Every year, Downhome celebrates the pets who’ve stolen your hearts – and maybe a few socks along the way. For our annual Pet of the Year contest, you sent in stories of friendship, courage and unconditional love. From brave rescues to loyal sidekicks, your submissions were filled with touching, funny and downright adorable stories that prove just how much our animal companions mean to us. We’ve highlighted several honourable mentions that’ll tug at your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone. But first, meet the four-legged friend who took top honours this year: the therapy horse whose gentle spirit and quiet strength have helped bring healing and joy to many lives. Here’s the story of Willow and her human, Michelle Tarrant.
Willow is a 21-year-old Palomino Quarter horse who spent most of her life as a school horse helping people achieve horsemanship and rider levels. She came into my life when I was in Truro, Nova Scotia for college in 2007. She was four years old at that time. She carried me through a myriad of challenges that come with being in a new place with no connections. School weighed heavy on me but she carried me and my baggage which offered relief and stability in unknown territory. We quickly bonded and I became involved in her daily caretaking. I spent most of my mornings greet- ed with a nicker from sweet Willow and every evening ended with the soothing sounds of munching hay.
I eventually returned to Newfoundland. Having to leave Willow behind was a difficult but necessary decision. I kept tabs on where she was and what she was doing, hoping one day I’d get to see her again. After a few years of tracking her, I reached out to her caretaker and inquired about purchasing her. A few short years later one of my biggest dreams came true! I was buying a horse, and not just any horse, my dream horse!
I’ve proudly loved and owned Willow for ten years now. She has taught me so many valuable life lessons and to cherish living in the moment.
She currently resides at Rainbow Riders in Newfoundland as an Equine Assisted Therapy horse. She assists with psychotherapy focusing on mental health and communication, therapeutic riding which allows riders to use her movement to engage sensory motor skills, and hippotherapy which encompasses physical movement and rehabilitation exercises. She has touched many people and brought much healing and joy to many lives.
Little did I know that meeting this special golden mare would not only nourish my life, but help a number of individuals develop social, emotional and physical skills. She is not just a horse. She’s a healer, a teacher and a cherished friend.
