The Story of GRIPH
I always wanted a horse companion in my life. When I was young my family was very poor. So the thought of having a horse was as remote a possibility as having a Pegasus. While I was working at WHI (Wolf Haven International) there was a volunteer there named Jim. We became friends with one another quickly. He started to fill a void as a father figure, which was something that I didn’t grow up with.
My girlfriend at the time and I would spend quite a bit of time over at Jim’s little ranch. He had one little pony that had just recently lost his mate. Jack was the little pony’s name. I ended up spending a lot of time with Jack just hanging out with him, while at the same time satiating a childhood fantasy. Jim saw how much I enjoyed the company of Jack and how much joy the relationship brought both of us. One day we were at Jim’s house standing on his porch looking out at Jack just visiting. He looked over with a peculiar look on his face, one like he knew something amazing was coming my way and he wanted to let me in on the secret. He said “why don’t you guys get a couple of horses and keep them at my house”. My girlfriend jumped with the glee of a little girl at the thought of getting her own pony for the first time. I on the other hand was very honored at the offer but respectfully declined. The reasoning behind my choice was that I never liked the idea of having a horse and boarding them somewhere I’m not. Jim understood and respected my reason and knew it wasn’t anything regarding him. So naturally he didn’t give up, a trait that Jim wore well.
My girlfriend found a horse and we all went to pick him up. We brought him back to Jim’s home and began the introduction process with Jack and the new guy Bean. We went every day to visit with the horses and Jim. Every day I got to see the bond between horse and human grow and form and it was amazing, even experiencing it vicariously. I started to see past the limitation in this situation. I even asked Jim to keep his eyes open for a draft horse.
As time went on I found myself staring at endless rescue sites late at night. I even started volunteering some time at a horse rescue facility In Monroe Washington called Equine Aid. Jim and my girlfriend came with me and we soon found ourselves on fence duty. The owners of the facility Geri and Doug were just fun people to work with. They took us on a grand tour of their facility and introduced us to their extensive equine family. Some were there for the remainder of their days left to live their lives in peace. Something in which they had not always known. Others would call Equine Aid a way station, a place to get back on their feet. Geri and Doug would then help place horses into qualified homes. I asked Geri to keep her eyes out for a draft horse. I started to lose hope on finding my horse. Jim kept showing me pictures of all kinds of horses, sending me links to rescue sites but still nothing. I was shown many beautiful horses but I could just feel that, none of them were to be with me.
One day I showed up to Jim’s. He shouted from his office, “ come in here, hurry”. I dashed into his office thinking something might have been wrong. When I got in he had yet another rescue sight opened on his computer. “I think I found your draft”. I was skeptical to look thinking it was another horse that wasn’t for me. But like a smack to the face when I saw a picture of this little draft mix named Castle, I knew. It was like finding a missing relative after a long and arduous search. I had never seen this horse besides this little picture of him inside of a dirty cell, but My heart pulled to him like I had never felt before. I told Jim there he is now I just have to get him. He was at the feed lot slated to be sold and butchered for meat in about a weeks’ time. I immediately started building plans to get him to Jim’s and out of that horrific place. I contacted the organization that was sponsoring him trying to get him out of the feed lot. I told them I was very interested in him and was trying to handle the logistics of transporting him the 6 hours to Jim’s. I called every day to check up on him. During this time Jim cautioned me to not get my hopes up. He only had a week when we first saw him on the rescue site. I told him that was my boy and I will save him no matter what. During that week Jim would show me pictures of other horses and suggest we go visit other facility’s. I would reply why, I know where my horse is I just need to figure out how to get him here. I could tell Jim was worried about me not getting to him before his time was up.
