During the past year, our Percheron Draft Horse, Big Ben began tripping frequently during class. Obviously, this is not a safe behavior for a therapy horse, so we began  by asking our vet, Dr. John Hunt,

Dr. John Hunt, DVM

to come out and evaluate him. After watching Big Ben work in the round pen for a short period of time, Dr. Hunt did a “flexion test.“

The test involved holding Big Ben’s back leg up for about 60 seconds and then letting it go and quickly asking him to trot. This is similar to asking someone with knee joint issues to squat for a minute or so them jump up and run. Big Ben limped, tripped and basically failed this test.  So, the conclusion was that his hocks were causing him pain and subsequently the tripping issue.

Horse Anatomy

We then discussed options. Hocks can be injected with anti-inflammatory/pain medication at a cost of about $450 per hock. We would probably have to do this twice each season and still there would be no guarantee that it would solve the problem.  Hello, we are a non-profit!  Even so, this was a tough decision! Everyone loves Big Ben. 

Big Ben

He behaves very well for the program.  We can take him to noisy arenas, throw balls at him and he still behaves.  Will we find another horse we can afford with a similar temperament and abilities? There were lots of unknowns to consider.

AND…we love him!  He’s part of our Edelweiss family! On the other hand, if we keep him and injecting his hocks does not work, then we have several riders who would have to put lessons on hold in the Spring while we find a replacement. This is an example of the fine line we walk on many decisions at Edelweiss.  It’s a constant balance, but we always have to keep in mind that SAFETY is number one.  After some heart wrenching, intense conversations, the staff decided that it was best for Ben and the safety of our program for him to retire from his position at Edelweiss.

Fortunately, this story has a happy ending for Big Ben and Edelweiss.  Stayed tuned to hear about what happened to Big Ben and the process involved in finding a new horse to fill his position.

Anna Schoppenhorst, Intern

I’m in this awesome new class at EH called Contemporary Literature/Service Learning. First semester we read books about social injustices and then volunteered in those fields. For example, after reading  Hero by S. L. Rottman, we volunteered at Edelweiss. I had never been around horses and the very first horse I was assigned to groom was Big Ben. He towered over me and I’m not going to lie, I was terrified, but after a few cautious brushes his calmness washed over me and soon all my trepidation had left. Second semester we were asked to choose a local non-profit organization to volunteer at. I immediately chose Edelweiss. I volunteer five hours a week in place of the five hours I would normally spend in class. So far it’s been a great opportunity and I feel blessed to be surrounded by such nice people every day. If you spot me in a crowd, don’t hesitate to come over and say hi! 

Shirley Mascoe

I am Shirley Mascoe, Edelweiss Executive Director and the primary author of the Hoofbeats Blog.  A little about myself. I have been married to my husband, John, for 29 years.  We have four kids, mostly grown, Samantha, 25, Jordan 23, Shelby 19, and Gage 17.  I graduated from Purdue in 1985 with a B.S. in child development and a special education endorsement.  Then I proceeded to spit out babies!  I’ve spent the past 25 years raising kids on our 30 acre farm in northeast Hancock County and becoming more and more active in the nonprofit world.

My Family in the fall of 2006

My journey to Edelweiss began as my oldest child left for college.  I had a slight panic attack as I admitted to not really thinking much beyond the time that my children would be my focus.  At 43, I didn’t feel ready to “retire,”  but didn’t have a clue what to DO?!

 Fortunately, God did know as he put a novel in my hands about a woman who did horse therapy for children with cancer.  Hmmm . . . I was raised with horses, have accumulated all of this nonprofit management experience, have a degree and background in education, fit?  Perhaps!  So, I did what every computer savvy woman does, I Googled it!  Amazingly, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, now PATH, International, was hosting their international conference in Indianapolis the next month.  

I went, got hooked on the mission of therapeutic riding and in a conference of thousands met Elisa Bowen Bell, the founder of Edelweiss.

Elisa Bell & Shirley Mascoe, 2011 Edelweiss Golf Outing

Elisa invited me to become a volunteer and I fell in love.  I began the certification process to become an instructor that summer and completed the process early in 2009.  I have been a regular instructor at the center ever since.  I also added to my nonprofit knowledge base as executive director of Meals on Wheels of Hancock County.  In November 2010, I became the executive director at Edelweiss. I am convinced that this is where I am meant to be!

An Edelweiss Conversation

The Hoofbeats Blog was created to keep our friends informed about happenings at the farm and to share pertinent information about the field of therapeutic riding. I look forward to sharing our stories with you, but more importantly, I’m excited by the prospect of engaging conversations as well!  That’s the best part of a blog, unlike a newsletter, you can post comments and connect in conversations with us! So, “WRITE-ON!”