Before adopting my pony, Ranger, I would go and take lessons on him out at the barn I rode at. It was a loosely-structured barn, so I could groom and ride him for hours, and I really got to know and love him. The barn ended up going bankrupt. When this happened, we were notified that the management was going to be evicted and the horses taken by Animal Control. I had established such a bond with Ranger and knew I couldn’t let him be taken when he might not end up in a good place. Of course, my mom agreed that the best thing to do would be to rescue him. I started boarding him at a lesson barn where I was able to ride him and take him to horse shows. I undoubtedly knew Ranger was the right horse for me because we really just clicked from the first time. Ranger has always been so willing to do anything asked and really enjoyed his job. In the short time I had spent with him before we adopted him, he taught me so much in and out of the saddle. When my mom and I were presented the opportunity to adopt Ranger, we took it, no questions asked. I absolutely adored him and his unique personality, and I was certain that if we adopted him, we would be able to provide him with a forever home. After I grew too tall to ride Ranger, we put him in the lesson program where I was riding at the time. He instantly became a fan favorite with many of the little kids and loved all the attention he received. Ranger just recently stopped working as a lesson pony and has moved with me to my new barn. Now Ranger gets time to just enjoy grazing and get lots of affection as he retires. I’m able to just spend time with him now grooming and spoiling him with treats. When I adopted Ranger, I got a partner for life that has taught me so many things.