Riella: The Rescue Horse Who Rescues Veterans
Meet the Queen of the Pasture, Riella! Unfortunately, many people who see Riella simply see a horse, nothing more, nothing less, you know, just a horse. How sad. Riella isn’t just a horse, she is the embodiment of spirit, resilience, and triumph over tragedy. How can that be? Let me tell you!
Back in February of 2022, Chaplain Macklin received an urgent phone call from a friend of his, “Are you still looking for a horse?” she asked. “I have one that needs a home immediately!”
Chaplain Mackin answered, “Of course, what do we need to do?” So began the saga of Riella: The Rescue Horse Who Rescues Veterans.
Riella was a racehorse that had been in an accident. She was in a horse trailer when the driver of the truck pulling the trailer fell asleep and went off the road. The truck and trailer rolled over and Riella was injured. Any injury ends a racehorse’s career, and her owner didn’t want her back. She needed a home, one where she could find the love, support, and medical care needed to recover; emotionally and physically. She found that home at Peace Mountain Ranch.
Injuries to Riella’s Face
Injuries to Riella’s Forelegs
Injuries to Riella’s Rear leg
When she arrived at Peace Mountain Ranch she was injured, scared, and withdrawn. Like many veterans, her world had been turned upside down, literally! The things she had counted on, her normal routine, her handlers, her workouts, her races… everything that had made up her world was changed. Riella went from the focus of so much attention, back to a scared little foul, unsure of anything or anyone.
In comes Chaplain Macklin, a man whose own world had been knocked sideways, a man who was still learning to trust again, to find peace again, still following the path that leads to healing. He was exactly what Riella needed, someone who understood her mistrust, her desires for peace, for routine, for healing. Together, Riella began to learn to trust again and as she became stronger physically, she began to respond more positively to interacting with people. Through the process, Riella has helped veterans learn to trust again. Riella, whose name means “God is My Strength” became a vessel through which God begins to restore and strengthen hurting veterans.
The veterans who come to Peace Mountain Ranch identify with Riella’s story. Sometimes they are timid and a little scared of an animal as powerful as Riella, but once they learn her story, they find a kindred spirit. Many people feel a special bond with horses, an unspoken, yet powerful bond the brings calm, peace, and kindness. Riella’s experience brings that bond to a whole new level. She is definitely a key part of Peace Mountain Ranch, one whom has earned the title Queen of the Pasture!
