As she said amen, more than fifty balloons—signifying black-and-white polka dots—were released heavenward.
All for a horse named Joey.
EPILOGUE
THE HORSE WAS SKIN AND BONES, and yet she was gorgeous. A wide white patch ran the length of her muzzle, the brilliant white in stark contrast to her copper-colored coat and strawberry blonde mane. She whinnied and shook her head, obviously nervous and fearful.
“It’s okay, sweet girl,” Kim crooned. “You’re safe. This is your new home.” The mare’s eyes were wide set—common for a Saddlebred, yet making her look more terrified. “You have a lot of people waiting to meet you. How about we get out of this trailer and go meet your new family?”
The horse stomped the trailer’s floor. Kim unhooked her from the ties and attached a lead rope to her halter.
The animal had been rescued from a horrific situation. Of the forty horses seized from a Saddlebred horse hoarder, she was one of just eleven that had survived. The only information Kim had about the horse was that her early training had involved traumatic methods—the use of chains and firecrackers to force her into the high-stepping paces desired in the competition ring. The horse was scarred—physically and emotionally—from the cruel practices and unimaginable neglect, and yet she had survived. Surely she was a fighter.
Kim’s throat tightened with emotion. Hope Reins now had a Saddlebred. She had a Saddlebred. How many years had she longed for a horse just like Country, her childhood friend? After all these years, Kim was going to get her wish. This Saddlebred would never be forced to do anything she didn’t want to do. She would simply be loved here.
Kim backed her out of the trailer. The horse’s steps were unsure, her ears pricked on high alert.
Oohs and aahs erupted from the crowd of staff and volunteers waiting for their first peek at the newest Hope Reins resident.
“Kim, she’s beautiful!” Sarah exclaimed.
Kim and Barb had agreed to give her a permanent home, sight unseen. The only other horse they had done that for was Joey.
Joey.
A pang of sadness gripped Kim’s heart for a moment. The loss was still palpable. Hardly a day went by without someone mentioning his name. But life went on, as it always did. They were all adjusting to a new normal. And then, three weeks ago, Kim had gotten the call about this horse.
Lauren let the horse sniff her hand. “Well, hi there,” she said, before turning to Kim. “What are you going to call her?”
Kim had thought about that a lot. They often gave Hope Reins horses new names. It seemed fitting to get a new name with a new life. Of course, sometimes they kept the horse’s original name, as in Joey’s case. But Kim believed this mare deserved a significant, meaningful name to make up for the terrible abuse she had suffered. Kim had been talking it over with Mike and praying about it.
A week earlier, she read Psalm 3 for her morning devotions and saw a word repeated three times: Selah. Kim researched its meaning and found that most scholars agreed it meant “to pause, rest, and reflect.” It took Kim back to that Christmas Eve morning one year before, when she sat at the ranch with Joey pondering—pausing and reflecting—on God’s goodness.
“This is Selah,” Kim announced to the Hope Reins team. “She needs a pause in her life. She needs to rest, and we need to reflect on all that God has done for and through this ministry.”
The look of delight on everyone’s face confirmed that she had chosen well.
Kim could already imagine the lives Selah was going to touch. This horse had survived the worst life had to offer, but she was still standing. Still breathing. Still living. Kim knew that children and adults would relate to her fearful distrust of people, and she hoped that as they helped to rebuild that trust for Selah, they might rebuild some of their own.
She prayed that God would somehow use this broken horse to bring healing to others. And she suspected that of all the people Selah’s life would touch, her own would be affected most of all. In the brief time she had known this horse, she had seen so much of her own story reflected in Selah’s. Yes, this horse was special.
“Where are we taking Selah?” Sarah asked, admiring the new equine counselor.
It seemed Kim’s soul had been waiting to answer that question for months. “Paddock two.”
“TO KNOW JOEY WAS TO LOVE JOEY.”
This was a phrase I heard often during my interviews with people who had the honor of spending time with Joey. Some shared treasured memories, others recalled amusing incidents, many offered thoughtful reflections, and all agreed that you couldn’t help but love this beautiful horse. I hope that you will get to know Joey just a little better through these images.
Heidi Grable, one of Joey’s beloved trainers, painted this remarkable likeness of him.
With no money for advertising when Hope Reins first opened, this appealing sign drew families in.
With such a soulful gaze, it was hard to believe that Joey was actually blind.
Speckles eventually learned that sharing makes everyone happy.
It didn’t take long for Joey and Speckles to become inseparable.
Before beginning sessions, the volunteers always gathered for prayer.
The tack shed (left) and feed shed (right) were conveniently located near the hitching posts.
Grooming the horse is an important part of each session. Here, Hilary, a session leader, steadied Joey for brushing.
Joey was great at boosting a child’s self-confidence because of his easygoing manner.
Joey never lacked for attention!
Everyone agreed that Joey and Speckles were made for each other.
Several training methods proved effective with Joey, and he was a star pupil.
Aly bonded with Joey the first time she met him.
Joey loved getting and giving hugs.
