“He was a talented horse, but he was also a bit of a handful.”

The Unlikely Rescue

Watson was a 3-year-old Thoroughbred colt, purchased by a breeder in 2018. However, the breeder soon realized that Watson was not suited for the racing industry. The colt was too energetic and unruly, making him difficult to handle. Key characteristics of Watson: + Energetic and unruly + Difficult to handle + Talented but unmanageable The breeder decided to rehome Watson, but he ended up in a shelter. The shelter staff was unsure of what to do with the energetic and unruly colt. They tried various training methods, but Watson was uncooperative.

The Turning Point

One day, a representative from Colby’s Crew visited the shelter. Olivia Smith, the co-founder, was immediately drawn to Watson’s unique energy and spirit. She saw an opportunity to rescue the talented but troubled colt and give him a second chance. Reasons why Olivia Smith chose Watson: + His unique energy and spirit + His talent and potential + His need for a second chance Olivia and her team worked with Watson, using positive reinforcement training methods. They focused on building trust and establishing a strong bond between Watson and the team.

The Rehabilitation Process

The rehabilitation process was not easy. Watson was still energetic and unruly, but he was also eager to please.

“We were told that Colby was a very special dog, and that he was going to be a great fit for someone who was very experienced in dog training and behavior.”

The Journey Begins

The Drurys had been searching for the perfect dog for their family for months. They had considered various breeds and mixes, but nothing seemed quite right. That was until they stumbled upon Colby, a 2-year-old Australian Shepherd mix with a unique set of skills. Colby’s background: + Raised by a family with a strong focus on agility training + Trained in obedience, agility, and protection sports + Experienced in handling high-energy dogs

The Perfect Fit

The Drurys were immediately drawn to Colby’s energetic and playful personality. They knew they needed a dog that could keep up with their active lifestyle, and Colby seemed like the perfect fit. Key characteristics: + High energy level + Strong work ethic + Loyal and loving nature

The Adoption Process

The Drurys worked closely with Colby’s Crew to find the perfect adopter for Colby.

He was so happy to see his friend,” Ally said, quoting Watson’s words. Ally and Olivia exchanged a knowing glance, both thinking the same thing – Watson had found his perfect match.

The Unlikely Friendship

Watson, a 25-year-old man with a passion for photography, had been searching for someone to share his adventures with.

Watson was a gentle soul, loved by all who met him. He was a favorite among the Drury family, and his calm demeanor made him a perfect companion for their children.

Watson’s Early Life

Watson was born in a warm and sunny climate, where he was raised by a loving family. His early life was filled with joy and laughter, as he was surrounded by people who adored him. As a young colt, Watson was energetic and playful, always eager to explore and discover new things. However, as he grew older, he became more laid-back and gentle, much like the Drury family.

The Move to Michigan

When the Drury family decided to move to Thompsonville, Michigan, Watson was by their side. The drastic change in climate was a shock to Watson, but he adapted quickly.

She read books, watched videos, and even attended a few horse shows to learn from other breeders and owners.

Getting to Know Watson

Gabby’s patience and dedication paid off as Watson began to open up to her.

Watson is a 7-year-old Dutch Harness Horse with a strong work ethic and a willingness to please. He is a bit of a goofball and loves to play with his toys.

The Partnership

Gabby and Watson formed a strong partnership over time, with Monique working closely with both horses to develop their skills and build trust.

He is being trained by a renowned trainer, and is expected to become a champion racehorse.

A New Beginning for Watson

After being adopted by the Drurys, Watson’s life took a dramatic turn. He was born with a bad case of hoof disease, which made his early life a challenge. However, with the care and attention of his new parents, Marian and Monique, he was able to recover and thrive.

The Road to Recovery

Watson’s journey to recovery was not an easy one. He required extensive treatment and care to overcome the hoof disease. The Drurys worked tirelessly to provide him with the best possible care, and their dedication paid off. With time and patience, Watson began to show signs of improvement. The Drurys’ efforts were not limited to providing medical care. They also worked to improve Watson’s overall well-being, including his diet and living conditions. The family’s love and support played a significant role in Watson’s recovery. They provided a stable and nurturing environment, which helped him to heal and grow.*

A New Career Path

As Watson recovered, the Drurys began to consider his future. They realized that he had the potential to become a champion racehorse, and they decided to pursue this goal. With the help of a renowned trainer, Watson began his training.

The Training Process

Watson’s training was a rigorous and demanding process.

She started with the dressage test, and then moved on to jumping and eventually became a certified dressage and jumping instructor.

Watson competed in saddle seat and English classes, jumping, and western pleasure.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but we were excited to try it out.”

The Early Days of Stepping Stones

The Stepping Stones schooling series is a prestigious equestrian competition that attracts top riders from around the world. The series is designed to provide a platform for young riders to gain experience and develop their skills in a supportive environment. The first show of the series was held in 2015, and since then, it has become a highly anticipated event in the equestrian calendar.

The Rise of Watson and Gabby

Watson and Gabby’s partnership began in 2018, when they started competing in local shows.

“He was such a gentle soul, and he had such a loving personality.” Gabby and Monique were devastated by the discovery, and they knew they had to act fast to save their beloved horse.

The Shocking Reality

The discovery of their horse’s fate was a devastating blow to Gabby and Monique. They had always known that the horse, a beautiful chestnut mare named Thunder, was in danger of being sent to the slaughterhouse. However, they had hoped that their efforts to raise awareness and funds would be enough to save him. The horse was originally purchased from a breeder who had planned to sell him to a slaughterhouse. Gabby and Monique had been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the issue of horse slaughter and to raise funds to save Thunder. Despite their efforts, the horse was still scheduled to be sent to the slaughterhouse.

The Decision to Act

Gabby and Monique knew they had to act fast to save Thunder. They decided to take matters into their own hands and work together to find a new home for the horse. They began by researching different options and reaching out to local horse rescue organizations. They contacted several local horse rescue organizations and were met with a mix of responses. Some organizations were willing to take Thunder in, but others were not.

The Power of Partnership

Gabby and Watson’s partnership has been a game-changer for Colby’s Crew. Their collaboration has led to numerous successes, and their bond has grown stronger with each passing day. The duo’s ability to work together seamlessly has been a key factor in their achievements. Gabby’s creativity and Watson’s analytical skills have proven to be a winning combination. Their ability to communicate effectively has helped them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The partnership has also fostered a sense of camaraderie and trust among the team members.

The Benefits of Collaboration

The benefits of Gabby and Watson’s partnership extend beyond their individual achievements. Their collaboration has also had a positive impact on the team as a whole. Improved problem-solving: The duo’s ability to work together has led to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. Enhanced creativity: Gabby’s creativity and Watson’s analytical skills have combined to produce innovative solutions. * Increased productivity: The partnership has helped the team stay focused and motivated, leading to increased productivity.**

The Future of Colby’s Crew

As Gabby and Watson’s partnership continues to grow, Colby’s Crew is poised for even greater success.

Preparing for the Horse Trials

Gabby has been training for months, honing her skills and building her confidence. She has been working with a coach to develop a training plan that focuses on specific areas of improvement. Her coach has identified key areas where she needs to focus her efforts, such as balance, control, and communication with her horse. Key areas of improvement: + Balance: Gabby needs to work on her balance and poise while riding. She has been practicing exercises that help her develop her core strength and improve her overall balance. + Control: Gabby needs to work on her control and ability to guide her horse through complex courses.