Uploaded December 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Swingin' D Horse Rescue saves horses from slaughter, nurses them back to health, then adopts them to responsible owners.
Harry was surrendered to us with a body score of 1-2 in October. In the end of December, after Harry gained about 150 pounds, it was time to introduce him to the herd. He spent some time in a round pen where he was able to have nose-to-nose interaction, then, when the herd boss was grazing in another pen, I let him meet the other geldings.
NOTE THE HERD DYNAMICS AT ABOUT 1:30, as lower horses Jake (lowest, sorrel), Rook (black with star, emerging leader) and Elvis (large black, 2nd-in-command) appear to scheme to gang up on Harry, Herd Boss Bo makes his entrance. (Bo is the paint.) When he sensed all the ruckus, he came to get the herd back in order.
Bo has done this many times, including times when he senses humans are in danger from an unruly horse, which is what makes him a great manager. He's not just scary; he's dominant and sensible.
Swingin' D Horse Rescue is a 501C3 in Coweta, Oklahoma. http://swingindhorserescue.com. We also advocate for responsible horse ownership, providing materials and information to help the horse owner minimize cost and maximize time spent enjoying their companion. We advocate for exceptional (not "good enough") care that encourages a simpatico relationship between horse and rider.
This video features our experience with our herd. Not all horse families are the same, and not all dominant leaders are the same.
You'll find your own path. This is ours.
Swingin' D Horse Rescue saves horses from slaughter, nurses them back to health, then adopts them to responsible owners.
Harry was surrendered to us with a body score of 1-2 in October. In the end of December, after Harry gained about 150 pounds, it was time to introduce him to the herd. He spent some time in a round pen where he was able to have nose-to-nose interaction, then, when the herd boss was grazing in another pen, I let him meet the other geldings.
NOTE THE HERD DYNAMICS AT ABOUT 1:30, as lower horses Jake (lowest, sorrel), Rook (black with star, emerging leader) and Elvis (large black, 2nd-in-command) appear to scheme to gang up on Harry, Herd Boss Bo makes his entrance. (Bo is the paint.) When he sensed all the ruckus, he came to get the herd back in order.
Bo has done this many times, including times when he senses humans are in danger from an unruly horse, which is what makes him a great manager. He's not just scary; he's dominant and sensible.
Swingin' D Horse Rescue is a 501C3 in Coweta, Oklahoma. http://swingindhorserescue.com. We also advocate for responsible horse ownership, providing materials and information to help the horse owner minimize cost and maximize time spent enjoying their companion. We advocate for exceptional (not "good enough") care that encourages a simpatico relationship between horse and rider.
This video features our experience with our herd. Not all horse families are the same, and not all dominant leaders are the same.
You'll find your own path. This is ours.
