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My name is Kristina Hummell. November 2009 was the first time I stepped foot onto Blazes Tribute Equine Rescue property. I came to look at a little mare that had caught my eye on the website. I'd had some bad beginning experiences in my horse ownership, and I was looking for that one horse that would be a match. I left that day with Dora (later to be named Mesa), and have been thankful ever since.
A couple of years passed, and I didn't have much contact with Natalee and Shawn. I was still riding Mesa, but my husband wanted to join me and didn't have a horse. I thought of the rescue, and we went for a visit. The Crosses are wonderful at matching people and horses, but we just couldn't find that one. We ended up visiting 2 more times before Natalee called and said she thought she knew of one that would be a fit. But in the meantime, I had gotten hooked!
It was more than the people or the horses, it was the atmosphere at Blaze's. When you walk on the property, you feel a warmth and calmness. A hundred horses strong, and you can walk in among them without feeling worried or threatened. You can see that they're content and feeling safe. It might be sappy, but you can tell they know they've been saved. It's amazing! I started volunteering that summer: at first just picking up baling twine, and holding horses for the farrier. I was shocked and so happy when they asked me to join the board 6 months later! I was excited to be a part of this wonderful organization.
The story doesn't end there. My Blaze's story can't end until I include how I met Budweiser. I was holding horses for branding, probably 6th or 7th that day, when I caught and led up a little bay. His head was down, and he was still ribby and dull eyed. It was stormy and very windy that November day -- most of the horses were nervous and flighty. This little newly gelded boy was quiet and calm, and as we were standing there in line, he leaned his head on my chest and rested against me. It was magnetic! I looked into those eyes, and felt an instant bond. I looked up, and Natalee was looking at us. "I think he's picked you." She said. I was hesitant... we weren't looking for another horse. I laughed it off, and left that day without him, but he didn't leave my mind. Two months later, I brought that little boy home and I've been in love ever since!
Blaze's has become a major part of my life. I want to tell everyone that a rescue gives to you as much as you put into it, but it's not that simple. You can't go into it thinking with that mentality -- that there's a give and take. I go to events and work at the rescue with the sole intent of helping and giving my all. God has then blessed me by filling my heart with a peace and serenity and making all of this a thousand times worth it. Thank you Blaze's!
Please call or email to schedule an appointment to visit the horses currently available in our rescue program. We are generally available by appointment Monday - Thursday after 5:30 and anytime Friday - Sunday. We do maintain full time jobs, so we are not always available on weekdays. Please be patient with us and we will return your call/email as soon as possible.
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