Kindred spirits

While volunteering at a local rescue, I met a horse who touched my soul.

As I gently stroked Sebastian’s muzzle, I felt like jumping with joy. But that would have been the wrong thing to do. He is skittish and uncomfortable with people. Even this brief moment of contact is a tremendous victory.

Sebastian was born at the Trusting Spirit Horse Rescue in Orondo, Washington, and he has spent all of his eight years here. Unfortunately, his mother had been mistreated and didn’t trust people. Even though Sebastian has always been handled with care, his mother taught him the rule he still lives by: human---run. I’m not sure how Sebastian warmed

up to me. Maybe CHALLENGE: Jaana

because I stayed Hatton is slowly

calm and quiet, making progress

allowing him to with Sebastian, an

come closer on his 8-year-old gelding

own. I didn’t try to who has lived at a

touch or even look rescue all of his life.

at him; I just hung