That worry was confirmed towards the end of Castles' week. I went to look at his picture on the website like I normally did before calling the facility but, his picture was gone! It felt like somebody kicked me in the gut. I immediately called, no one answered. I called again and again trying to reach somebody to see what had happened to him. I felt like I failed my friend before I ever even met him. I inundated the organization with e-mails and phone calls, no one replied. I figured because they knew he was on his way to be slaughtered, and didn't want to break the news. I had visions of me stopping the semi-truck full of horses on its way to Mexico and making a deal right there on the road. But I had no way to even find out what had happened to him. The next few days were incredibly hard. Knowing I had failed him beat on me everyday. Thinking of what he was going through because I couldn’t get to him in time was torture. Jim encouraged me to help another horse in need. Saying things like maybe he wasn’t meant to be with you and you’ll find another horse. I didn’t want another horse, I just wanted to be with my horse. After a few very sad days of looking for him I gave up My only saving grace was I didn’t know what exactly happened to him and I hoped he was with someone that loved him.
Not to long after that Geri from Equine Aid called me saying she had a horse I might be interested in. Before I could tell her about what had happened she said I found him at a feedlot. She said “he was labeled a draft so I went to look at him for you”, he wasn’t a draft but I couldn’t leave him there”. “His name at the feed lot was Castle, you might of heard of him”. I couldn’t believe it, Geri was the one to rescue him from the feed lot. Which meant now Castle was even closer. I asked her if I could shoot down to her place and look to see if it was the same horse. Even though I knew in my heart it was. My boy was safe with a friend. I quickly made an impromptu trip to Equine Aid.
Geri was able to get some information about him at the feed lot. He had been ridden 12 times by a horse trainer for the woman that originally had him. His name at that time was Stoney. The trainer had physically abused him. His lips were ripped open about an inch on either side from the bit that was used, and more importantly how it was used. He had softball size deep scars where his cinch was on each side. The trainer told the woman that she needed to get rid of this horse because he was a danger to her and other people, so she did. Stoney then went to another facility that was later charged with animal cruelty for how they housed and cared for their rescue horses. After that he went to the feed lot where he got the new name of Castle.
I remember the first time I saw him he was skinny with no mane. He had rubbed that off sticking his head in and out of his corral trying to make friends with the other horses at the feed lot. When I met him in Geri’s field I immediately changed his name to Griph. I knew he and I were destined to be together and I figured it was time to move forward in our new life with a new name. I also promised Griph three things right there, I would never leave him, his mouth would never have a bit in it again, and we will do the best we can to help other horses destined for slaughter.
I told Geri I wanted to adopt him, she said you might want to think about it, you don’t really know him. I just said that is my boy out in your field and paid for Griph on the spot. We agreed that no matter what she should keep him for one month to quarantine him since he hadn’t been properly cared for his whole life and been in some deplorable conditions. She also took that time to put some weight on him and get him some much needed medical attention.
Our path in the beginning was definitely not what you would call smooth. I knew my friend was well on his way to shutting down before we met. It also didn’t help that we were constantly being ridiculed by our hoof trimmer co-workers, even Jim said he might just be too much horse to start with. Both of us being green didn’t inspire confidence to others.For Griph starting a completely new slate with a green person is exactly what he needed. And I found the best horse trainer to teach me about horses, in him.
Initially Griph was very scared of men even shying away from me. He would allow me to touch him but that was it, and I was the only one. Trust was clearly the first block to lay in our foundation. I would visit him before work and after work every day. We started building our friendship quicker than anybody expected, including Griph and me. Soon I was doing serious ground work with him after work and on the weekends. His level of intelligence was unbelievable, he would pick stuff up so quick if delivered in the right manner. Griph was teaching me horsemanship versus the more popular forcemanship.
Our first two years together I didn’t ask him once to carry me on his back. Instead we would go on hikes together, go camping, play games, do ground work we even developed a few skits together. I wanted to make sure that he knew we were friends before I ever asked him to carry me. I knew that riding on the back of horse was not my right, but yet a privilege to be gifted from horse to human. When we went hiking people would say things like, you know you’re supposed to ride those things, or is your horse lame. Again, nothing would dissuade us from our path together. We were two friends on a mission. Within the first week of asking Griph to carry me we were showing the people who didn’t believe in us just what a boy and his horse could do when left alone.
Since then through Griph’s teachings we have helped other people bond with their horses allowing training to happen within a more natural process. We have shown people that conventional tools like bits and shoes are not necessary. We've also started a business together with a goal that is bigger than ourselves. this business also rescues horses from slaughter and gives them a purpose, and a great life as a range rider horse. And we have always abided by our mantra, “friends first always”.
