08/14/2026
Haul of Fame: Chewie ⭐
Meet Chewie, a 32-year-old Morgan gelding whose story with his owner, Alie, spans nearly 20 years.
Alie met Chewie when she was just 13. The horse she had been leasing was moving away, leaving her without a horse to ride. During a lesson, she was invited to sit on the trainer’s horse while she waited. That horse was Chewie.
When Alie asked him to move forward, Chewie took off at a full gallop. The trainer yelled for her to slow down. Alie just laughed.
She was hooked.
What began as a lease became a lifelong partnership. When Alie turned 15, her parents surprised her by making Chewie her very own horse. Their years together were filled with 4-H shows, championships, trail and jumping camps, mounted archery, camping trips, and countless adventures.
As Chewie grew older, he spent time enjoying semi-retirement in Utah before eventually rejoining Alie as she pursued dressage. Together, they moved to California, where they trained, competed, and made even more memories. They eventually made their dressage debut with scores over 60% and competed through First Level.
But at 28, Chewie faced one of his biggest challenges.
He contracted Pigeon Fever, followed by severe nerve damage and muscle loss known as “Sweeney Shoulder.” After a four-day hospital stay, multiple rounds of antibiotics, and nearly 60 days of round-the-clock care, Chewie was left weak, with very little stamina and unable to bear weight normally on his right front.
Because of his age and the severity of his condition, Alie was told more than once that successful rehabilitation might not be possible.
She refused to give up.
Working with her mother, an occupational therapist, along with veterinarians and equine specialists, Alie researched rehabilitation techniques and developed a program of stretches, incremental walks, and pole work.
Slowly, Chewie came back.
Not only did he return to baseline, he became stronger than ever.
Now, at 32, Chewie is finally enjoying a slower pace of life. When Alie moved to Michigan for her Doctorate Fellowship, she reached out to Light Star Horse Transportation to bring her best friend and most precious cargo to his new home.
We knew this was more than a transport.
Our team planned Chewie’s journey around his individual needs, keeping close communication with Alie throughout the trip and monitoring his physical and emotional state along the way. Our drivers shared photos and videos, while our layover team gave him hand walks, scratches, and plenty of attention.
He looked a little grumpy at times.
Alie assured us that was completely normal for Chewie. ❤️
After nearly two decades of adventures, Chewie and Alie are together again for the next chapter.
We are honored to have played a small part in their story.
Welcome to the Light Star Haul of Fame, Chewie. ⭐🐴
“Chewie will always be my best friend. He is truly my one in a million.”
Some journeys are measured in miles. The important ones are measured in years.
