A First Adoption — and the Right Horse

In December 2025, Merle and Amy C. began their search for a fourth horse.

“We love to go trail riding, but with three horses, we always had to leave one behind,” says Amy. “If you know anything about horses, they don't like being left alone. They’re herd animals.”

After their daughter told them the Humane Society of North Texas had horses for adoption, the couple began searching online. That’s when they found Obi-Wan, a 10-year-old registered Andalusian named after the “Star Wars” character.

“We thought he’d fit in well with our 26-year-old Paint, Cherokee, and two Tennessee Walking Horses, Cookie, 17 and Josie, 13 — all mares,” Merle says.

Amy and Merle previously sourced their horses from colleagues or friends and had never considered adoption.

Amy and Merle with Obi-Wan on his adoption day, and right, at their ranch.

After completing paperwork and a phone interview, Amy and Merle made the 100-mile journey to the Humane Society’s ranch on December 29. They rang in the new year by celebrating their new horse — as well as a new grandson, born on December 31.

From Locked Stall to a Second Chance

Obi-Wan was one of 10 horses rescued in May 2025 by the Humane Society of North Texas, alongside the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. In total, 75 animals were removed from a property near Cleburne, Texas. Johnson County officials made an arrest in the case, which is currently pending prosecution.

Obi-Wan was in an 8-by-8-foot stall, standing in manure.

Obi-Wan was severely underweight and kept in isolated, filthy conditions.

“The stall was padlocked, and law enforcement had to break it open — something I’d never seen in all my years of rescue work,” says Amanda Stevens, head trainer at the Humane Society’s ranch. “As I stepped in, I realized how weak he was. His head hung low; He was completely dejected. It was heartbreaking.”

Obi-Wan was emaciated, his ribs visible and hooves overgrown. Amanda haltered him and gently led him out of the stall.

“I was confident we could get him back to health,” she says. “Our veterinarian evaluated him, and we loaded him easily onto the trailer and brought him to the ranch.”

Seven Months to Strength

With a body condition score of 1 (5 being healthy), it took nearly seven months for Obi-Wan to gain enough weight to be strong enough for gelding. He was among several horses placed on a carefully monitored refeeding program, according to Steve Stevens, the Humane Society of North Texas’s equine director.

Obi-Wan was placed on a refeeding program and gelded before being made available for adoption.

“We couldn’t give them too much food because that could overload their system,” Steve says. “So, we started with high-quality alfalfa and built on that, adding grain. We made sure they got the food they needed to put on weight. They were skinny and burned a lot of calories.”

Veterinary care included vaccines, a Coggins test, deworming and dental work. Farrier care required patience; Obi-Wan’s hooves were trimmed gradually to ensure a healthy recovery.

Steve says two horses died soon after their rescue because they were in such poor shape.

“The survivors had to learn to trust humans, know they would have consistent feed when they expected it and not fight over it,” he explains. “We’re so proud of that group.”

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Obi-Wan and the other stallions were housed in individual quarantine pens to regain their health and strength. ASPCA funding covered the pens, along with a professional trainer and barn attendants — critical support for horses with medical and behavioral challenges.

Amanda and Steve Stevens, left, of the Humane Society of North Texas; Amanda describes Obi’s rehabilitation process to volunteers.

In 2025, the Humane Society of North Texas, an ASPCA Right Horse partner since 2019, received grant funding from the ASPCA to support equine training, adoptions, feed assistance, safety-net programs, volunteer training and capacity-building efforts, according to Christie Schulte-Kappert, the ASPCA’s vice president of Equine Welfare.

“They’ve been a consistent leader in our partner network,” Christie says. “And their team generously shares their expertise.”

Love at First Turnout

Once home, Obi, as he’s called, was placed in a neutral area of Amy and Merle’s pasture, separated from their three mares. Within a few days, the herd settled in.

From left (and at top), Cookie, Cherokee, Josie and Obi, with Amy and Merle.

“The girls vie for Obi’s attention — all except for Cookie,” Amy says. “They’re enamored with him, because he’s so handsome.”

The horses share an open barn and spend most days turned out, freely grazing and socializing. Since his adoption, Obi has gained 100 pounds and enjoys daily mane and tail brushings. Merle even rode him for the first time recently.

“Our 16-year-old granddaughter can feed and manage him,” he says. “And he’s good with our younger nieces and nephews, too.”

Josie and Obi, left, and Obi with Merle.

“We were thrilled for Obi because he had been isolated for so long,” Amanda says. “We’re glad he’s with a herd again, and a herd of mares, no less. It’s a dream come true.”

“Everything We Wanted”

First-time adopters, Merle and Amy were impressed with their experience at the Humane Society.

“I'll be honest; I phoned and bugged them to death,” says Amy. “We really wanted Obi that badly.”

Humane Society staff were on hand to say goodbye to Obi on adoption day.

Merle and Obi regularly practice groundwork.

“You can tell how much they care,” says Amy. “It was obvious they spent a lot of time working with him.”

Even though they’re not “Star Wars” fans, Amy and Merle love their Jedi Master’s name and say they would definitely consider adopting in the future, no matter the species.

“Adoption is on our radar now,” Amy says. “There are many wonderful animals out there, and it's a great way to find a pet that needs a good home.“

Adding Obi to our herd made a difference; just look at him,” she adds. “How could he not be our right horse? He's everything we wanted.”

Inspired to adopt? Visit myrighthorse.org to browse hundreds of adoptable horses today.