A Once At-Risk Horse Now Inspires Connections Between Humans & Animals

When Karen Y. adopted a horse named Brandon from the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) near Oklahoma City, she couldn’t wait to incorporate him into the art and animal-assisted therapy programs she facilitates in rural northeast Connecticut.

“My search had been difficult,” says Karen, who had contacted equine rescue groups up and down the East Coast looking for a people-friendly companion for Alexander, her 17-year-old Thoroughbred/American Quarter Horse, whose companion horse of 16 years had recently died.

“Animals have a profound effect on us, and we do on them,” says Karen. “These relationships are mutually beneficial. They listen and feel, creating a network of variables that leads to healing.”

Narrowing Her Search

After Karen found Brandon, a 20-year-old, gray Arabian gelding, on the ASPCA’s online adoption platform, myrighthorse.org, she contacted Libby Hanon, the ASPCA’s manager of equine adoption and marketing.

Karen told Libby she wanted an older gelding who would be a good fit for the therapeutic programs she facilitates at Whispering Brook, the farm and art studio she owns and has operated for 20 years.

Libby sent photos and descriptions of several horses, including Brandon, and spoke with Karen several times.

“Libby didn’t pressure me; she was sensitive and empathetic,” Karen says. “Her communications were detailed and clear.”

A photo of Brandon wearing a hat was particularly endearing to Karen.

“It was hard not to want them all,” she says. “I’d never adopted a horse online, and Brandon came with more information than I could have asked for, including a complete health workup. Acquiring a horse can be daunting, but this process was very smooth. I’m going to tell everyone about my experience.”

Help with Transport

Libby arranged for Brandon’s two-day transport to Connecticut, and the ASPCA Right Horse program provided a $500 stipend to help pay expenses through our Horse Adoption Express.

“We recognize some people may face logistical hurdles if they want to adopt a horse from long distances, which we define as 250 miles or more,” says Cailin Caldwell, director of the ASPCA Right Horse Program. “Brandon’s 1,600-mile route from central Oklahoma to northeast Connecticut met the criteria.”

Karen set up an introduction pen on her property with a temporary fence line to separate Brandon and Alex.

“I thought the introduction time could take up to two weeks, but right away there was a nose ‘hello’ between them,” Karen says. “It was clear from the start that they loved being together.”

Neglected, but Healthy

Brandon was one of a herd of 10 Arabians relinquished to ETAC in spring 2024.

“Physically he was in good shape, though his shots, dental work and feet had been deferred, so we got him up to date,” says Libby. “Our trainers also worked with him quite a bit.”

In Connecticut, Brandon was soon acquainted with the many other animals on Karen’s farm, including ducks, chickens, goats, rescued pigs, sheep, rabbits and two dogs. He quickly made friends with one of the ewes, whose lamb had recently died.

“She was so sad, and Brandon’s presence seems to make her happy,” Karen says.

At mealtimes, Karen says Brandon’s excitement is a spectacle.

“He jumps up and goes to his bucket and neighs,” Karen says. “He also moves his head up and down. He’s very vocal.”

Making Connections Through Animals and Art

Karen’s love of horses began in 2005 when she adopted a horse from a friend’s rescue.

“His name was Pittsburgh, and he looked a lot like Brandon,” Karen says. “He was trained so well that when I rode him, I could move my head, and he would go in that direction.”

​With degrees in art and psychology, Karen merged her love of both, first teaching and working in the graphic arts industry and later joining a community health care agency as part of its residential psychiatric program where she interfaced with people of all ages with a wide variety of diagnoses and socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Eventually, her love of both nonverbal modalities — art and animal-assisted therapy — evolved. Her farm and studio offer year-round classes that are both instructive and therapeutic for artists of all ages and abilities, including those who have suffered traumatic brain injury, combined with animal therapy, where Brandon and the other animals help facilitate connections.

Karen loves seeing smiles from her students when they connect with an animal or create something unique.

“My students and visitors observe and pet Brandon, both in and out of his paddock and pasture,” Karen says. “Everyone has their preconceptions and situational awarenesses, even horses. He is a conduit for exploration and expression. I’ve experienced connections with animals and nature, which is why I do what I do. Animals and nature give us love unconditionally.”

An Advocate for Adoption

Now more than ever, Karen understands how the benefits of adoption extend beyond just the adopter and adoptee.

“Making room for one animal means you’re making room in a shelter or rescue for another,” she says. “The fact that Brandon is now in a home means we’ve made room for another at-risk horse. Having Brandon helps to spread that message.

“People used to handle horses all the time; they were our means of transportation,” Karen adds. “Although we’ve moved away from that, we need to get close to animals again.”

Feeling inspired and ready to adopt a horse of your own? Visit myrighthorse.org to browse hundreds of adoptable horses nationwide by breed, age or discipline.