There Will Be a Stanley Cup-themed Horse Jump at the Washington International Horse Show This Week

The Washington Capitals will be on their western Canadian road trip this week against the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames. Taking their place at Capital One Arena will be the 60th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) which runs from Oct. 23-28. And this year there will be a special nod to the Caps and their Stanley Cup win.

David Lauinger, an equestrian designer also in charge of installing and overseeing the footing at the horse show, designed a Capitals-themed horse jump. Yes, horses will be jumping over crossed hockey sticks and giant pucks adorned with the Capitals logo. On the outside wings of the jump, or standards, are two replica Stanley Cups.

The jump, which is approximately six feet tall, won’t be used in any official competition, but it will be used during the jumper classes held by WIHS this week.

To read more on this story, click here: There Will Be a Stanley Cup-themed Horse Jump at the Washington International Horse Show This Week

Why Miniature Horses Make Such Great Service Animals

There has been a lot of news about pets on airline flights lately, so when Southwest Airlines recently updated their statement about traveling with animals, it didn't comes as much of a surprise. However, there was something in there that I wasn't expecting. From the statement.

Southwest Airlines welcomes trained dogs, cats, and miniature horses as service animals onboard our flights as long as the Customer is able to provide credible verbal assurance that the animal is a trained service animal. Southwest Airlines does not accept unusual or exotic species of animals.

Am I the last person to know that there are service miniature horses? (Let alone, service cats?) I mean, emotional support animals come in all shapes and sizes – peacocks, squirrels, you name it – but service animals are trained and actually act as guides. Horses are smart and seriously intuitive, but I didn't know they could take the place of dogs in, among other tasks, guiding the blind. Which led me down the research rabbit hole to discover that it all makes perfect sense. Here's why.

(But first, meet Chunky Monkey, Fancy Dancer, Glitter Bug and Patty Cake.)

To read more on this story, click here: Why Miniature Horses Make Such Great Service Animals

Why Did The Horse Run Into The Bar?

A young horse who escaped her handler in France did not give customers at a nearby bar a good punchline, but she did give them quite the scare.

Guest saw the horse approaching the establishment but did not expect the animal to come through the door. When she did the patrons were shocked.

Security footage captured the moment that drinkers had to flee in a panic as the horse burst into the bar.

The horse's trainer, Jean-Marie Beguigne, said the horse had dumped her rider at the Chantilly race course stables, less than a mile away, and made a run for it.

Mr. Beguigne said the horse had a tendency of trying to escape but said it was “exceptional” that it had made it as far as the bar.

The “parched” racehorse ran to the nearest watering hole, which happened to be a sports betting bar near “Chateau de Chantilly.”

While the horse’s bar visit happened last month, video of the equine encounter quickly went viral after appearing online this week.

“There was quite a panic. I still can’t quite believe it happened,” said the owner, Stephanie Jasmin.

There were no injuries and the horse showed no signs of anxiety or trauma.

ALERT: If You Purchased a Horse in Weld County, a Horse Tested Positive for EIA

WELD COUNTY, Colo. (The CO Dept. of Agriculture) - The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office is continuing their investigation into a Weld County horse that tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in late August. With the help of records from CDA’s Brands Division and Rocky Mountain Regional Animal Health Laboratory, the State Veterinarian’s Office has determined that approximately 240 horses have been on the quarantined premises during the same time as the index positive animal. Approximately 100 of these horses were sent to 20 other states across the country and steps are being taken to locate, quarantine, and re-test those horses. At this time, no other horses have tested positive for EIA.

“We are working to locate approximately 140 horses that went to different premises across Colorado. We are asking horse owners to contact us if they purchased horses in Weld County between July 18 to August 20, 2018,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. “We will work with owners to see if their horses came from the quarantined property. This is an important step in the disease investigation.”

So far, the investigation has resulted in:

The index premises in Weld County is under a quarantine order; two associated premises are also under hold orders. There is no cure or treatment for EIA. Therefore, horse that tested positive in the index case has been euthanized.

Fifteen premises are under hold orders in nine Colorado counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Crowley, Delta, Douglas, El Paso, Mesa, Montrose, and Weld.

Thirty-seven exposed horses have been located in Colorado.

