LogoDays End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.

Founded 1989

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Chino's Amazing Story
A Champion in the Making

Chino arrived from Caroline county in March of 2009 with a body condition of 1.5 out 9 on the Henneke scoring chart. He was in pain when he got off the trailer and wouldn't stop grinding his teeth. DEFHR staff started treating him for colic but ultimately sent him to the emergency clinic for intensive care. Chino returned to DEFHR and became stable but went through a long rehabilitation process before he became available for adoption. His personality was great and DEFHR staff knew this guy was going to be something special. After all he went through, Chino’s first success was his own will to survive along with thanks to DEFHR for caring enough to give him that second chance.

Chino's Second Chance

Our 14 year old daughter asked to adopt a rescue as her forever horse. Having tremendous success with two prior rescue horses from DEFHR, Butterball and Diego, she was positive that she didn’t want to look anywhere else but to Days End. It didn’t matter to her that it would take extra training, patience and time as well as stepping back from the level of competition that she had accomplished with Diego, knowing she would have to start over once again.

She only knew that the reward was greater and more important than getting a horse that was “ready to go.” Her purpose was knowing she could give back to a life that was once discarded and her determination and incentive was that of joy, knowing she would be the one to bring back a new beginning to a life that was once so near to its end, to now be respected and loved…a gift that would be with her for a lifetime.

There we were, at the Spring Festival 2009, searching for our new horse. What we didn’t realize at the time, Chino would end up choosing us.

When we were first introduced to him, we were unsure, because typically he would be seen more for western discipline, but his movements were that of pure amazement, absolutely beautiful (thank you Tina for your encouragement and eye for talent)! It was an instant connection…Emily and Chino were meant to be.

Chino's Homecoming - Safe Haven Farm on September 20, 2009

What a memorable day for our family and Safe Haven Farm. Chino’s adoption was kept a surprise…pictures tell the story of happiness and instant love! It didn’t take long either for Chino and Emily to build a strong bond. Whenever Emily goes out of his sight, he searches for her with eyes and ears and seems to “smile” the moment she reappears or hears her voice.

Their journey of success has just begun...

1st Outing - Scott Purdhum Advanced Horsemanship - Level 1 Clinic

We thought it would be great to take Chino to a clinic with Scott so we could gain better knowledge and respect of horsemanship, handling and overcoming those “scary” obstacles. We soon discovered that Chino is simply a dream when it comes to being level-headed. He is extremely patient and willing in everything he does…our noble gentleman!

 

 

1st Dressage Show with PVDA Spring 2010 - Intro Level Chino’s first dressage show was a huge success…scoring in the mid-sixties for his first time ever in a dressage ring! We couldn’t be any prouder of our Chino and the hard work of Emily to get him this far so soon! Taking a third and fourth place for the day…. (Who would have ever thought the horse shown in that “before” picture would be in a Dressage ring within a year from the day that picture was taken… talent is within many of the horses that find their way to a rescue…)

Chino's show name is Nekyia - a name that was given to us from someone very special and a connection to a loved one who now watches over us

Eventing Shows - Horse Trials (Dressage, Cross-Country, Stadium Jumping)

Chino has been on the move since his arrival to Safe Haven Farm! With the assistance of our much-loved trainer, Tina Snyder and the hard work and dedication of Emily, she has been able to move up a level in her competition and training after just a few short months. Chino has been introduced to many different environments. It goes to show you that YES, there are hidden talents in rescues that with patience and professional guidance can be brought to the surface…by being consistent, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

In mid-August, we headed back to Olde Hope Farms for our annual Evening Shade Event. We competed on a Friday evening, stayed overnight at the facility, schooled the cross-country field and took the horses for a swim the next morning. This was one of Emily's favorite shows where she continued to create confidence and trust while having a great time with her new friend and pal. See below photos of Chi and Em having a fun time swimming in the Chesapeake...enjoying being the horse he was meant to be!

Since September 2009, Chino has done the following:

 

Scott Purdum Clinic - 1st Level Obstacle Training

PVDA Dressage Shows - Intro Level A & B, Training Levels 1 & 2 - Scoring in the high 50's to mid 60's

Iron Bridge Horse Trials (Dressage, Stadium Jumping 2'3", Cross Country Course) - 1st Show, 2nd Place

Olde Hope Farms Horse Trails - great dressage score, but still overcoming challenging jumps, but it was a great day and experience for Chino

Full Moon Farm - 1st canter dressage test and another great experience for Chino

Fair Hill International Horse Trials - 4th Place (with each new experience, confidence continues to develop between horse and rider...what a fun day)