The oldest horse at Troublesome Horse Rescue, 30 years old, investigates newcomers to the farm

Sue Pratt spends time with Sampson and Christmas, two newly arrived draft horses from Routt County

Only one mule is currently at Troublesome Horse Rescue, and she enjoys rolling in the dirt

Residents, businesses and organizations in our community are well-known for their “giving back to the community”. Whether it is a community event, a fundraiser, helping individuals who were faced with tragedy, or reconstructing a town—as we can all remember.

In the Town of Kremmling, Sue Pratt and her husband, Dennis, have had the support of their community in more than a number of ways. Having good friends and the support of many, they feel it is time to give back to the community. And here the story begins.

Sue Pratt, a soft-spoken woman with a gentle, calming manner about her, called our office one day about Operation Round Up grants. In our conversation, I learned about her horse rescue operation in Kremmling. It was always Sue’s dream to have her own horse but growing up in a big city, never gave her the opportunity to have one. Yet the dream and desire never faded. Growing up in a big city myself, this venture aroused my interest.

Sue’s husband, Dennis, had the support and encouragement of his community when he first started his excavation business. Over their ten years of marriage, they have found their values and common interests growing with the most heartfelt one of “giving back to the community”.

Sharing her dreams with a friend, Deb Pellini, Deb introduced Sue to the Healing Touch with Animals program. Together with Dennis’ experience in working with animals while growing up on his uncle’s ranch in Idaho, Sue’s rescue and rehabilitation of equine animals became a reality. Healing Touch with Animals is a program that introduces holistic concepts to assist with injuries, illness, and surgeries, wound healing, behavioral problems and stress related issues in animals. With Sue’s dream of working with horses and Dennis’ desire to work with children and families, their journey begins with Troublesome Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation.

Dennis who already built a barn to hold his equipment, added stalls and corrals on the outside of the building where today, 15 surrendered horses are kept (a mule named Miss T-named after TV famed Mr. T. She has a hairdo like his), a mustang, and two draft horses among them).

The program is an adopt-in, adopt-out program. On the 120 acres, the Pratts provide care for surrendered horses, nurturing them back to health, rehabilitating them so they can socialize with people and other horses. These horses are well-taken care of and you can tell the love and attention is something these animals adore. Every equine has a special purpose and it is the Pratt’s goal to discover that purpose.

Deb Pellini said, “It’s one of those relationships between animals and people, where equine animals move into a healthier place and can be adopted into homes. There is a need to respect the health and welfare of equine animals and what it can do for one’s own healing. The rescue and rehabilitation provides an opportunity for young folks to have an animal that they may not be able to afford otherwise.”

Each one of the 15 horses has its own personality. Miss T, the mule, loves to have her ears rubbed back—she’ll stand there forever. April loves to come close and will follow you everywhere; Sampson and Christmas, the newly arrived draft horses love the attention but never leaving each other’s side, so be ready to have an extra set of hands.

The Pratts embarked on a crusade that began with the rescue and now includes an indoor arena which will be available to non-profit organizations, free of charge. The 4-H Club has the opportunity to use the arena during the winter. Brenda Noakes, Grand County Extension Agent in Kremmling states, “This is an excellent opportunity for our 4-H group and we can’t wait for the opening of the arena. This will enhance the 4-H kids’ riding time. There are not too many places we can go during the winter, and the cold temperatures do not offer quality time to our riders. The arena will enhance their performance and horse projects. Sue had a great vision and it’s all coming about”. The 4-H Club will perform one fundraiser each year with donations to go to the Troublesome Horse Rescue.

The arena will have a corner section with a loading area built especially for disabled children to mount rehabilitated horses in a safe environment. The Therapeutic Riding program will be managed and taught by Sonya Pellini, a certified member of the North American Riding for the Handicap Association (NARHA). Future bleachers will allow the arena to be open for exhibitions for horse and dog shows, falling in line with Dennis’ hope that this will bring families together.

The arena was built with money they received from the sale of their home on the Gore. Now living in a very small apartment in the barn, Dennis points to the outskirts of his property, “We could’ve built a big beautiful house right over there, but we needed to do something for the community--you know it’s all about the children and the families of our community”. Sue credits Dennis by saying, “We couldn’t have done this without Dennis’ knowledge. It’s not every husband who would build his wife an arena.”

Lots of plans are in the forecast. Dennis plans on building another arena with 16 stalls with an area for a meeting room, a vet clinic where veterinary doctors can attend to injured or sick animals (most large animals must be attended to in outdoor environments), and public bathrooms.

The Pratts have a supportive board of directors comprised of Deb Pellini (JCAHO hospital inspector), Diane Matheson (DVM), Susan Tasilio (DVM), Kathleen St. Clair (horse breeder and trainer), Deb Menhennett (KMHD surgical RN, 4-H parent), Nancy Ring (Summit Co. Animal Shelter Manager), and Sue Pratt.

On March 15, the arena will be open to the 4-H Club. On May 19 – they’ll have their 2 nd Annual BBQ Fundraiser and Grand Opening of the “Western Dreams Arena, and on June 15, therapeutic riding will start. A Ride for the Rescue is planned sometime in the summer, and September 22 the Fall Ball fundraiser will be held at Caroline’s Cuisine.

With momentum building on a movement to ban horse slaughter through the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 503 and S. 1915; if the bill is ever passed, more horses will need a place to be safe and cared for.

Volunteers are always needed and will be trained. So, if you have an interest in working with the Troublesome Horse Rescue or find out ways that you can support this non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe harbor and care for equine animals in need, please call Sue or Dennis at 970-724-3231 or cell 970-531-1695.

With common interests, love for animals, and a desire to give back to the community, the Pratts are accomplishing their goal of giving. On a recent commercial for an upcoming program, Katie Couric said, “Good people, doing great things”. I can’t think of a better way to describe this amazing couple.