Hera is our sweet 16-year-old, 10.3 hh golden bay mini mare rescue with a truly inspiring journey. After seeing Dash at CCR, I couldn’t resist asking about other tough cases, and that’s when I met Hera. Initially, she was quite shy and hesitant, doing everything she could to avoid touch and clearly not enjoying it.

With a year of safety, slow desensitization, and respectful training, Hera has blossomed into a loving companion. Today, she and I share one of the strongest bonds in the barn. Hera actively seeks me out in the fields, eagerly waiting to be haltered at feeding time, and she has even begun to initiate touch, not just with me but with others as well.

Hera has found her place in our herd, forming a special friendship with our 5-year-old Perch/TB cross, Naya, and she always wants to be near our beloved old lady, the legendary Lady Gaga—a fellow CCR rescue.

One of our wonderful trainers, Katy Whipple, beautifully noted that "Hera is now a horse with baggage, not just baggage in the form of a horse." This reflects how far she has come and the depth of her personality. Hera is proof that love and patience can transform even the most timid souls into confident companions. We are excited to continue our journey together, celebrating every step forward!