By: Samantha Smith
For Michele Enck, finding another heart horse was something she never expected to happen again. Michele is Maryland based and currently works for The Maryland Jockey Club as the Stakes Coordinator, recently promoted from her role as Horse Identifier.
A few years ago, while working in her office at Pimlico, Jessica Hammond stopped by Michele’s window. Jessica serves as Executive Director for Beyond the Wire, a program designed to facilitate safe and enriching placements for retired Maryland-based racehorses.
Three years prior, Michele had lost her pony, her first heart horse. “I never thought I would find another heart horse in my life,” Michele said. “And I did.”
That day Jessica stopped by Michele’s window and said, “I think I found your horse.” She shared a picture of a bay horse named Rebound. It was Rebound’s kind eye and adorable face that immediately captured Michele’s heart. His smaller size, under 16 hands, was another bonus, but Michele already felt there was something special about him. “I said, ‘You found my horse,’” Michele shared.
Foaled April 16, 2013, Rebound is a bay gelding who began his life in Ireland before making his way through sales at Goffs and Tattersalls. His journey eventually brought him to Maryland.
Rebound came through The Foxie G Foundation, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization. Laurie Calhoun of The Foxie G Foundation works closely with Beyond the Wire. Beyond the Wire partners with accredited farms to help place horses in new homes.
Michele spent the next three months visiting Rebound once a week at The Foxie G Foundation while searching for the right farm where he could begin his new chapter. With Laurie’s guidance, the adoption process was seamless. “[Laurie] made my adoption process as easy as possible,” Michele shared. “She still helps me if I need advice on anything with Rebound to this day”.
“Rebound is loved and cared for seven days a week” Michele told us. Now settled into his new life, Michele and Rebound enjoy trail rides together once or twice a week, a routine Michele laughs Rebound wouldn’t have any other way.
Both horse and rider started completely from scratch, without professional training. Michele’s long-term goal was simple but meaningful, to be able to go out on the trails alone with her horse. Together, they achieved that. “My goal was just for him to love me as much as I love him,” Michele said. “And we have accomplished that.”
Rebound’s gentle nature does not stop with Michele. He seems to win over everyone he meets, horses and other animals alike. “Rebound is just so loved by every horse and all different kinds of animals that come across him,” Michele said. “He’s truly one of a kind.”
For Michele, Rebound represents more than a successful adoption. He is proof that sometimes, when you least expect it, another heart horse can find its way into your life.
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