2008 Angel Horses with a Mission
True Story Contest

View the Winners for the 2008 Angel Horses with a Mission True Story Contest.

2008 Angel Horses True Story Contest

Judges

Franklin Levinson

Franklin Levinson grew up with horses. His father was an avid polo player. At the age of thirteen Franklin was the youngest 'registered' polo player in the US. By the time he was 17 he was training polo ponies for hire. His life with horses continued to expand as he began running the equestrian programs at summer camps while in his early twenties. Franklin not only taught horseback riding to those children, he also developed a passion for teaching 'horse' (the language, psychology, needs and nature of horses). Franklin discovered early on that knowledge about horses would enhance the experience that all his students had with their horses. He learned early on that there was so much more to the horse than the human riding it. This went for adult horse owners as well because the focus seemed to always be on riding horses and not the horse itself. Being a competent rider does not mean being an experienced horse person. Franklin began teaching about the nature of 'trust' as it relates to horses very early in his professional equine career. The humans and the horses he encountered seemed to benefit greatly from his gentle and knowledgeable approach to teaching horsemanship,

At 30 years of age Franklin moved to the island of Maui, Hawaii and began Adventures On Horseback, which was a daylong outing on horseback into Maui's tropical rain forests with swimming in waterfalls. As a group leader, Franklin's intention was always to inspire and uplift, as well as educate those who journeyed with him. During the 25 years AOH operated Franklin further honed his skills as an exceptionally gifted trainer, teacher and horseman. In the early 90's Franklin created the Maui Horse Whisperer Experience to teach the language and psychology of horses to interested parties whether they were horse enthusiasts or not. This seminar was one of the first Equine Facilitated Learning programs available in this country. He teaches the skills to be successful with horses as life enriching qualities that will enhance the lives of all involved (including the horses).

In 2002 he was invited to a Colorado ranch to teach his methods and train horses. Colorado has been his home base ever since. The first year he was there he began the Aspen Horse Whisperer Experience. These programs utilize Equine Facilitated Learning to help and improve the lives of adults and children. He also regularly provides therapeutic equine facilitated programs for disadvantaged and learning disabled children as well as individuals of any age. The last several years, through invitations to Canada, Greece and Ireland, England, Australia and New Zealand he has begun to travel internationally to teach his gentle, highly effective horse training techniques of 'Training Thru Trust' and demonstrate Equine Facilitated Learning. Franklin's intention to inspire and uplift everyone he encounters and to enrich the lives of all horses and humans continues as his daily mission. Franklin's philosophies, essays and commentaries on high-level, gentle and effective horsemanship have been featured nationally and internationally in numerous publications, television programs (Discovery Channel, ESPN, Public Television, American Adventurer and more) as well as other media.

Some of what sets Franklin apart from other trainers is that, first and foremost, Franklin's goal and agenda with any horse is the development of 'trust.' No relationship can develop and flourish without mutual trust and respect at its very core. Franklin teaches the skills, attitudes and paradigms essential to developing this sort of successful relationship with horses, and humans as well.  He has also recently created 'Beyond Natural Horsemanship: Successful Training Through Compassion, Wisdom, Trust and Skill.' This program was designed to take interested people deeper into the world of the horse than the natural horsemanship bandwagon and craze currently can. Visit, contact him and learn more about his philosophies and teachings online at.

Visit www.WayoftheHorse.org or www.FranklinLevinson.com.

David and Crissy Tucker
Open Gait Program Managers
www.opengait.org

Located 20 minutes east of Huntsville in Paint Rock, AL., Open Gait Therapeutic Riding Center offers equine activities to children that have been diagnosed with chronic or life threatening illness. Open Gait provides a peaceful setting in which parents and children can get away and enjoy farm life for the day.

While participating in Open Gait’s program, kids will learn general horsemanship, riding skills, safety, and basic horse care. For those kids who may be too ill to ride, we offer such activities as grooming, feeding, petting, loving and playing with horses and the other critters on the farm.

Children participate at no cost to their families, thanks to private and corporate donors. Open Gait invites you to look at our website and see if our program can be of benefit to you and your family.

Programs:

Open Gait’s name was born out of a love for gaited horses (thus the play on the word gate to “gait”), especially the Tennessee Walking Horse. David Tucker, Open Gait’s founder and Crissy Tucker Open Gait’s co-founder built their barn in February 2003. They also purchased a Tennessee Walking Horse stallion and two Tennessee Walking Horse mares to fill the stalls and become steady, loyal companions.  As they were sitting on their couch one night, exhausted from a day of cleaning stalls, other barn chores, and a brief trail ride they happened to tune in to a television program that featured therapeutic riding.  Instantly they both looked and each other and said “that is what we have to do”! So the dream was born and nearly three years later Open Gait is becoming a reality.  Open Gait also uses beautiful Polish Arabians in the program.

