Blessed with a Second Chance

Douglas R., a marriage and family therapist, was on a mission to find the right horse — one calm and intuitive enough to become a trusted partner in his animal‑assisted therapy practice.

He had been leasing a retired, 20‑year‑old Dutch Warmblood from a stable near his home and had even purchased a saddle for the future horse he had in mind when his wife, Sheryll, suggested they visit Equine Affaire, a four-day equine adoption event held each spring in Ohio and each fall in Massachusetts. The couple, who live on Cape Cod, attended the Massachusetts event last November.

Walking down the rows of stables, they stopped when they saw Bless Me, also called Pepper, a 5-year-old registered Thoroughbred available for adoption from the Susquehanna SPCA, an ASPCA Right Horse Partner.

“When we left the building, I said to my wife, ‘Do you mind if we go back and look at that horse?’ Douglas recalls. “So, we looked at her again.”

The couple led Bless Me to an arena near dogs, golf carts, bikes and other distractions — but she remained calm and unflappable.

“I’m the dreamer; my wife is the practical one,” Douglas says. “So, we slept on it. The next morning, I got the green light.”

Pinpointing Potential

Bless Me has a congenital stifle — an abnormality affecting her right stifle joint, equivalent to the human knee — that can make her challenging to ride.

She was transferred to the Susquehanna SPCA by another ASPCA Right Horse Partner, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, who received her from a horse therapy group because she wasn't a good fit for their particular program.

But Bless Me’s gentle spirit and temperament turned out to be just what Douglas was looking for.

“She has a slight hitch on her right side — the subtlest thing,” Douglas says. “But we weren’t hesitant to take a horse with a lameness issue.”

Allison Hungerford, director of communications at Susquehanna SPCA, says Bless Me’s adoption was especially meaningful because what made her a less ideal candidate for other therapy programs was not a priority for Douglas and Sheryll.

“They recognized and valued her temperament, age and potential to grow into a non-riding therapeutic role,” says Allison. “Horses like Bless Me are not just pasture potatoes — many are just looking for a new beginning. Her adoption is a strong reminder that there truly is a right person for every horse.”

Benefits of a Partnership

Susquehanna SPCA has been an ASPCA Right Horse partner since December 2023. In 2025, they placed 35 equines, six more than the year before.

“Having access to the network of other rescues and shelters in this partnership and communicating with experts at the ASPCA when we confront hurdles is incredibly helpful,” says Allison. “The Right Horse team helped us mold our equine adoption program into what it is today.”

Initially, Susquehanna SPCA leased a small farm with capacity for four horses. Last fall, they purchased a farm, expanding their capacity to help more horses in the years ahead.

Equine Connection in Therapy

Since adopting Bless Me, Douglas says she has gained weight, and she lives at a barn with covered and outdoor arenas. She has her own paddock, has turnout every day and comes in at night.

“There are about 30 horses on the property, so Bless Me has lots of company,” says Douglas.

A trainer works with Bless Me five days a week. Douglas sees her up to four days a week and has shared her story with his clients.

“A handful of my clients are part of the Bless Me fan club,” he says. “Hearing her story prompted their reflection and a restored sense of possibility. In one case, a client opened up in ways that had not been achievable through traditional interpersonal connections.

“Significant loss can lead individuals to suppress emotional engagement as a protective mechanism, and while some gradually regain this engagement, others do not,” Douglas explains. “For these individuals, connection with an animal — particularly a horse — can facilitate a renewed capacity for trust and interaction. That connection can help reopen pathways to trust and emotional connection after loss.”

Making Strides

Despite being considered a non-riding companion, Bless Me recently handled a lightweight, experienced student rider without any signs of lameness.

“It was her first ride without being led by a trainer, and she made the arena loop five times all on her own,” Douglas says proudly. “She always comes over to greet me when I arrive at the barn.”

Douglas taught Bless Me how to back up on a voice cue in 10 minutes by holding up one finger.

“We employ consistency and continuity; everything should be fun,” Douglas says. “She’s smart and sensitive; you don’t need to be tough on her.

“She’s the star of the barn, and everyone’s interested in her progress,” he adds. “We’re looking forward to a great summer with her.”

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