Jolene - One of Many Cared For by Ariat Champions While Waiting for Forever Homes

Deb Bott with Jolene

Soon to be 60 years old with a lifelong passion for horses, it wasn't until Deb Bott was introduced to Begin Again Horse Rescue (BAHR) four years ago by another dedicated volunteer that Bott was able to fulfill her dream. "The hours Deb volunteers doesn't begin to tell how much she actually gives of herself to BAHR to help at-risk horses in so many different ways. We are thrilled to have her efforts acknowledged by the EQUUS Foundation," said Harriett Rubins, BAHR Executive Director/President. After attending classes that BAHR offered and volunteering alongside others trained by BAHR, Deb now spends almost every Saturday morning at BAHR caring for the horses and helping new volunteers.

Richard Fincher with Rocky (left) and Chief (right)

Richard Fincher is a first responder for the fire department, where he is also credited with setting up an emergency rescue unit for large animal rescue that can respond to natural disasters like flooding and fire. Fincher also teaches equine care and rescue at several high schools in the area. Fincher has been involved with horses all of his life and, since 2006, has been the Executive Director of Safe Haven Equine Rescue & Retirement Home, an all-volunteer charity devoted to rescuing abused, neglected or distressed horses, restoring them to optimal health, and then finding them loving homes. For those who are not able to be adopted, Safe Haven provides a home where they can live out the rest of their lives with dignity.

Tammy Kempton with Hope

Tammy Kempton has been volunteering at Strides Therapeutic Horsemanship Center as a horse leader for almost a year. Kempton first became involved when her son volunteered to build a sensory trail for Strides for his Boy Scout Eagle project. Sensory trail rides consisting of natural and man-made elements and activities including music and touch stations help stimulate the senses of special needs students and encourage them to interact with the world around them. As a Girl Scout troop leader for the past nine years and active in her son's Boy Scout troop, Kempton decided to volunteer for the opportunity to serve alongside her children.

Betsy O'Brochta with Rosie

"Rosie is a mare after my own heart - a tad bit stubborn, but with a heart of gold," said Betsy O'Brochta. A registered American Quarter horse, Rosie is just one of the Willow Ridge horses that help teach skills to bolster the confidence and self-discipline of youth who have physical or emotional special needs. O'Brochta's background in education and her lifelong love and involvement with horses and children led her to volunteer her skills at Willow Ridge Therapeutic Riding Facility, where she also serves as a director on the board. A graduate of the Ohio State University with a degree in elementary education, and now retired, O'Brochta taught in Central Ohio for 34 years and is the mother of three grown children.

Taylor Santosuosso with Sky

In August of 2017, Taylor Santosuosso was scrolling through her Facebook timeline when a before-and-after photo of a bay Thoroughbred rescued by New England Equine Rescue - North Inc. (NEER North) caught her eye. Santosuosso, who already owned two horses - a Quarter Horse mare named Muffin and a Thoroughbred gelding named Andy, had always wanted to adopt a rescue. She clicked to read more, and immediately decided to volunteer. "I am responsible for feeding and mucking stalls on the weekends," said Santosuosso. "I have also been given the amazing opportunity to ride and work with many of the rescues that come through. Sky, a Standardbred gelding was the first horse I worked with. An ex-harness racer racing under the name Skyway B., he loves to be ridden in fields and on trails."

Learn more about Champions here