Thirteen-year-old Kimberly's love for horses found its way into her Make-A-Wish® experience. When questioned by volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Tri-Counties, Kimberly explained she wanted a horse of her own. The wish granters set about making her equestrian dream come true, but wanted to involve the teen's family in all decisions about Kimberly's new horse, including boarding, training and equipment. Special attention was also paid to choosing the best stable and trainer.
Kimberly was allowed to choose her own horse and found a good candidate named General Lee through an Internet site. Her mom drove her to the horse's ranch, and Kim rode General Lee four times. She fell in love with him, but when General Lee was delivered, he proved to be the wrong fit. The search began again but ended at the same ranch. Smokey emerged as the obvious choice for Kim, and a veterinarian exam confirmed he was healthy.
With Kimberly now having her horse, the next issue to tackle was housing. Although Kimberly's family had the space to keep Smokey at home, the family agreed it was best to keep the horse at a stable for the first year. Of course, the stable had to be kid-friendly. When the right facility was selected, an insurance company donated medical/mortality insurance for Smokey at no charge.
To round out the wish, the Tri-Counties chapter bought Kimberly a helmet, boots and grooming equipment. Kimberly's wish also included 25 riding and horse-care lessons, plus a personal trainer selected by her mom. Kimberly will be supervised by an adult while she is around the horse until she can demonstrate to the stable operator that she is ready to work with Smokey on her own. The teen's first goal is to meet the minimum competency level set by the stable.
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The gift these animals bring into the souls of people is incredible. The love and joy are returned tenfold, not only to the recipient, but the hearts of all they touch.
- Earl 08/30/2006 10:11 -
As a 4-H leader in my community, this dream is wonderful. I'm glad she got her wish. Good luck.
- Tamela 08/30/2006 10:10 -
Your story brings tears to my eyes. Three weeks ago my 16 year old daughter said to a grown-up friend, "If I could just get well enough to go see my horse, I would be okay." Jacinda suffers from a serious illness as well. That same afternoon, several friends came to our front door (in town) with you guessed it, her horse! There were a lot of happy tears that day. I am so happy for you to get your dream, a horse of your very own.
- Sherry 09/30/2006 5:57 -
A horse is a wonderful animal. I'm glad you got your wish! I am 13 so I know how you feel! Good luck!
- Robin 01/09/2007 19:47 -
It is absolutely wonderful that Kimberly got her horse! I got my first horse when I was 11, and there is no better therapy! A horse is a companion for life, sharing your sorrow and your joy! Congratulations!
- Nicole 08/30/2006 10:12 -
Congrats on your new horse, you really deserved it!
- Mia 04/12/2007 17:41 -
You are a lucky person! Have fun!
- Erida 04/02/2007 15:03 -
Good for you! Horses are the best therepy in the world! I have a mustang pony named Popcorn who cheers me up whenever I am sad. Hope your horse gives you many more wishes to come! Love, Shannon
- Shannon 09/27/2007 21:02 -
I am so happy for you. I ride, my horse's name is Clover!
- Sarah 03/14/2007 14:23 -
That is awesome! I am 14 and have always wanted a horse of my own. I am so happy for you. I live on a small farm out in the middle of no where and I hope I can convince my parents to let me have one and set up a pasture of sorts on our 4 acre farm. Horses are great companions I wish that every child can experience the love of a horse at least once in their life.
- Hanna 06/11/2008 14:37 -
I am so happy for you! I've been wishing for a horse all my life. I have Cystic Fibrosis so it makes it hard to do exercise and have fun. I hope you have so much fun with your best companion! Horse Cheers!
- Alexis 06/24/2008 8:34 -
When I was little I always wanted my own horse and when my wish came true I could not believe it. I'm so glad that another girl can have her wish granted like mine was. God bless Make-A-Wish!!!
- Holli 07/22/2008 19:00 -
My friend Alexis has gotten to make her wish and it is coming true! I'm so happy because she wanted a horse and she is finally going to it. She has Cystic Fibrosis so I am hopping she will be happy because she really deserves it just like you deserved your horse! Every one with a life threating disease should get their chance to have happiness in there life. So have fun!!!
- Shannon 07/21/2008 19:00 -
My friend is so cool and she's finally getting her first horse. She is a really good horse drawer and she is just like you, shes got her own horse not to long ago! Your horse looks so beautiful and handsome. Take good care of it! You have a pretty horse and you should be proud of that. Good LUCK!!!!!
- Paige 07/31/2008 13:24
