Just another great example ... “Great job, Apaladin!” exclaimed 6-year-old pigtailed Erika, as she was trotting for the first time in the high walled round pen off the lounge line. “I hope my dad can see me!” My heart melted seeing Apaladin, with his perfect, steady head set, take such incredible care of this precious little girl. It’s like he knew this was his job: to give a little girl with a painful story one moment of sheer bliss. As I stood in the middle of the round pen, so proud of Erika’s bravery riding an Arabian stallion, I lost it, when she told Apaladin, “You’re doing great.” Yes … Apaladin was doing great! Who would have thought that a National award-winning English, halter and ever famous, Scottsdale Liberty class champion stallion would spend his retirement years letting kids have their first horse experiences on him. It’s like teaching a teen how to drive with a Lamborghini. But what better way to bless vulnerable children, than let them experience something beyond what they could imagine. As I saw ear to ear smiles on these kids and saw how Apaladin intuitively cared for them, I knew this was something very special. I believe these incredible animals are so good for our souls. They teach us trust, confidence, unconditional love and maybe best of all, provide us with moments where we can escape from the pain. I inquired of Erika, “Why do you like riding Apaladin?” With a big breath she sighed, “Because when I ride him, I feel like I’m flying, and I feel so happy.”
Apaladin++ (AA Apollo Bey x Amanda Of Aerie) is proudly owned by Susan & Rebecca Durr in Washington State. They consider owning this stallion such a blessing and love knowing that others, especially kids, are impacted by him too. Rebecca has plans to reach many vulnerable youth through the avenue of horses.