I love my horse because she is a sweetheart and very symbolic in my life.

Halla was sold at an auction and was about to be loaded and headed to the slaughter house.  Seeing her potentials and amazing horsenality, she was rescued and given to me. 

Halla was not trained and very untrusting when I first got her; I couldn't touch any part of her hind legs without her trying to kick out.  The previous owner who had saved her said she couldn't train her.  Being inexperienced in horse training myself, it was very silly of me to take her, in hindsight.  Thankfully, that idea didn't occur to me at the time. 

Halla's original name was Lucky.  When I adopted her, I changed it to Halla, which means 'unexpected gift.'  I found this name suitable to her situation and mine.  She had a second shot at life, and she was unexpectedly given to me.  I soon found out that she had more unexpected gifts.  She is a very intuitive and perceptive horse when it comes to handling her humans.  She is sensitive to her handler's moods and needs at that given moment. 

One weekend I hosted a horse psychology workshop at my farm.  One of the attendees was a visually impaired young lady, who had no sight at all.  When it was her turn to enter the ring with Halla, Halla's demeanour changed from one of excitement and playfulness, to calmness and serenity.  She walked over to the young lady, put her lips to her eyes, and just nuzzled her.  It was the most amazing interaction I've seen between two different species.  You could hear the sudden intake of breath of all those watching, and the silence settle over everyone.

Halla ended up being a very quick learner when it came to learning to be ridden.  She was in fact, very easy to train, and has become a wonderful companion.  She greets all who walk by the paddock, and is always the first to run over and meet you.  Halla has shown me that even when things seem hopeless, there is always a way to turn things around and make them better.  She is one of the friendliest and most positive horses I have ever handled; she seems to have a natural  motherly intuition, although she's never been a mother.  I can't explain in words, the connection Halla creates between herself and anyone who approaches her.