Staci Stumbo found out about us from one of the articles in the local paper. She called me to say that she had interest in volunteering a few days a week while her children were at school.
Lots of us women, still feel the need to be around the barn for the social atmosphere and smell of shavings and stuff... so Staci and all us gals would mingle, while cleaning the barn and get into trouble falling in love with horses. Staci had adopted "Summer" a PMU Filly from another rescue, and was looking for a dressage prospect, a draft cross and a companion for Summer. She was helping us out the day that the first load of babies arrived and immediately picked out the biggest colt in the group. His name was Pacino but that soon changed to "Moose". Moose was large in size, standing at least a hand taller then any of the others, we all laughed at him as he tried hiding behind everyone. And that is not easy when your nickname is "Moose".
Staci had fallen in love with Moose, but from a distance. Hoping that he would love her as much as she already loved him, she said to me one afternoon, with tears filling her eyes, "Moose may not be the horse for me," she said, "he seems so scared of me, and if anyone comes in here and offers you a lot of money like, $7,000.00 for him, then I guess you should take it." I assured her that I was not going to rush her and that she didn't need to make that decision for awhile. I know how we dream about that special horse and I knew "Moose" was very special to Staci. I also knew that Moose was going to be a fantastic dressage prospect, just what she wanted. I never told Staci, but we had a group of trainers visit one morning and they commented about his confirmation and movement. Yes, they wanted him, but I told them that he was taken. Not all of us can afford a imported warmblood from Europe and I know and appreciate the care and commitment that the rest of us put into our imports from Canada. It is my belief that you will be seeing Moose in the arena in 2008 and Staci will be onboard. And with this in mind, it was time for Moose to visit the "Magic" stall, where there is no place to hide. In the magic stall, hands can reach in to scare you with carrots and hay and love! Boo!
One afternoon I was busy cleaning the barn, when I realized that I was next to Moose's stall. His head was hanging over the door and he looked up as if to say "Hello!". I'm telling you this magic stall technique really does work! I was able to feed Moose carrots and actually pet him. It was a very special moment and one that I will never forget. I was not able to be there the next morning when Staci arrived to see the "new" brave Moose, but I was told it was a happy moment and the two of them were soon to trot off into the sunset together! In the meantime we had to halter break her boy, teach him a few mannors and make sure that Staci was able to handle him on her own. Moose learned quickly and it was not long afterwards that Staci was begging to take him home.
The day comes when we have to say goodbye, and it is not a day that anyone of us here look forward to. Let's just say that is is often filled with tears of joy, but they are tears all the same and we do miss our babies! When that day arrived we did not expect any problems loading "Moose" as this was already addressed and Moose had no problem being alone in our two horse straight load. Moose was soon on his way to his new home with his soon to be girlfriend Summer. Staci called us to let us all know that Moose had taken to his new home just fine. He now follows "Mom," Staci around like a puppy. A big puppy, one that we will be expecting great things from in the near future as Moose is expected to mature to 17 hands!
And the story continues as Staci was here to see the another load of babies arrive in November. These were mostly quarter horses. One of the little bay quarter horse fillies, "Jaz" captured Staci's heart. She reminded her of a horse that she used to own, that had died. Of course Staci needed Jaz and Jaz also needed Staci. A few days after her arrival the babies started getting snotty noses and gooey eyes, poor little Jaz took it the hardest. Staci came often to clean her up and pay special attention to her in her time of need. They bonded immediately as the little filly allowed her to clean her and treat a cut that she had acquired in transport. It was love at first site even through the goo. Jaz had a stall in the barn and outside the stall Staci kept a pink heart shaped bucket full of brushes and baby carrots for treats. Soon all was well and Jaz joined big brother, Moose and Summer at Staci's home in Lancaster. The latest update is that little Jaz is now the boss of Staci's little herd.
Congratulations Staci, and the whole Stumbo clan on your new horse family. We wish you the very best and appreciate all that you do for us and your horses!