To read more on this story, click here: ALERT: If You Purchased a Horse in Weld County, a Horse Tested Positive for EIA

The Therapeutic Value of Horses

Who Benefits from Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy?

Most of us who own horses talk about their “therapeutic” value. Being in the barn grooming, feeding, and otherwise caring for our horses reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves overall health. Yet, it is the companionship with our equine partners that is the foundation of our growth in relationship to these animals. Being with our horses is the “therapy.”

The power of this relationship has not been lost on medical professionals. “Equine therapy” is a popular tool to use with a variety of populations. But what is equine therapy and how is it used?

Equine Therapy Defined

According to PATH International, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, there are many different types of “equine assisted activities.” In its broadest sense, any interaction between a person and a horse is an equine assisted activity.

Equine-Assisted Therapy has a more specific goal. It is a treatment that uses horses to reach rehabilitative goals that are bounded by a medical professional’s scope of practice. Equine-Assisted Therapy is not an activity run by local horse clubs, church groups or trainers. Instead, it is overseen by a medical professional, usually a licensed psychotherapist or physical therapist. Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy, which is used by addiction treatment facilities, veterans’ groups, and trauma centers, is always overseen by a licensed mental health professional. These types of therapies rarely involve riding the horse.

To read more on this story, click here: The Therapeutic Value of Horses

Nightclub Shuts Down After Woman Rides Horse Into Crowd Of Partygoers

The city of Miami Beach shut down a nightclub on Friday after video surfaced showing a woman in a bikini riding a spooked horse into a crowd of people.

The incident happened at the Mokai Lounge sometime between Wednesday evening and the early morning hours of Thursday, according to a city document obtained by HuffPost. 

Attendees at the event recorded the commotion and posted footage to social media. One video showed a man trying to pull the seemingly resistant horse into the club as a man and woman ride on top of the animal. A second video shows the woman on the horse amid a tightly packed crowd of people. The horse throws the woman off before slowly walking through the crowd as people cheer.

To read more on this story, click here: Nightclub Shuts Down After Woman Rides Horse Into Crowd Of Partygoers

Benefits of Having a Pet

A recent study showed that there are more pets than children in American households. Amazed? Statistics say that there has also been an increase in the number of Indian families opting for pets. Keeping pets at home has several benefits — and if you're among those who has always wanted to keep a pet, let us convince you to go ahead and get one home!

Pets can enhance your mood
Whether you believe it or not, pets are a great way to improve your mood and temperament. Research has shown that people who suffer from various diseases have lesser chances of depression if they keep pets as compared to those who are suffering from similar diseases and don't keep pets.

Help to control blood pressure
Health experts say that dog owners have less blood pressure and heart rates. This eventually reduces the need to take medicines and also helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

A source of exercise
Want someone who will accompany you for walks? Dogs can be great companions and will happily go out for walks, at times even urging you for a walk, when you're too tired, thereby keeping you active and fit. Other activities related to pets like feeding, bathing, playing and cleaning are also good ways to exercise.

An antidote for loneliness
No matter how low or lonely you keep, a pet will always be there for you. Whether you want to pour your heart out to them or tell them your secrets, you know it's all safe with them! Pets give you unconditional love and are always faithful.

Reduce stress
Stressed out? Pets are known to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Experts say that people can get relieve from stress and depression, if they spend time with their pets.

Long life
Several studies have revealed that people who tend to spend their time with pets are more likely to live longer than people who don't.

Better social skills
Want to improve your social skills? It is said that people who keep pets are said to be good in their social relations. Kids who grow up with pets at home are always respectful towards living things.

Safety
Having a dog at home is especially good because they also double up as caretakers. No burglar alarm can be better than a dog at home!

Know Before You Go: Horseback Riding

Although people may not think “fitness” when they consider taking the reins, horseback riding can be a serious butt-kicking workout. It may look like the horse is getting all the exercise, but it takes balance, strong legs, and a stable core to stay in the saddle. This old school hobby is an awesome way to spend some quality time in the great outdoors and get beyond a basic gym routine. Before hitting the trails, check out Greatist’s guide to horsing around.

