Chester

Arabian gelding (7 year old)

Chester was a 6-year-old Arabian gelding. His owner abandoned him at the boarding facility where he was staying. The boarding facility asked Cowgirl Spirit to take him, otherwise he would be going to the auction. As an unbroken four-year-old gelding, it’s likely he would have gone to slaughter.

From there, his success story really starts at a chance meeting in Fall City, Washington. His new owner’s friend met Cowgirl Spirit, and Chester, when the group was using the arena in Fall City to work some of the horses. Karen’s friend told her about this wonderful Arab gelding. As Karen was getting into endurance riding, and her old mare was going into retirement, a young Arabian sounded perfect. Her friend had gotten some information and directed Karen to the website. It was love at first sight. Something about that little guy just caught her eye. Noticing that there was an upcoming carwash, Karen went to ask the group about Chester.

Cowgirl Spirit let Karen know Chester wasn’t yet available for adoption but invited her out to meet him. Karen went out to meet Chester and noticed the need for volunteers. One week later, she was signed on as a volunteer and rider. Karen started riding Chester in practices and fell more and more in love with him as the weeks went on. Chester seemed to take to Karen as well. Karen filled out the adoption application even though he wasn’t up for adoption yet. She knew she loved that horse and she would wait as long as it took for him.

Finally, in February 2007, the Adoptions Committee decided they would approve Karen’s adoption application early, as it was clear from both sides that the match was perfect.

Karen and Chester are taking lessons together and making wonderful progress. Though he acts somewhat goofy and lazy, Chester is smart as a whip and learns quickly. His future as an endurance horse looks promising.