I’m often asked what it takes to become an approved adopter of LOPE horses. There are a couple of answers to that question.
The first answer is practical: we have folks fill out our approval form, check their references and watch how they interact with the horse they are interested in. We like to see experienced horse people (although we’ve occasionally placed gentle horses with novice riders) who understand the commitment involved in owning a horse.
That commitment comes in many forms that all horse owners recognize: financial, physical, emotional, veterinary and so on. But there is another, less obvious type of commitment -- and it’s the one we think is most important.
And that leads me to the second answer.
We only want to adopt the LOPE horses to people who truly value, respect and admire them. If you want to adopt a horse here because you feel sorry for it, we’ll very politely direct you elsewhere. Because the LOPE horses deserve so much better than pity.
We think they are the best, coolest horses ever. Whether they’ve raced until age 9 (like Double Again, pictured) or had a short career due to injury (like Quick Chris), we love their heart, their courage, their loyalty and their tremendously unique personalities.
And so should their adopters. ☺
Mikey over at Postcards from Arizona has this quote on her blog.
I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself. - D. H. Lawrence
Posted by: KarenTX | June 12, 2010 at 08:59 AM
Yes, yes, yes! As my OTTB taught me from the first moment...it's a relationship of commitment for both human and horse on all levels.
Ironically, I have yet to meet a rescue animal of any sort that wants pity. That seems to be such a uniquely human emotion. Just as you wrote, they want someone who values and respects them, just as we do. Thanks for a great post!
Posted by: Diana Gogan | June 10, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Awesome post Lynn!! When I got my first ex-racer, I was NOT in the market for a "high-strung TB" (the stereotype I'd been fed)...Major debunked that myth. They are such amazing and wonderful creation and they DO deserve so much more than pity...they don't desire pity. They desire kindness & respect & companionship. No room for pity. :D
Posted by: Sarah | June 10, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Good criteria, Lynn.
I never once felt sorry for Bar, though I may not have actually qualified as the perfect adoptee when I took on that role.
And now I know I made the right choice with him, picked the horse who would teach me the most and delight me in ways I never would have anticipated.
He didn't come from you, but you have helped me understand him (and myself) better.
Posted by: Jessica Boyd | June 05, 2010 at 09:33 PM