This blog is from Tawnee’s perspective, it was the busiest day she’s had in a very long time and she wants to share it with you.
“The big day had finally arrived, it was the 1st pick-up day for trainers to get their horses for our Extreme Rescue Makeover event. I was so excited that I could hardly sleep the night before. Right after feeding time we all got to work moving the horses for the event. We got them into small groups and moved them into the round pen and then…
“…into the open air barn, where the horses were put into individual stalls. That way it would be easier for the trainers to figure out which horse they wanted.
“Before long the whole barn was filled up with horses. It brought a smile to my face. The horses were ready for the trainers to look at and pick out which one they wanted.
“We opened up two hours early at 10:00 am for the trainers and before long there was a long line of trucks and trailers lining up. The horses were being adopted to the trainers on a first come, first pick basis. The first trainer that arrived had been on the road since 3:00 am and got to the shelter at 8:30.
“At 10:00 am, when the gate was opened, the first trainer got busy picking out his horse.
“Once he figured out which horse he wanted, he spent some time with the horse in the round pen. While this was happening, the next trainer was allowed into the barn so they could make their pick.
“The horse with the first trainer was a good match, so he was brought up to our wild horse loading area while the second trainer moved their pick into the round pen to work with them. It was a good system and I had a great team helping, making sure everything was running smoothly.
“The horses looked a little confused, why they had to be in a trailer all alone. They had always been in groups, and being in a trailer alone was a little scary. I know that when the Grand Finale comes, these horses will be happy and comfortable standing alone in the trailer, along with all the other citizenship test they will have to go through.
“After being loaded, the trainers would go to the front office where I would meet them with the final paperwork so they could hit the road.
“There got to be a line of trainers waiting to go pick out their horse. Shannon, from Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund, who are providing the horses, did a great job visiting with the trainers while they were waiting.
“Trainer after trainer was able to walk up and down the breezeway, looking at the horses that were still available.
“Then they would go into the round pen where they would spend some time making sure they were a good match. We also got video of the horses with their trainer.
“Finally the last trailer was backing up to the loading area. It was such an exhausting day, but so exciting all at the same time.
“There are still a few more horses that need to be matched up with trainers. It is certainly not too late to get your application in, and enter the competition. The Grand Finale has been moved to the 22nd, the last day to pick up horses has been moved to February 9th.
“After all the excitement and hard work, I spent some time with Little Dee. He is such a snuggle bug. He came over and rested his head and let me massage and rub his ears. He absolutely loves it! It was a great day and I would like to thank everyone who helped out, they really made the day run smoothly and successfully.
“I want to thank you all for your support, it enables us to continue rescuing, caring and sheltering.” – Tawnee Preisner