The Queen Without A Crown: Reina’s Story

Reina. Her name means queen in Spanish. And being a rather large-built horse with plenty of muscle, she has the power required to lead. And yet she is quite content to let Dolly be the leader of our little herd. I don’t believe the thought ever crossed her mind to challenge other horses for a higher position in the herd.

   A little over five years ago, I was searching for an investment horse; one that was a good buy, that I could train and resell. Having found someone who was selling off all their horses at a pretty low price, my brother and I drove out to take a look. When I first saw Reina, she was in a pasture with several other horses and a miniature pony. The leader of this herd was a tall bay gelding, who apparently liked to bully other horses. When the owner took us down to the field, I saw that gelding threatening to kick Reina, but she wasn’t moving to get out of the way. Instead, she stayed where she was and took three kicks because of it. As we drew closer, I suddenly saw the reason why: a miniature horse had blocked her path, had Reina run, she would’ve knocked right into it. She had chosen to take those kicks so that she wouldn’t hurt another horse. I decided then and there that she was the one I wanted. I brought her home within the week.

   Once she arrived at our place, I began to discover that she had extreme fears of the unfamiliar. While she quickly became at ease with Dolly and Cutter, she was literally scared of everything else. She wouldn't step into the barn for fear of the dark. She didn't want to be groomed and would kick out in fear if a brush touched her. She would flinch and scramble to move away if I was using a broom or shovel. And loud noises and unfamiliar circumstances (such as wearing a bridle) had her mentally shutting down. It’s important to note that horses are not born this way; something in their past makes them like this. I don’t know when it happened in her life, but somewhere along the way, people had not treated her right and it broke my heart. She was five years old but acted more like a scared foal.

  Over the next two weeks, I spent time just being with her, slowly showing her that she didn’t have to be afraid. She learned that the barn was a safe place that kept her dry and fed. She learned that she didn’t have to defend herself from someone touching her. She learned that barnyard tools would never again be used to harm her. One day, as I was working with her in the arena, I felt her begin to panic. But instead of running away, she came to me. Her breathing slowed as I stroked her face. She trusted me to take care of her. It was at that moment that I knew she wasn’t going anywhere. I was totally in love with her. I knew she was home to stay. And I believe she knew it, too.

  It didn’t take long for Reina’s true personality to begin to shine through and it has been a beautiful process to see. She has an incurable sense of curiosity (which can sometimes lead to trouble!). She is playful and even goofy when she's happy. She adores little things, following our goats, chickens, and even our barn cat around. She loves getting attention. Though she can still be a bit shy with strangers, she will warm up to people and is delighted by treats. She has become confident in her surroundings and eager to try new things. In the years I’ve had Reina, there have been a lot of ups and downs. My brother and I have had some rough times as we navigate the complex roads of her training. But every moment with her, even those I’d rather not repeat, has been an amazing experience. Reina is my daily reminder that we can be transformed. Change is possible. Potential lies within all of us. God can do incredible things through us and in us. And the love that He gives can overcome all fears, all obstacles, all and any past we may have. And with all that we’ve been able to teach Reina, I know she has taught me far more. What a treasure she is. My beautiful Reina, the queen who doesn't wear a crown.