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Francis G. was born to a loving, hopeful harness racing family just a couple of short years ago. He was sweet and loving, gentle and kind. He grew quickly, and a man from Wisconsin had high hopes for Francis to become a winning athlete. Then tragedy struck, and Francis had a horrible accident. He was found, to everyone's horror, with a skull fracture. We are told that the fracture was so intense that "his nose was back to his withers," so the man from Wisconsin did what any other loving, compassionate owner would do, and made the decision to rush him to Ohio State Vet Hospital. Francis spent four months in care at this hospital, and made a miraculous recovery, with love and time and good veterinary care. After $4,000 worth of bills, the only thing that Francis did differently was to cock his head from certain angles to look at things. It didn't involve his thinking - it didn't involve his sweet personality or gentle nature - he just has a little "tilt". With encouragement and hope, Erv Miller at the state fairgrounds in Illinois and Francis G.'s owner worked together with Francis to get Francis going again. The amazing thing was -- Francis never held his head funny when in harness -- it was and is straight and proud -- Francis wasn't a racing champion, but his owner wanted him to be loved by someone who will ride him and hug him and care for him as a pleasure horse. Along came Deb Richards, who took a look at this fella and prompty fell in love. Recently, she emailed ASAP to let us know that the "love story" continues! Please read what this wonderful woman has to say about a special horse named Francis: ___________________ "It has been 10 months since Francis came to be part of our family. Presently we board him at a stable less than 5 minutes away, but I wish we could have him with us at home. The boarding facility would feed him and clean his stall--if I would let them, but it is my pleasure to care for him. I am there at 6 am (he makes my morning) and after work again, usually with my husband and/or my son.
After Francis' arrival we did groundwork for a month or so. Then I got up on him a couple of times, and though he looked suprised to see me on his back, he walked around with me like a gentleman. I didn't know anything about saddle training horses, so I asked prominent local trainer Gary Main to evaluate Francis. I related what I knew of his injury, but told him that Francis could walk a tight maze with precision, and that he was quick and sensitive. Gary told me that he would give it a try, no guarantees, as he had never seen a horse that had a severe skull fracture alive, much less attempted training one. He said that he was impressed by Francis'intelligence, personality, and kind nature. Gary was training Francis under saddle within a week. Some of the barn regulars gathered to witness the first ride under saddle and were slightly disappointed at the lack of a bucking show. Francis was trained for five months and Gary is extremely proud of him. He maintains that he would rope and work cows on him anytime. (He has been training working and competing horses for 18 years). The last few lessons were to be with me astride. That's when I got to see how attached Gary had become to Francis; the tough cowboy was practically hugging him when he thought no one was watching. Gary had told us that he didn't train people, only their horses, but we supposed it wouldn't hurt to ask if he would care to give lessons to Francis and me together. He readily agreed to teach us for as long as we wanted (even though I suspect he would rather be the one riding). You can see the respect he has come to have for Francis, and Standardbreds.
Francis and I have lessons together weekly. He is a healthy spirited young horse and Gary is helping me to be the strong, confident rider that he needs and deserves. Sometimes we have to work hard to get something to Gary's satisfaction, but the rewards are beyond worth it. Francis does have some imbalance issues in his gait due to his injury, but Gary believes they will be overcome as he continues to work and strengthen. There are times when his collection is perfect, and the head tilt is very little in evidence anymore. The best times are when we can just be together and have fun. Francis is curious, willing, and loves challenges. We have experimented with some low jumps, which he takes with ease and grace. We ride in the indoor and outdoor arenas, and around the grounds. Weather permitting, we will soon venture further. The other day after I dismounted, Francis didn't want to go back into the barn, and stood waiting for me to get back on to ride some more. On the rare occasions when he is startled by something, he steadies quickly when I reassure him. I know he is always aware of me, and takes care with me on his back. With his great heart and intelligence, I believe he could accomplish anything he wants to. I can feel the joy in him (especially when cantering), which I am fortunate to share. It is hard to believe that this is a horse that almost died.
When I was a child, I used to dream about riding a big beautiful Bay endlessly. My parents had no property or money for horsekeeping, so I had to save to ride at stables. It took 40+ years to have the privelege of my own riding companion, and my dream has been fullfiled thanks to Susan Wellman and ASAP. Sue wasn't kidding when she told me that Standardbreds are soulmates. Francis is part of me. I hope that my family and I can help ASAP to continue their work, and that one day we will be able to provide a home for more of these wonderful horses." Deb Richards |
