10/16/2026
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped in paper. Sometimes they arrive on four hooves, with a second chance at life, and give someone else a reason to smile again.
In February, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast and bone cancer. Since that day, she has been nothing short of a warrior. Between working, chemotherapy, appointments, and everything life has thrown at her, she hasn’t slowed down much. Some days are harder than others, but she continues to push forward.
We’ve received encouraging news that the cancer in her breast is responding to chemotherapy, just as the doctors hoped. Unfortunately, the cancer in her bones remains our biggest concern. Which is our biggest fear !
But through all of this, my mom is still my mom. Stubborn, determined, and apparently still shopping for horses. 😂❤️
A little while ago, my mom mentioned a horse she saw on Second Chance Livestock’s page. Now, anyone who knows me knows I practically live in Belfast some weeks, but somehow I hadn’t even seen this particular horse!
She kept talking about her. Then she told me she commented on the post. Then she was trying to find her again. Before I knew it, she was sending me the YouTube video! 😂
I knew right then this wasn’t just another horse.
My mom had her heart set on this little mare.
Knowing everything my mom is going through, I had concerns. She cannot afford to fall, get hurt, or end up with a horse that’s too much for her. She wanted something smaller, low to the ground, and something she could enjoy.
Meanwhile, my mom just kept talking about this horse.
Then came the phone call from Brenda.
She was the only one left. Time was running out.what can we do and here is the plan
Well, anyone who knows me or Brenda knows exactly what happened next. We make a plan we make things happen ❤️
Saturday morning came, and I was out the door early and to Carrie before the sun came up
Another early morning, another horse trailer, another trip to Belfast.
But this trip was different.
I wasn’t picking up a horse for a client, quarantine, or rehabilitation.
This time, I was bringing home a horse for my mom. She had no idea ❤️ Brenda and I talked about how beautiful she was when I sent her photos and how exciting
My mom has spent her life doing for everyone else. Even now, when she should be taking it easy, she’s still pushing herself.
So this time, we wanted to do something for her.
Some people might think someone getting a horse while they’re battling cancer is crazy. But we’re all a little crazy
But anyone who truly loves horses understands.
Sometimes happiness is standing in a barn, listening to horses eat their hay. Sometimes it’s a soft nose reaching for your hand. Sometimes it’s simply having a reason to walk outside, enjoy the fresh air, and forget about everything else for a few minutes.
Horses have a way of filling spaces in our hearts that words never could.
This little mare may have come from a livestock pen, but she has no idea how much she already means to our family.
She isn’t just another horse.
She’s a little piece of happiness during one of the hardest chapters of my mom’s life.
A huge thank you to Carrie and everyone at Second Chance Livestock for helping make this possible. I asked about the mare’s personality, temperament, and whether she would be suitable for my mom. I knew she had ringbone, and that was something we had to consider Brenda and I spoke about it also
But I also knew Carrie would be honest with me. We haul a lot of horses out of Second Chance Livestock,we talk about each horse I trust her judgment her opinion and her care she knows what is appropriate for each person . So thank you Carrie you don’t get told enough you are amazing !
Brenda, thank you for making this possible and for everything you continue to do for my family and Silent Gift Farm. Your kindness, generosity, friendship, and support mean more to me than words could ever explain. You’ve been there for us in so many ways, and I hope you know just how much we appreciate you. You helped make something incredibly special happen for my mom during one of the hardest times in her life, and that’s something I’ll never forget.
Sometimes people come into your life and become so much more than just friends. They become family. Thank you for always believing in us, supporting our farm, and having such a big heart. ❤️🐴
Her name was Pretty now it’s Noire