This past year was a big one for the Carnation-based horse rescue organization, Cowgirl Spirit.

In just over four months, this volunteer-run organization found homes for six of their rehabilitated rescue horses. “The bond that a rescue horse has with a new owner is so profound and heart-warming,” said organization president, Teri Gustafson. “We can always count on needing tissues when we know a horse has found their forever home.”

Cowgirl Spirit saves neglected and slaughter-bound horses in need by rehabilitating, training, and placing them in a lifelong home. Every horse rescued receives medical attention to address all immediate physical needs, and ongoing veterinary and farrier care thereafter.

While equestrian drill (synchronized movements, in an arena on horseback) was the discipline on which the organization was founded, Cowgirl Spirit has now branched into all riding disciplines to allow them to create a tailored training program to help each horse realize their full potential. Another important aspect of the rescues’ rehabilitation is to address and heal the scars that cruelty or neglect has left on their lives.

To date the group has successfully rescued, rehabilitated, retrained, and placed over 50 horses to permanent homes. This summer’s adoption run started with Mollie who is now a 4-H horse, as well as a part-time therapy horse for Courage Reins Farm in Carnation.

The next to leave the headquarters was Mandi, a registered palomino Quarter Horse who is now living it up as a trail horse in southern Washington. Shortly after, Big Cricket found her home with a Cowgirl Spirit member and is in training to be a Dressage horse. Next to go was a darling pony named Moxi, who is now living a pony dream life on a family farm on Seattle’s east side. Shortly after, Rainier found his forever home as a trail horse with a Cowgirl Spirit member. The last of their six summer adoptions occurred recently – 2Bucks, now named Spot, has found his forever home and is looking forward to a lifetime of relaxing trail rides and camping trips.

Cowgirl Spirit is always looking for volunteers to help care for their rescues. They’re also currently collecting funds for their winter hay drive. If you can contribute time, funds, or even old tack or farm tools and equipment, please contact the organization via their website at www.CowgirlSpirit.org, by e-mail at officers@csrdt.org, or by phone at 206-617-1136. All donations to this 501c3 organization are tax deductable as allowed by law.