Valentino F

Through horsemanship, the Gleneayre Equestrian Program exists to provide impactful changes in the lives of people in difficult situations. We believe that the powerful connection between people and horses can be transformative. We have a farm full of Heart Horses, each one leaving a special mark on the lives of the people that touch. One, named Tino, has lived at the farm for almost 10 years. To say he is special would be an understatement. Tino, known as Valentino F on the equitation circuit, came to us when our program was small, just beginning to grow. We were excited to have such an acclaimed horse join our barn. He was big and powerful and piloted children of all ages to numerous victories and championships. He would come alive when he stepped into a show ring, as if instinctually, he knew what to do. Tino taught our children well. As the years progressed, Tino began to age, as is inevitable with even the most acclaimed champions. Arthritis forced him to step down to the low vertical and crossrail divisions. That is where Tino truly began to shine. He taught timid riders how to find their courage. Almost every new rider at our barn learned to canter on him. Tino is as patient as they come. He excelled at helping our students who needed “just a little more time”, rise to find their own spark. Time is a thief, and the aging process caught up to the invincible Valentino once again. He developed PPID, and last July, that came along with a touch of laminitis.

Tino spent the majority of last summer on stall rest. We had a special podiatrist consult with our veterinary team, who designed orthopedic shoes to assist and encourage more hoof growth. He had a change to his nutrition plan, turnout schedule, and weight. Throughout his new health journey, the children in our program learned about insulin regulation, feeding, and the care of older equines with PPID. Tino didn’t mind the rest as he was often the “pet” for the girls in the barn. It was a lengthy process; at times, it felt hopeless. Many people questioned why we were putting so much time, care, and effort into an “old horse”. To most, that was probably how he appeared…just an old horse. When we looked at him, we saw a tapestry of hopes and dreams, lessons in resilience and grit, and memories of the many riders whose fire was ignited by their steadfast, champion-of-a-horse. Our mission has always been to bring people and horses together for the betterment of each other’s lives. Tino has taught countless children invaluable lessons both on and off his back. He was their ambassador, their confidant. We owe it to our old horses to repay the gifts they bestowed upon our youth when they were capable. The time we took helping him heal was a lesson to all our children that horses are lifelong partners, not to be discarded because they are old or no longer of service. Tino’s care taught them about compassion and patience. One young lady spent a lot of time grooming and spending time with him. She has been a member of our program for several years now. She has learning disabilities that impede her memory, and she has difficulty coordinating physical tasks. She is meticulous when it comes to grooming and bathing horses. Her tack is clean and perfectly oiled. She has not made as much progress as her barn mates in the saddle, however. Jumping was out of the question because other horses would get impatient with her mistakes. Little did any of us know that a beautiful partnership was just beginning.

We took a lot of time to ensure the comfort, dignity, and eventual healing of one more “old horse”. Tino’s sole depth went from 4mm to 20mm. His insulin and cortisol levels were regulated. When we received the news that Tino was indeed ready to return to riding and regular exercise, his young caretaker asked if he could be her project horse. Whether it was the numerous hours she spent in the stall with him or whether Tino just knew that this girl needed a little extra time and space, I cannot be sure, but they blossomed together. They began to work together slowly under saddle. Each ride got better. They progressed at a pace as if they were on the same journey. Tino carried his girl safely over ground poles, then eventually cross rails. She entered her first horse show in June and cried when they handed her a well-deserved Champion ribbon. Her teammates cheered for her, and her mom beamed with pride for her daughter. Tino’s girl only gave accolades to Tino as she hugged him tightly. As Tino carried her back to the barn, arms still around his neck, she whispered “I love you” into his mane. With a little shake of the ribbon attached to his bridle, he seemed to say, “Right back at you.”