From the Horse’s Mouth — The Need-to-Know

Since people first hopped into the saddle around 3500 BCE, horses and humans have been inseparable partners in crime. When the automobile (aka “horseless carriage”) got popular in the late 1800s, horses became used for recreation, not work. These days most people pony up to exercise, compete, or just have fun. The first step before heading to the barn is deciding which style of riding to try. Most stables teach English style or Western style, although some places offer both. So what’s the difference between English and Western? The two styles use different equipment (aka “tack”), which affects the rider’s position and communication with the horse. English tack is smaller and less bulky, which makes for closer contact between the horse and rider. Western saddles were originally used by cowboys on long cattle drives, so they’re built for comfort and stability with a deep seat, long stirrups, and a saddle horn for looping a lasso (or hanging on!).

To read more on this story, click here: Know Before You Go: Horseback Riding

A Woman in Minnesota Is Fighting to Keep Her Emotional Support Pony: Authorities Says Farm Animals Are Prohibited From City Limits

Minneapolis, Minnesota — An unassuming pony is at the center of controversy in central Minnesota.

Pam Davidson calls him Tony the Wonder Pony, but city leaders in Clarissa and Eagle Bend say he can’t stay in city limits any longer.

WCCO-TV dug into the debate that one woman’s been trying to rein in for months.

Some might find it strange to share 800 square feet with a 300-pound Shetland pony. Bizzare or not, Davidson wouldn’t want it any other way.

“We’re all different people in this world. We’re all different people. And Tony is different, and I’m different,” Davidson said.

Diagnosed with depression and anxiety, Davidson calls Tony “the Wonder Pony” for what he’s done to turn her life around.

“He helps me like you would not believe,” she said. “This animal has kept me from dying. This animal has help me become active. This animal has got me out of my bed room where I locked myself away for a year-and-a-half after my sister died.”

Davidson says her pony is housebroken since he came from another family who raised him indoors.

She’s had Tony since May as an emotional support animal.

“I have letters from my doctors,” she explained.

Despite mental health professionals weighing in, it took just a few days to hear from the cities of Clarissa and Eagle Bend where she lives and spends her time.

“All farm animals including all types of horses are prohibited from the city limits,” reads one letter.

Clarissa’s city administrator didn’t want to be on camera but told WCCO-TV the emotional support title differs from a full-fledged service animal. They’re not entitled to the same protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Also, citing safety as a concern, he said a truck driver was forced to brake when he found Tony wandering near the highway this summer.

Davidson has offered to build a fence and not take her pet into businesses where he’s not wanted anymore.

“They won’t listen to me. They won’t listen to me,” she said.

Davidson doesn’t want to move but vows to do whatever it takes to protect the pony that she says has done the same for her.

“I’m not going to give up fighting,” she said. “I’d rather be homeless. I’m not going to let him go.”

Davidson has ignored the city of Clarissa’s request to get rid of Tony. She has until Thursday to appeal a decision in Eagle Bend that denied her a variance for her pony. Either city would need a court order to physically remove Tony from town.

A Move to Renew the Defunding of Horse Slaughter Facility Inspectors Was Defeated in a 27-25 Vote

The US House Appropriations Committee met to mark up and vote on the Fiscal Year 2018 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. The passage of this bill for the past decade has included language that effectively outlaws horse slaughter in the United States by blocking funding for the USDA to pay inspectors for horse slaughter facilities, but today’s passage will go without that amendment.

Lucille Roybal-Allard, a Democrat from California, pushed for the inclusion of the renewed ban, but the move was defeated in a 27-25 vote.

Horse slaughter plant inspectors will continue to be unfunded through September 30 of this year; it remains to be seen whether US slaughter facilities will move to reopen after that date.

While slaughter is currently outlawed by default in the US through the lack of inspector funding, horses still fall into the so-called “slaughter pipeline” and are shipped to Mexico or Canada (as well as shipped overseas less commonly) with meat typically sold to European markets. Many supporters of US horse slaughter argue that re-legalizing slaughter in this country would reduce the suffering of animals being shipped over the border; opponents to slaughter argue that there is no such things as “humane horse slaughter” regardless of where the animal is taken.

Horse slaughter has been a contentious issue in the horse world and the political world for years, with strong arguments to be made on both sides for the health of the industry. Regardless of whether you are for or against horse slaughter, this development will certainly have far-reaching effects in the horse industry in the coming year.

Meet Frederik, the World's Most Handsome Horse

Frederik The Great, a breathtakingly beautiful Friesian stallion from the United States, may just be the world's most handsome horse.

