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My name is Ileah Branning. I first started riding horses when I was 7 years old. I fell in love with horses and jumping! My 8th Birthday was most memorable because I was a lucky little girl who got her first horse. His name was Ben. He was a beautiful white horse who became my best friend. Together we showed hunter jumper for years until I graduated high school and went to college. Ben retired soon after that and lived out his days by relaxing and enjoying the pasture life.
I married my wonderful husband and we have two children. My children grew up around my childhood horse. They got to know how wonderful Ben truly was. When my daughter turned 7 years old, I decided to introduce her to riding hunter jumper, which encouraged me to return to riding. I then realized that riding and jumping horses was part of who I am. It is my true passion.
The first time I was introduced to Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue was in the summer of 2012. My mother was looking for a horse and wanted me to go with her to help her choose the right horse for her riding needs. As soon as I started looking at all the horses and petting them, my heart dropped. These animals had been treated so poorly. I truly did not understand the cruelty these horse had suffered until I actually witnesses it for myself. I have the up-most respect for The Cross family and for all they do for every horse that comes to them. They are truly amazing!
My mother and I had such a positive experience that I felt the need to take my family back a few months later to adopt a couple of horses of our own. We fell in love with two horses, Bones and Tahoe. They are now named Max and Pendleton. They have become a big part of our family. They were only the beginning of our ties with Blaze's. My husband, children, and I became volunteers for events. We eventually adopted another horse for my daughter so that we could enjoy time together with our horses in the hunter jumper world. We truly love our horses. We would have never been blessed with them if it wouldn't have been for the caring hearts at Blaze's.
When volunteer opportunities presented themselves at Blaze's, I jumped on it. The feeling I receive when at Blaze's through meeting the people, seeing the horses, and getting to be part of the amazing cause, is priceless! It is what keeps me grounded and is great Therapy for my Soul!!
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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