Open Gait is located approximately 20 miles east of Huntsville in Paint Rock, Alabama.  We use equine assisted therapy for children diagnosed with chronic or life threatening illness.  If a child is too weak or uncomfortable riding they are encouraged to build relationships with the animals by grooming, feeding, and petting the horses, as well as the rest of our critters.

Each child is considered on a case-by-case basis. If you think this type of therapy could benefit your child, please call (256) 776-3847 or 256-468-4548 to receive more information or schedule a tour of the farm.

Contact Details:

Robin Cain

Robin Cain, President
Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary
http://www.sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org/
941-232-0081

Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary was formed as a non-profit in September of 2007. Located in rural Manatee County Florida; Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary is a permanent home to over 30 horses, burros and ponies. Our Mission is to provide rescue rehabilitation and lifetime sanctuary to abused, abandoned, neglected and unwanted horses to promote awareness through educational programs and services

Mailing address:  6275 Wauchula Road, Myakka City Fl. 34251
E-mail: robin@sixteenhandshorsesancutary.org
Located between SR70 and SR 64 in Myakka City

Shari Click

Shari Click has worked as a Human Resources professional most of her life but recently gave up her career to help discarded Standardbred race horses find new homes. Many of these animals end up in feedlots or slaughterhouses just because they were unsuccessful on the track. She has also used her horses in teaching people to be more effective leaders and better communicators.

For more information go to: www.rmrhorsesanctuary.com

Marcia Pruett Wilson

Marcia Pruett Wilson communicates with animals all over the country. Her desire is to develop a deeper awareness of the special nature of each animal and the depth of their understanding and wisdom. She is interested in closer communication between guardians and their pet companions. She talks with animals on the phone, hears their answers telepathically, and relays their answers to their guardians who can then ask further questions regarding animal behavior problems or their pet companion's feelings.  

Marcia  is a lifelong physical education, health teacher and recently also, study skills.  During her years outdoors there were many rescues of dogs, cats, and birds which broadened her knowledge of animal behavior. The gift of two parakeets led to her raising seven parakeets. Her life has been enriched with the love and companionship of dogs which have included two beagles, a shih tzu, a Lhasa Apso (a lost dog),  a Maltese adopted from a shelter, and two King Charles.  In addition to her two King Charles, she has two rescued Bombay cats and a five week old rescued kitten who cannot walk, but moves all over the place.  Outside are two kittens and two adult cats who come and go.  And then, of course followed by the Marcia has been an animal communicator for 15 years Marcia has been an animal communicator for 15 years.  Cell phones are great to use to talk with horses in their stalls

In addition, Marcia's skill as a channel gives her the ability to communicate with the spirits of animals who have passed over.  This can bring immeasurable comfort, particularly to those who have had to make a difficult decision on euthanasia. Many times an animal will want to finish something or will express an interest in "going home."  Animal thoughts are always interesting, often humorous, very truthful, and sometimes filled with poetic words of wisdom. Communicating with them and explaining how they can help their fears and needs leads to much happier animals and households.

For more information visit Marcia's Website "Marcia's Intuitive Arts" at www.marciaintuitivearts.com

Linda Anderson

Linda Anderson, an inspirational speaker and author, has won national awards for her plays and short stories. She's traveled throughout the world and done hundreds of media interviews. Linda is a former business trainer and consultant, publicist, and teacher. She now teaches writing classes at The Loft Literary Center. Her articles and fiction have been featured in regional and national publications. In addition to her work as editor for the Angel Animals books including Angel Horses, Angel Dogs, and Angel Cats plus newsletters, she is working on a screenplay and a novel. Her first book was 35 Golden Keys to Who You Are & Why You're Here.  

Allen Anderson

Allen Anderson is a software training specialist who travels around the country helping government employees learn to use specialized software programs. He was featured in the book, The Courage to Give by Jackie Waldman. Allen has a degree in journalism and has worked as an on-air DJ and reporter. His articles have been featured in regional and national publications. In addition to his work with the Angel Animals Network, he is working on a screenplay and memoir.  Allen also facilitates writing workshops at The Loft Literary Center.

October 15, 2008 was the last day for entering contest stories.
Angel Horses with a Mission Story Winnerswill be announced
on January 31, 2009.

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