The common area—a spacious gathering place for events, with the small office nestled under the trees in the background on the right.
Joey was a willing canvas for summer camp kids to finger paint in natural hues. He loved the hands-on artists!
Spirit (foreground) and Joey at home in paddock two.
In many ways, Selah, a rescued Saddlebred, has been God’s personalized gift to Kim.
Author’s Note
I AM NOT A HORSE PERSON, nor did I ever dream of writing a book about a horse.
But then I met Joey.
The extent of my horse experience before then had consisted of a trail ride at the age of nine. But as a former grief counselor to children and families, I was intrigued by the work Kim Tschirret was doing at Hope Reins, and I wanted to learn more about the ministry. I gladly accepted an invitation to attend a fund-raising dinner in 2012.
That night, as our group approached paddock two, I was busy thinking about how I might be able to serve at the horse ranch. Lost in my thoughts, I was startled by a horse’s head stretching over the fence in search of a carrot Kim was holding. I remember staring at Joey’s midnight-black eyes as Kim shared his story. It seemed as if the horse could see into my soul.
Normally, I am timid around horses, yet I found myself reaching my hand out toward Joey as Kim spoke. He touched my hand the moment she said the word blind.
My hand froze as I stared into his eyes. I could hear Kim in the background, elaborating on Joey’s impact at Hope Reins, but I was completely mesmerized by the horse standing in front of me.
A dinner bell rang, signaling the end of our ranch tour. Everyone started heading to the large white tent where a delicious dinner would be served. Yet I could not move. The sun was setting in brilliant hues that evening, all the beautiful colors reflected in Joey’s eyes.
At that moment, God stirred my heart to write Joey’s story. It made no sense to me. I had zero horse experience. How was I supposed to write a book about a horse? I was just there to learn more about the ministry. I left that night full of excitement and uncertainty—longing to write his story, yet feeling completely unqualified
to do so.
Over the next few weeks, I found myself thinking of Joey. Eventually, I began driving by the ranch just to catch a glimpse of him. I arranged to interview the people who had known and worked with Joey, asking them countless questions. I read dozens of books about horses and did other research. And then, months after that first meeting, I began to type.
Writing Joey’s story was not easy. At times I couldn’t see where I was headed or how I was going to get there. But maybe, just maybe, that was part of God’s plan all along. Crafting Joey’s story inspired me to write more, something I had always loved to do but had put aside for many years. Yes, just as Joey helped Aly to become less timid and find her voice, he also did that for me.
Acknowledgments
I have always loved reading acknowledgment pages because they provide a window into an author’s life and process. Yet before writing a book, I could never understand how an author could have so many people to thank.
Well, now I know! In fact, I truly believe I could write an entire book of thank-yous to everyone who contributed to this project.
Kim Tschirret, I admire your obedience to God’s call to start Hope Reins in order to help hurting children find hope. You are the real deal, and I am grateful and honored to call you my friend.
Thanks to all the amazing people at Hope Reins, especially Barb Foulkrod, Jennifer Shepard, Elizabeth Love, and Jo Anne Mailand, for being willing to answer my countless questions. Every time I e-mailed or texted a question, you were so quick to respond! Thank you for being patient with me and forgiving me for my lack of horse experience. And Jen and Elizabeth, thank you for letting me shadow both of you. I learned so much about horses and life from you two!
Heidi, how many questions did I send you? I lost count. But you answered each and every one. Thank you for inviting me into your home and into your memories.
To Lacy, Joan, Penny, Lisa, and Todd: It was a privilege to hear the role each of you played in Joey’s life before he found his way to Hope Reins. You helped build a foundation of trust that enabled him to triumph over his circumstances. I’m glad I could tell you about his remaining productive years. On behalf of all who were forever changed by Joey, thank you for loving him so well.
To Jessica Kirkland, my incredibly talented agent: I was a genre orphan when I called you with my story idea. I had no idea what I had written. You listened intently, and you gave Joey (and me) a home. Your vision for this project was far bigger than my own, and I am forever grateful.
To the Tyndale Momentum team: Sarah Atkinson, Carol Traver, Bonne Steffen, Jillian Schlossberg, Kara Leonino, Sharon Leavitt, and everyone else involved. I thought having my book published would be the highlight of this experience, but honestly, it has been meeting and getting to learn from all of you. (Don’t get me wrong, the whole publishing thing is pretty cool too!) Sarah, you made me feel welcome from that first phone call. Thank you for loving Joey’s story and for taking a chance on a blind horse and an unknown author. The moment I discovered you were a dog person, I knew Joey was in good hands! Carol, if Joey had a guardian angel, she would have your face, your giftedness with story structure, and an adorable cat! Thank you hardly seems adequate to express the depth of gratitude I have for you and what you did for this book. Bonne, it was a joy to work with you. If Carol was Joey’s guardian angel, you were mine! You tightened and tweaked the manuscript to make it stronger (especially in those chapters where we could hardly see through the tears!).
