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All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu Previous Post Windcries: The Trail Ride Home Windcries: The Trail Ride Home By: Alexis Arbaugh September 27, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trailing Riding Courtney Thompson was devastated after losing her two beloved “heart horses” to old age, leaving her with no plans to find a new horse anytime soon. Understanding how difficult this time was for her, a few close friends recommended she spend some time volunteering at Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue. Courtney felt the need to fill “that big horse-sized hole” in her heart. She realized that putting her passion and experience with horses to use at a rescue would be the perfect way to heal and give back. Hope’s Legacy is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization specializing in rehabilitating horses that come from animal control seizures and owner surrenders. During Courtney’s volunteer orientation at the farm, she spotted a handsome chestnut gelding grazing in a nearby field. As she approached, their eyes met, and Courtney instantly felt a connection. “I knew we were meant to be,” she recalls. The gelding, named Windcries, is a 2014 Pennsylvania-bred chestnut who raced 18 times between 2016 and 2017, earning $95,577 during his career. Soon after, Courtney learned that Windcries had a minor injury and offered to foster him at her farm until he was well enough for adoption. After several weeks of care, she officially adopted Windcries in December 2019. His playful yet professional demeanor quickly won her over. “Windcries is just special,” Courtney shared, noting that everyone who meets him notices “his special spark.” He’s the first to run to her in the field and loves playing and teasing his pasture mates. Once Windcries was healed, the pair began enjoying trail rides through the scenic farm. Thanks to his intelligence and calm demeanor, Courtney trusts Windcries to remain level-headed on the trails. They hope to explore new trails beyond the farm soon. Courtney’s main goal for Windcries is to simply enjoy and cherish their time together. Their mutual trust, both on and off the trails, fosters a strong partnership. Living in an area with numerous trail riding opportunities, she plans to explore as many as possible. Courtney and Windcries look forward to continuing their adventures while discovering all that life has to offer. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission