Back on Track ‘Horse Therapy’: Kristen & Boots

Sometimes horses return favors in surprising ways.

Kristen Crossman and Boots. Photo courtesy of Kristen Crossman.

Reader Kristen Crossman shares the story of a horse whose life she saved, who saved her own life in return.

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From Kristen:

Boots was a mangy mess the first time I saw her. She had issue after issue, and I honestly thought about not buying her, but as soon as I got into the pen with her, I knew I had to.

For such a big horse, she was a complete doll; she just wanted somebody to love her. Now, I can’t say I did it alone, because I never could have by myself. Ronda is one of the absolute best people I have come across. Without batting an eyelash, she help me see my dreams. She footed vet bills, feed, farrier and so many other things along the way that I can’t even remember.

Little by little I watched my horse turn from a matted mess, to a beautiful barrel horse in a matter of a few months. At the time, I was definitely hanging out with the wrong crowd, but day by day, I gradually separated myself from them, and got myself away from it all. All I wanted to do was ride, or be in the barn with my big mare. Between Boots and Ronda, my life changed before my eyes. They kept me out of trouble, kicked my butt into gear when I needed it, and made me see what life was really all about.

Photo courtesy of Kristen Crossman.

We went to a barrel race one weekend, and we were running fairly well. Come Sunday, Boots felt kind of off. Nothing too bad, but enough that I feel that I should have carried over my time from my first run. But I didn’t. Our fourth run out of six, we rammed into the second barrel. I don’t remember too much after that. Out of the home stretch I tried to slow her up, and I thought she tripped, but she was notorious for not picking her feet up, so nothing out of the ordinary. I tried to pick her head up, and she went down. Not down like you would think — she somersaulted over me, according to some of the bystanders.

I don’t know how, or why, but I ended up about 15 feet away from her. According to those that saw it, she twisted in the air, and made sure that I wasn’t underneath her when she went down. She truly saved my life in more ways than one, and I could never be more grateful for it. RIP Boots, forever in my heart babes.

Photo courtesy of Kristen Crossman.

Here at Horse Nation, we believe that the best therapists are our own horses. We love sharing the stories of special equines — email yours to [email protected] to be featured in an upcoming edition of Back on Track “Horse Therapy.” Go Back on Track, and Go Riding!

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