Sharing his name with the ruler of Prussia from 1740-1786, the highly acclaimed horse has a muscular build, striking black features and flowing mane.

The beautiful stallion is owned by Pinnacle Friesians where he stands at stud in the Ozark Mountains in the US.

With a Facebook fan page of more than 12,500 followers and a blog to his name, the stunning stallion has amassed quite a hefty fan following.

So popular is the horse that an online gallery featuring artwork of him has been created.

A breathtaking video shot recently shows Frederik galloping freely, with his long black mane billowing in the wind.

'That hair! It's like someone crossed a horse with the hunky lead from a romance novel,' Boredom Therapy wrote.

The equine treasure's legacy will continue with his first offspring born in August 2015.

Vaughn, a Friesian colt, shares the same striking appearance as its father and at just nine months old is completely adorable.

Frederik The Great commands a stud fee of more than AUD$7,500.
By comparison, Frankel, one of the world's greatest ever racehorses, has a service fee of more than AUD$250,000.

Fans of Frederik The Great have expressed their love for the handsome horse.

“Frederik, you are the most beautiful horse that I have ever seen. Only God could create such artistry. Breath taking & magnificent,” one person wrote.

“There will NEVER be a more majestic, handsome, sexy horse on the face of the earth. Never, ever. I wish I could just touch and 'smell' him just once,” wrote another.

He's the real life Black Beauty.

Drawing comparisons: “It's like someone crossed a horse with the hunky lead from a romance novel,” Boredom Therapy wrote, putting Frederik (left) in the same league as heartthrob Fabio Lanzoni (right)

Shelter Workers Found a Neglected Pony Whose Hooves Hadn’t Been Trimmed in 10 Years

Shelter workers found this pony in a sad state of neglect, with hooves curled around his feet, making it nearly impossible to walk.

They were amazed that the pony could even walk off the trailer. When he arrived at a shelter in Belgium, his hooves were so long, they curled around themselves. It seemed this pony was saved just in time.

A healthy horse, or pony, has their hooves trimmed every few weeks. But this poor pony had been forgotten about, starved and unkempt, living in a makeshift shelter. When the pony was picked up, along with another horse, they stood on a mound of manure nearly two feet high.

The owner finally handed over the pony and horse to the authorities and they were brought to Animaux en Péril, a local sanctuary in Belgium. Rescuers couldn’t believe a pony could survive like this. Not only were his hooves in such bad shape but he was 200 pounds underweight. A healthy Shetland Pony should weigh 450 pounds, he only weighed 154 pounds.

Both Poly and his mate, now named Everest, underwent extensive grooming. They were both shampooed and sheared to rid them of lice and dirt, their hooves were trimmed, then they were wrapped in blankets to keep them warm.

Both Poly and Everest have a long way to go– but each day they are with people who love and care for them, their futures are looking so much brighter.

Cameraman Walking Through a Barn, Turns to Find An Adorable Miniature Horse Following Him

Have you ever had a time in your life where you felt like you were being followed? It can be pretty unsettling, especially if you're by yourself. You look back and there's nobody there, and then that unsettling feeling gets even stronger for some reason.

Well, it might not be so bad if you turned around and found out you were being followed by this adorable miniature horse. That's the situation Sterling Bartow found himself in when he was walking through a barn. He turned around and realized that his stalker was this cute little baby horse. Just wait until you see how small it is in comparison to the dog.

Watch As French Horse Trainer, Frédéric Pignon, Dances with Beautiful Friesian Stallions

Friesians are beautiful and strong horses known for their agility. Frédéric Pignon, a French horse trainer proves this sentiment to be true in a remarkable performance with not one, but three Frisian stallions. Pignon takes command of the horses as they follow his lead with impeccable grace.

When the performance first starts, we see a captivating stallion galloping alongside the trainer. The horse follows each command including picking up a riding crop and posing. When the second horse comes out, there is not a moment of hesitation as they gallop in unison and take individual commands.

But, wait! There's even a third horse! What's even more amazing is that the horses work together to continue a remarkable performance. The animals continue to alternate working together and also performing solo acts. Breathtaking!