My girlfriend at the time and I would spend quite a bit of time over at Jim’s little ranch. He had one little pony that had just recently lost his mate. Jack was the little pony’s name. I ended up spending a lot of time with Jack just hanging out with him, while at the same time satiating a childhood fantasy. Jim saw how much I enjoyed the company of Jack and how much joy the relationship brought both of us. One day we were at Jim’s house standing on his porch looking out at Jack just visiting. He looked over with a peculiar look on his face, one like he knew something amazing was coming my way and he wanted to let me in on the secret. He said “why don’t you guys get a couple of horses and keep them at my house”. My girlfriend jumped with the glee of a little girl at the thought of getting her own pony for the first time. I on the other hand was very honored at the offer but respectfully declined. The reasoning behind my choice was that I never liked the idea of having a horse and boarding them somewhere I’m not. Jim understood and respected my reason and knew it wasn’t anything regarding him. So naturally he didn’t give up, a trait that Jim wore well.
My girlfriend found a horse and we all went to pick him up. We brought him back to Jim’s home and began the introduction process with Jack and the new guy Bean. We went every day to visit with the horses and Jim. Every day I got to see the bond between horse and human grow and form and it was amazing, even experiencing it vicariously. I started to see past the limitation in this situation. I even asked Jim to keep his eyes open for a draft horse.
As time went on I found myself staring at endless rescue sites late at night. I even started volunteering some time at a horse rescue facility In Monroe Washington called Equine Aid. Jim and my girlfriend came with me and we soon found ourselves on fence duty. The owners of the facility Geri and Doug were just fun people to work with. They took us on a grand tour of their facility and introduced us to their extensive equine family. Some were there for the remainder of their days left to live their lives in peace. Something in which they had not always known. Others would call Equine Aid a way station, a place to get back on their feet. Geri and Doug would then help place horses into qualified homes. I asked Geri to keep her eyes out for a draft horse. I started to lose hope on finding my horse. Jim kept showing me pictures of all kinds of horses, sending me links to rescue sites but still nothing. I was shown many beautiful horses but I could just feel that, none of them were to be with me.
One day I showed up to Jim’s. He shouted from his office, “ come in here, hurry”. I dashed into his office thinking something might have been wrong. When I got in he had yet another rescue sight opened on his computer. “I think I found your draft”. I was skeptical to look thinking it was another horse that wasn’t for me. But like a smack to the face when I saw a picture of this little draft mix named Castle, I knew. It was like finding a missing relative after a long and arduous search. I had never seen this horse besides this little picture of him inside of a dirty cell, but My heart pulled to him like I had never felt before. I told Jim there he is now I just have to get him. He was at the feed lot slated to be sold and butchered for meat in about a weeks’ time. I immediately started building plans to get him to Jim’s and out of that horrific place. I contacted the organization that was sponsoring him trying to get him out of the feed lot. I told them I was very interested in him and was trying to handle the logistics of transporting him the 6 hours to Jim’s. I called every day to check up on him. During this time Jim cautioned me to not get my hopes up. He only had a week when we first saw him on the rescue site. I told him that was my boy and I will save him no matter what. During that week Jim would show me pictures of other horses and suggest we go visit other facility’s. I would reply why, I know where my horse is I just need to figure out how to get him here. I could tell Jim was worried about me not getting to him before his time was up.
That worry was confirmed towards the end of Castles' week. I went to look at his picture on the website like I normally did before calling the facility but, his picture was gone! It felt like somebody kicked me in the gut. I immediately called, no one answered. I called again and again trying to reach somebody to see what had happened to him. I felt like I failed my friend before I ever even met him. I inundated the organization with e-mails and phone calls, no one replied. I figured because they knew he was on his way to be slaughtered, and didn't want to break the news. I had visions of me stopping the semi-truck full of horses on its way to Mexico and making a deal right there on the road. But I had no way to even find out what had happened to him. The next few days were incredibly hard. Knowing I had failed him beat on me everyday. Thinking of what he was going through because I couldn’t get to him in time was torture. Jim encouraged me to help another horse in need. Saying things like maybe he wasn’t meant to be with you and you’ll find another horse. I didn’t want another horse, I just wanted to be with my horse. After a few very sad days of looking for him I gave up My only saving grace was I didn’t know what exactly happened to him and I hoped he was with someone that loved him.
