"Saint" & Karen Esposito

"Saint" came to HPAF as a violently head-shy horse. He would not allow his head or mouth to be touched whatsoever. Luckily Karen came along at just the right time. Her patience, skill and quiet demeanor was exactly what Saint needed. As you can see in this photo, Saint is now trusting of Karen and they are enjoying trail riding. The pair rode in the Davie Parade last year, quite an accomplishment considering how fearful Saint was when he arrived at HPAF.

"Valentine", a beautiful thoroughbred mare, was rescued by HPAF in 1993 from starving conditions. She had been a rent-a-horse after leaving the racetrack. Valentine was adopted out to the Sarasota area in 1993. Last year Valentine went to a new adoptive home in the same neighborhood with John McDonald.

"KC" is a beautiful Tennessee Walker.  A former show horse, KC was rescued from the infamous Hoof and Halter case in Ft Lauderdale in 1999.  KC was found locked into a tiny stall mounded with manure, a dead pig lying next to his filthy water trough. Affectionately named for longtime HPAF supporter, KC, of KC & The Sunshine Band, our KC is the sweetest horse on the planet. Blind since being rescued as a two year old who was headed for slaughter in Alabama, KC lived an active life as a show horse. This regal horse somehow ended up in a horrible place where 50 horses had been starved to death in the name of rescue over the course of ten years. Now KC is safe forever with his adoptive family at Paradise Ranch in Ocala. KC always comes when he hears his name and is a favorite of everyone who meets this special guy.

Saint Elmoe's Fire, as he is now known, was adopted by Alice Peterson of Brooksville. Elmoe has begun his show career and has been racking up the wins with his mom and his trainer.  Elmoe has been returned to HPAF.