Pignon is considered among the best trainers in the world. His attentiveness and depth of understanding horses it a top reason that he is so successful with training them to do performances such as this. He understands that there is much more to the horse than regular methods. In an interview with Horse Collaborative, Pignon said, "What I observe most of the time is that people use methods like horses are bicycles. They’re horses. A horse is a big adventure when you start to be with one." He commits himself to learning about the horse and training each individual horse in the way that is most effective.

This type of performance is not uncommon among Friesian horses. According to Pet Breeds, the breed is versatile and can be used for anything from riding to dressage. They are intelligent animals that can complete various tasks and take direction very well.

Why US Troops Risked Their Lives in WWII to Rescue Horses Kidnapped by Nazis

 “Get them. Make it fast.”

In the chaotic last days of the Second World War, Gen. George Patton’s terse command set off a remarkable secret mission to save a group of priceless stallions and brood mares kidnapped on the orders of Adolf Hitler.

The directive might have appeared foolhardy and risky to an outsider but not to the small group of American and German soldiers who put their hostilities aside, desperate to save the world’s most valuable equine prisoners of war, which were being held deep inside enemy lines in occupied Czechoslovakia.

Minutes after Patton’s order, Hank Reed, a Virginia horseman who was the commanding officer of the Second Cavalry in Europe, dispatched one of his soldiers, an accomplished rider from Tennessee, to team up with a Nazi veterinarian. Under cover of darkness, they trekked miles through dense forests and battle-scarred villages to capture the horses and place them under American protection — before the arrival of advancing Russian troops.

The valuable Lipizzaner horses — snow-white and blue-black, many of them Olympic dressage champions — had been stolen from the countries that the Nazis occupied during the war. In addition to gold, jewelry and artwork, the Nazis seized the valuable horses from Poland, Yugoslavia, Italy and Austria.

The Nazis’ goal, according to author Elizabeth Letts in her new book “The Perfect Horse” (Ballantine), was to breed the Lipizzaner with German horses in order to create an equine specimen that was worthy of the German master race.

Horses were central to the Nazi propaganda effort, and Hitler was often shown as “the man who put Germany back in the saddle,” according to Letts. In fact, as soon as he ordered the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and unleashed the grisly chain of events that plunged the world into war, Hitler had important plans for the country’s horses. As Letts writes, “In the blueprint forged for its occupation, a plan was put into place for the ‘rebuilding of Poland’s horse-breeding industry’ for the ‘interest of the German nation.’ ”

To read more on this story, click here: Why US troops risked their lives in WWII to rescue horses kidnapped by Nazis

This Summer Has Been So Hot and Dry in Upstate New York That Horse Manure is Bursting Into Flames

The owners of a horse stable had been storing the manure in large piles that frequently spontaneously combusted in the excessive heat and dry conditions.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says one of its enforcement officers responded on July 5 to multiple calls complaining of smell and smoke coming from a burning pile of horse manure at a property in the town of Throop, in the Finger Lakes region 20 miles west of Syracuse. 

The officer learned that the owners of a horse stable had been storing the manure in large piles that frequently spontaneously combusted in the excessive heat and dry conditions. 

DEC officials say a shift in the prevailing winds carried the odor of burning manure it into the neighbors' windows. 

It took three local fire departments two hours to douse the burning horse manure.

A Horse Clipper Has Become a UK Sensation Because of Her Serious Horse Clipping Skills

Melody Hames, 27, began clipping her own pet pony at the age of 12, and is now an absolute pro at it.

She had to trim her pony frequently because it suffered from a condition called cushings, causing it to have a thick woolly coat which doesn't change in the warmer season.

As she became more experience she decided to set up her own clipping company in Lancashire, JMC Equestrian.

She set up shop in 2013 and business has been booming ever since.

She used to do normal clippings, but has expanded her horizons after getting quirky requests from clients.

The clipper is now inundated with requests for fancy horse trimmings before shows.

Explaining how she decides patterns, she said: 'Often I will visualize it in my head and clarify it with a quick look at related objects which in turn can create new ideas and viewpoints.

"I sketched out different shapes for castles and also for the armour clip as I knew I wanted a specific kind of style castle and sword.

"This helps me visualize in my head and I run with it from there.

"I use a wide range of blades and clippers, I have blades and clippers to suit pretty much every situation, and ever breed as well as coat type.

