and kisses. He listens both on a lunge line and at liberty. He has also started under ground driving.
• Experience under saddle: Lloyd has had his first rides. He is learning to respond to soft bit pressure and leg commands.

Ideal Home: Lloyd thrives in a calm and consistent environment. He needs someone who understands the importance of patience and positive reinforcement. With continued training and love, Lloyd has the potential to be a wonderful companion and possibly more.

Health: Lloyd is up-to-date on vaccinations, deworming, and is learning to stand for the farrier. He is in good health and ready for the next chapter of his life.

Contact: If you believe you can provide the loving and experienced training home Lloyd deserves, please fill out an adoption interest form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMBpLZ_dbZQu0wchbV3R_SdSx204SISQ-nwLHltgXCtYhFuw/viewform?usp=share_link

Help Lloyd continue his journey of trust and transformation – adopt him today! If you can’t adopt, please consider sponsoring his care. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HQUGNKBUE7UZE&source=qr