Not to long after that Geri from Equine Aid called me saying she had a horse I might be interested in. Before I could tell her about what had happened she said I found him at a feedlot. She said “he was labeled a draft so I went to look at him for you”, he wasn’t a draft but I couldn’t leave him there”. “His name at the feed lot was Castle, you might of heard of him”. I couldn’t believe it, Geri was the one to rescue him from the feed lot. Which meant now Castle was even closer. I asked her if I could shoot down to her place and look to see if it was the same horse. Even though I knew in my heart it was. My boy was safe with a friend. I quickly made an impromptu trip to Equine Aid.
Geri was able to get some information about him at the feed lot. He had been ridden 12 times by a horse trainer for the woman that originally had him. His name at that time was Stoney. The trainer had physically abused him. His lips were ripped open about an inch on either side from the bit that was used, and more importantly how it was used. He had softball size deep scars where his cinch was on each side. The trainer told the woman that she needed to get rid of this horse because he was a danger to her and other people, so she did. Stoney then went to another facility that was later charged with animal cruelty for how they housed and cared for their rescue horses. After that he went to the feed lot where he got the new name of Castle.
I remember the first time I saw him he was skinny with no mane. He had rubbed that off sticking his head in and out of his corral trying to make friends with the other horses at the feed lot. When I met him in Geri’s field I immediately changed his name to Griph. I knew he and I were destined to be together and I figured it was time to move forward in our new life with a new name. I also promised Griph three things right there, I would never leave him, his mouth would never have a bit in it again, and we will do the best we can to help other horses destined for slaughter.
I told Geri I wanted to adopt him, she said you might want to think about it, you don’t really know him. I just said that is my boy out in your field and paid for Griph on the spot. We agreed that no matter what she should keep him for one month to quarantine him since he hadn’t been properly cared for his whole life and been in some deplorable conditions. She also took that time to put some weight on him and get him some much needed medical attention.
Our path in the beginning was definitely not what you would call smooth. I knew my friend was well on his way to shutting down before we met. It also didn’t help that we were constantly being ridiculed by our hoof trimmer co-workers, even Jim said he might just be too much horse to start with. Both of us being green didn’t inspire confidence to others.For Griph starting a completely new slate with a green person is exactly what he needed. And I found the best horse trainer to teach me about horses, in him.
Initially Griph was very scared of men even shying away from me. He would allow me to touch him but that was it, and I was the only one. Trust was clearly the first block to lay in our foundation. I would visit him before work and after work every day. We started building our friendship quicker than anybody expected, including Griph and me. Soon I was doing serious ground work with him after work and on the weekends. His level of intelligence was unbelievable, he would pick stuff up so quick if delivered in the right manner. Griph was teaching me horsemanship versus the more popular forcemanship.
Our first two years together I didn’t ask him once to carry me on his back. Instead we would go on hikes together, go camping, play games, do ground work we even developed a few skits together. I wanted to make sure that he knew we were friends before I ever asked him to carry me. I knew that riding on the back of horse was not my right, but yet a privilege to be gifted from horse to human. When we went hiking people would say things like, you know you’re supposed to ride those things, or is your horse lame. Again, nothing would dissuade us from our path together. We were two friends on a mission. Within the first week of asking Griph to carry me we were showing the people who didn’t believe in us just what a boy and his horse could do when left alone.
Since then through Griph’s teachings we have helped other people bond with their horses allowing training to happen within a more natural process. We have shown people that conventional tools like bits and shoes are not necessary. We've also started a business together with a goal that is bigger than ourselves. this business also rescues horses from slaughter and gives them a purpose, and a great life as a range rider horse. And we have always abided by our mantra, “friends first always”.