To Margot Starbuck: What a joy to get to know you and work with you. You guided me through the entire writing process, and it was a delightful experience. I am indebted to you for your tireless work in the beginning (hello, point of view and story structure) and for your constant encouragement. I am blessed to know you.
Mike Hall, thank you for giving me a chance to write curriculum all those years ago. At the time, it made no sense, but then again, you have always marched to your own drum! God used you to rekindle a passion within me for the written word that blossomed in this book.
Jennifer Sharpe and Megan Lawrence: You were my first editors, and I learned so much from both of you. Thank you for your friendship, support, and prayers.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends who prayed for me and sent me words of encouragement and pictures to make me laugh. Aimee, Julie, Melissa, Kat, Crystal, Lindy, Kathryn, Tana, Lori, and Nicole: Every time I would hit the proverbial wall, God would urge one of you in my direction with just what I needed to go on. Each one of you is a precious friend to me.
To all my friends at LAMBS: Thank you for caring about this project and praying diligently for it.
To Aunt Judy: Every time I called with a Joey update, your excitement rivaled, if not exceeded, my own. You are my own personal cheerleader, and I am so thankful for you.
To Mom and Daddy: I hit the jackpot when it came to my parents! You have always made me believe that I can do anything God calls me to do. Thank you for continually pointing me to the hope I have in Jesus. And Daddy, thank you for writing notes to your shy little girl, who found it difficult to verbalize what was in my heart. Your notes—and encouragement to write back to you—provided me with a way to share my thoughts and feelings. In many ways you unlocked my voice, and I am forever grateful.
To my precious tribe: Darrell, Andrew, and Ella, none of this would have happened without you three. Your enthusiasm and understanding kept me going (even though I did not always keep the laundry or cooking going!). You are my safe place—you are my home. I love you more than I can express. Darrell, thank you for your unwavering devotion. Thank you for telling me that I could do this. Andrew and Ella, I love making up stories for you. You will always be my favorite audience. I love all of you for eternity times infinity and beyond!
And last, but certainly not least, Father God, none of this would have happened if not for you. I will never understand why you chose me to do this, but Lord, I am so grateful you did. I went to the ranch that day looking for a place to connect, and I found a calling instead. Jesus, you are my light, my love, and my life. You are my hope. This is all about you. Joey was your horse, this has always been your story, and I am forever your girl.
Much love,
Jen
Group Discussion Questions
When Hope Reins founder Kim Tschirret met Joey, the abandoned Appaloosa, she instantly knew he belonged at her therapy ranch despite the extra care he required. Have you ever made a decision that made no sense to anyone but yourself? Did it turn out to be a good decision or not?
The deep connection between animals and people has spawned countless therapeutic organizations that have truly made a difference in the participants’ quality of life. Have you ever experienced that kind of connection with your own personal pet? Why do you think there is such a bond?
Kim was inspired to start Hope Reins after reading another woman’s story of successfully pursuing the same dream. Do you have an unfulfilled dream that you can’t dismiss? What prevents you from seeing it realized?
The words of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 became a catalyst for Kim to start Hope Reins: “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” Have you ever been able to extend special comfort to someone because you had been through a situation similar to theirs?
God miraculously provided the land for Hope Reins through the generosity of a local church. Can you think of any generous, but unexpected, gifts (material or otherwise) you have received?
As the day-to-day demands of running the ranch began to pile up, Kim held on to the mantra “God will provide.” Have you ever found yourself repeating that same mantra to yourself? In what ways did God provide for you?
Although Kim believed that God would meet all of the ranch’s needs, she struggled with worry, trying her best to change it to trust. Can you identify with that struggle in your life? What has helped you move from worry to trust?
When Joey got tangled up in the electric wire fencing and was injured, Kim shouldered all the blame. But her staff members rallied with encouraging support so Kim wouldn’t be overcome by the what-ifs. Have you ever been emotionally paralyzed by regret and what-ifs? How did you get going again?
Lauren took a risk when she faced off with Speckles, reprimanding him for his treatment of Joey. Almost immediately she had second thoughts about the wisdom of her decision, but she didn’t back down. To her amazement, Speckles did, and that moment started the horse and trainer in a positive direction. Have you ever taken a risk that seemed foolish, but turned out better than you imagined possible?
Sarah witnessed Lauren working with Speckles and said, “Maybe Speckles needs us to understand how his past affects his present.” As the story unfolds, you realize that the horses aren’t the only ones who have been injured in some way in the past—people have too. What about you? Is something in your past affecting your present? What steps of healing do you need to take? Is there someone you may have judged too quickly, without the benefit of knowing his or her complete story?
When Ethan asked Sarah if she believed in God, a lot of things went through her mind before she answered. Would you have answered Ethan’s question differently?
As Speckles and Joey became inseparable, the trainers realized that the horses’ bond defined their purpose. Speckles may not have been able to be ridden like the other therapy horses on the ranch, but he still had a purpose by serving as Joey’s eyes. Have you ever wondered what your purpose on earth is? Has your purpose changed at different times of your life?
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