Every Horse Has a Story
Thor
Thor was the first horse to call Common Grace Grounds home, arriving before there was even a ministry to name.
He began life as an Amish cart horse, learning to work hard in a world that was not always gentle with him. When lameness sent him to a sale barn headed toward slaughter, a young man took a chance on him. What looked like the end of Thor’s usefulness turned out to be a hoof infection that needed care.
Months later, Kevin traveled to bring him home.
Thor’s story reminds us that sometimes what looks broken needs someone willing to stop, look closer, and care.
Bronco
Bronco began life with something most horses never experience: complete freedom. Born and raised in the wild, he was eventually rounded up and entered a world of people he did not understand or trust.
When Sam met him, he was frightened, difficult to touch, and quick to escape when he felt overwhelmed. Kevin saw a horse who would require a tremendous amount of work. Sam saw a scared horse worth being patient with.
Bronco is still learning. Underneath that fear is an incredibly intelligent horse slowly discovering that people can be trusted.
His story reminds us that trust does not always come quickly—and that is okay.
Indy
Indy arrived at Common Grace Grounds with plenty of experience, but not all experience is good experience.
She had been purchased for rodeo but was not fast enough for what was being asked of her. When she arrived, her face was badly sunburned and blistered, and she carried physical reminders of the pressure used to make her go faster.
Even after those wounds healed, Indy was hesitant when asked for more speed, as though she expected the old pressure to return.
With time and care, she has been learning that being asked to move forward does not have to mean being hurt. Today, Indy is intelligent, dependable, and becoming one of the horses we trust most.
Story
Not every story begins with something broken.
Story was lovingly raised and handled with care from the time he was a foal. He was the kind of horse Sam had dreamed about for years but never imagined she would own.
Even the journey to bring him home became an unforgettable adventure filled with breakdowns, unexpected help, generosity, and reminders of God’s provision—which helped give him his name.
But Story’s greatest gift may simply be who he is. He seeks people out, adores children, and seems happiest when someone is close to him.
Story reminds us that sometimes the gift is simply being loved, welcomed, and allowed to rest.