CARE LEASE TESTIMONIALS ❤
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Keep ownership of your horse through our Horse Care Lease Program, at no cost to you. |
Full Testimonials:
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A Gift for Jaeger, and for Me - There comes a point in life when loving your horse means making a difficult decision. Almost two years ago, I found myself facing that reality with my 20-year-old gelding, Jaeger. Between work, family, and life's growing responsibilities, I simply wasn't able to give him the time, exercise, and enrichment he deserved. Every horse owner knows the feeling of wanting the very best for your horse, even when your own circumstances make that challenging.
When I learned about the free lease program at LifeStriders, it felt almost too good to be true. Today, I can honestly say it has been one of the greatest gifts for both Jaeger and me. Jaeger remains 100% my horse. I can visit him whenever I'd like and ride him whenever I choose. But instead of standing in a pasture waiting for me to find time, he now has a purpose-filled life. He is active, engaged, loved, and making a difference in the lives of people who need him. Watching him become part of the LifeStriders family and seeing the impact he has on riders has filled my heart in ways I never expected. LifeStriders' therapeutic riding programs help children and adults overcome challenges and build confidence, and horses like Jaeger play an important role in that journey. The care he receives is exceptional. LifeStriders provides his feed, regular health maintenance, exercise, and daily attention. But what means the most to me is the love. The staff, volunteers, and riders genuinely care about him. He isn't just another horse in the barn. He is known, appreciated, and cherished. One of my favorite parts of this experience is the relationship I've built with his dedicated exerciser. She keeps me connected through regular photos, updates, and stories about his days. Every text reassures me that he is happy, healthy, and thriving. As a horse owner, that peace of mind is priceless. Of course, the generous tax deduction is an added benefit, but if I'm being honest, that's not why I recommend this program. I recommend it because I know what it feels like to worry that your horse isn't getting everything they deserve. I know what it's like to carry the guilt of not having enough time. And I know the relief and joy that comes from finding a place where your horse can flourish. LifeStriders gave Jaeger something I couldn't provide on my own anymore: a full, meaningful life filled with purpose, activity, companionship, and love. And in return, they gave me the comfort of knowing that I made the right decision for him. If you're a horse owner struggling with the same situation, I encourage you to consider the free lease program. It isn't saying goodbye to your horse. It's saying yes to a new chapter where they can continue to thrive, inspire, and be loved by an entire community. Every time I see Jaeger, I know he's exactly where he's meant to be. Thank you, LifeStriders, for loving my boy as much as I do. - Josie Kraemer (Proud owner of Jaeger) ❤ My name is Christopher Brandt, a lifelong horse lover. Our family has been fortunate to have had friends in the horse trail business for over 50 years. My kids and I have spent many years helping out at this ranch. My good friend and his wife have since passed away and their daughter took over and ran the business until May of last year when she decided it was time for a new chapter for the ranch. At that time she had 19 horses that needed new homes and asked if we would adopt two of them, Scooter 15 years and Biscuit 18 years who are brothers. We of course said yes and soon realized that living in the City of Milwaukee would be a bit of a challenge to house and care for two horses. We also looked into boarding and realized that the time needed from us for the brothers to have fulfilling and purposeful lives would also be a challenge.
I then remembered looking into equine therapy in the past when our now 32 year old son was 8-10 years old, and thought maybe we could donate these two horses. All I was looking for was the ability to spend some time each week with them and ride a few times each month. After contacting a few places and getting nowhere, I came across LifeStriders. I decided to stop by LifeStriders one evening and met two of the most pleasant young ladies who gave me a wonderful representation of what LifeStriders does, and the people whose lives they change through their program. I said to myself this is where these two boys need to be! The evaluation process went smoothly and they have acclimated to their new home quickly. Now I spend as much time as I want visiting them at LifeStriders and can also be a part of their exercise schedule. The care these boys receive is impressive! They have so many volunteers and staff caring for them daily. I have since become a volunteer which allows me to spend even more time around Biscuit and Scooter as well as the other horses. All of it is more than I could have imagined! The greatest joy I have experienced through this relationship with LifeStriders is seeing the look on the client's faces when they are on the back of Biscuit and Scooter and the other horses. God Bless – - Christopher & Stephanie Brandt (Owners of Biscuit and Scooter) ❤ |
If you have a horse who could thrive in a place like this, there may be another option worth considering.
Through a care lease with LifeStriders, the horse's owner remains the owner, while LifeStriders takes on the responsibility of providing the horse's day-to-day care and a meaningful second career. Your horse can become part of a herd, receive consistent professional care, and have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. You don't have to give up your horse to give them a new purpose. You can still be their owner. LifeStriders simply becomes their home, their herd, and the place where they get to spend their days being cared for, loved, and appreciated. Just ask Gunner. He seems to think it's pretty close to horse heaven. - Gunners Mom ❤ In Gunners Words: My name is Gunner, and I am a Norwegian Fjord. I first came to LifeStriders in 2019. Before coming to LifeStriders, I learned to pull a cart and enjoyed trail riding. I also spent many years with my Haflinger brother, Marcus, who I grew up with. When I arrived at LifeStriders, my whole world opened up. I'm a social and curious guy, and there was so much to explore! People came to greet me every day, sometimes with treats, but always with scratches and kisses. I settled in quickly because I soon discovered that I would have riders throughout the week. I loved the attention and took my responsibilities seriously. When I'm not working, I get to be a horse. I spend time with my friends, relax in the shelter, graze in the clover, and keep an eye on everyone around me. My group is pretty mellow, and we often act as the welcoming committee for new horses joining the herd. I take this responsibility seriously, too, especially when a new horse is unsure about this big, new experience. I tell them to look forward to the fresh hay, gentle care, and sweet kisses that are waiting for them. Oh, and just wait until you get your very own exercise rider! I'm a big guy, and I certainly love my hay and grain! The barn manager knows this and works hard to help me stay healthy and at a good weight. I get groomed most days, my coat gets plenty of attention, and I get hosed off when I get too hot, which, honestly, I'm pretty prone to do. The humans here take really good care of all of us. We receive regular hoof care, vaccinations, and dental care to help keep us feeling our best. If one of my horse friends isn't feeling quite right, they get the time they need to rest and recover before returning to work. I think that's pretty special. We live outside for most of the year, with fresh hay, clean water, shelter, and plenty of friends. I sometimes miss my carting lessons, but I've discovered so many wonderful new experiences here at LifeStriders. As I've gotten older, I've become comfortable with my second career. I enjoy meeting different riders, helping them learn and grow, and receiving plenty of attention along the way. And, of course, there's the fancy haircut! When Mom calls my name, I come galloping across the field, knowing there will probably be scratches, kisses, and maybe a little extra attention waiting for me. What's not to love about a second career like this? |
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