Hope (In Memoriam)

In October 2012, Wings of Hope Ranch had exhausted all local adoption opportunities for trained and ready to work rescue mares. In God’s perfect way, however, a group of volunteers and ranch friends attended the Virginia Equine Extravaganza in early November to watch one of our then-horses, Jewel, participate in the Rags to Riches contest. At the event, several rescued mares from Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Maryland were being showcased. One of our youngest friends, Abby, age 8 at the time and a rising horse enthusiast, noticed a beautiful dapple gray mare. She suggested that we take a look at this mare from Days End Farm to consider for adoption. At the end of the event, we made our way to their booth and inquired about seeing the mare. The young man asked us which mare, Ellen or Odell? A little confused, we expressed interest in both of them, which led us to a month long process of three trips to Maryland and a quest to determine which dapple gray mare would be most suitable for the Ranch.

Upon hearing the devastating story of these beautiful girls and watching the video of their rescue and desperate fight for life, our hearts were moved to the most tender places. The “choking older mare” is Faith, and her “sister” Hope was not much better off. After what they endured in their lives, how could we separate them? God always answers prayer. The trainer at Days End Farm recognized the bond between the Arabian mares, and our successful appeal for funds to adopt both of these horses, we were able to negotiate a “two for one” adoption fee for Ellen and Odell.

At our Deck the Stalls event in December, 2012 Ellen and Odell were officially renamed Faith (Born in 1995) and Hope (Born in 1997). “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

Video of Hope and Faith's rescue - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzLxYn9XY1I&list=PL9D031268B0B212A1