Editor's Note: If you have a horse story that you'd like to share, e-mail your story and photos (jpg format only) to: articles@TodaysHorse.com.

Shadow (Before)

About 2 years ago I decided to start taking riding lessons. I've wanted to ever since I was a little girl. During this time Shadow came into my life. When I saw her I knew I had to have her. She was severely abused by one of my former students. As you can see by the first picture, she was in very bad shape. Unfortunately, the girl who owned her had a drug problem. She didn't feed Shadow for months, keeping her on a dirt lot with nothing to eat but thorn bushes. Yes thorn bushes (she did eat them). The markings you see on her are paint from a paintball gun. I can't imagine how much that hurt; she had NO body fat left to cushion the blows. The girl who owned her was seen galloping Shadow down a gravel road the day that horrible picture was taken.

Shadow with new saddle

The second picture is what Shadow looks like today. She is the first horse I have owned. It has been very hard but rewarding. Through a lot of tears and frustration, Shadow is learning to trust again. I couldn't have done it without the help of my wonderful trainer. Sure there were times I could have given up, but I didn't. I am sooo glad I didn't. It has been an awesome experience learning to communicate with her.

Until Shadow came into my life, I never thought about horses being abused. Unfortunately, it happens a lot more than most people think. Also, at least in my state (Missouri), there really is no law against animal abuse. The girl who almost killed Shadow has two new horses. Her cruelty was not punished. Her parents made her get rid of Shadow and that is how I have her today.

I would like to see more articles on the subject of equine abuse. I think people need to be aware of this problem and know what to do if they no of a horse or horses being abused. I also think people need to see that there can be a happy ending. Some abused horses can be good horses to own. I am very glad Shadow came into my life!