"No stencils have been used to date or CGIs here - all hand crafted, it's very much like a craft to me that only comes with experience and practice."

Her designs, some which she draws freehand, take from 30 minutes to eight or nine hours to do.

She is most proud of her castle design, which she did over a few days.

She continued: "I would work for as long as it took though, over the space of days, to suit the horse.

"The castle is important to me as it kick started the larger scale custom clipping and gave me something to really work at. It got me a lot of attention.

"This season my favorite has been the Armour De L'Amore clip as it's on my personal horse Romeo and I have worked over time to build him up.

"Now he stands unaltered with complete trust while I work which has been a challenge as he's was a very nervous character and still is but he trusts me and it's a great feeling."

She trims complex medieval designs into the animals for her clients, and the horses she works on always look fabulous!

You wish you were as beautiful as this horse. Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

This is definitely Beyonce as a horse. Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

Just look at this great horse. Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

Credit: JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

She hand-draws all her designs. Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

Utterly majestic! Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian

  

Pony Dressed as Unicorn Leads California Authorities on Wild Chase

A pony dressed as a unicorn lead California Highway Patrol on a four-hour chase through the streets of Madera County, Calif., Wednesday night.

The white pony, named Juliet, doubles as a unicorn for photo shoots with her owner photographer Sandra Boos. 

Boos said Juliet makes a lot of "dreams come true" for little girls during the photoshoots.

On Wednesday night, Juliet decided to make a dream of her own come true. Freedom.

While her owner was taking photos of a group of young children, Juliet made her move.

Donning her mythical unicorn horn, Juliet “threw up her head" and "pulled the lead rope” out of a bystander's hands and ran, Boos said.

“I was shooting, but I assume she got free and was like, ‘Oh, well I’m going to run,’ and she took off,” Boos said in a phone interview.

The California Highway Patrol tried for almost four hours to catch Juliet on the ground, as a helicopter helped track the horse from the air, Boos said.

Juliet eluded all efforts at capture, until Boos' friend rode up on a horse.

“When Juliet saw [the woman's] horse, Shady, she came running,” Boos said.

To her owner's relief, Juliet followed the horse into a nearby pen.

"I was standing with highway patrol when the call came over the radio, and they said 'the unicorn is in custody,'" Boos said.

A Teen Saved More Than a Dozen Clydesdales, Including a 3-Week-Old Foal, from a Burning Barn

Bishop, Georgia - A teen saved more than a dozen Clydesdales, including a 3-week-old foal, from a burning barn about 60 miles east of Atlanta.

At about 2 a.m. ET Thursday, lightning struck the horse barn at Classic City Clydesdales here.

“It shook the whole house," said Shannon Martin, who owns the farm with her husband, Mark. "One minute I am in bed. The next minute I am standing up next to the bed trying to figure out what bomb went off.”

It rattled the horses, especially the 3-week-old trapped inside with more than a dozen others. With flames all around, the barn doors were locked and the power was out.

“We could not get the large overheads open,” she said.

That's when their 16-year son, Macon Martin, jumped into action.

“I just ran right out. I had no clothes on, no shoes, no nothing,” he said. “I just jumped in our Gator and I just ran it right into the door.”

He used the John Deere utility vehicle like an action hero, his mom said.

“He busted through like Rambo and opened up the end of the stalls and said, 'Mom this way,' " she said. "And we were able to push the horses out that way."

All of the Clydesdales, a breed of draft horse most famous for starring in Budweiser commercials, are doing fine — including Phoebe. She’s expecting a foal, and her due date was Thursday.

The barn is a total loss.

“It will take some time to rebuild," Shannon Martin said. "This was a dream. We saved and built it brick by brick. We’ll have to start over.”

But their horses, which travel to events and parades across the USA, will be starting over with them.

“Big horses everybody thinks (are) real tough," she said. "but Clydes are sort of the beauty queens of the draft horse world. They can be pretty fragile.”

Awww! This Baby Horse is Adorable…and He Just Wants to Cuddle

Horses aren't exactly known for their cuddling abilities.

However, one baby horse at the Rapid Run Training Center is Morristown, Florida is exceptionally affectionate, acting more like a dog than a horse when Sunny Bayne approached it.

"This is the best day of my life," Bayne said as the filly laid on top of her.

Cuddling changes people.