Rescued by Warrior Ranch, Ranger finds forever home

Another horse rescued by Warrior Ranch has found his forever home. Ranger, a 15-year-old quarter horse who came to the Calverton ranch four years ago, is now being cared for by one of the ranch’s volunteers and her family on the North Fork. 

“He’s doing fantastic,” said Debra Thomson Rothwell. “He has the love of his new family here and a horse buddy Lucky, who he can go into the pasture with. He doesn’t have to work anymore; he’s living a life of leisure.”

Rothwell and her husband own Thunder Road Stables in Jamesport, a 107-acre farm 17 miles east of Warrior Ranch. This fall she and her husband plan to construct a new large year-round indoor riding arena that includes a viewing stand.

Before Ranger was rescued by Warrior Ranch, he had ended up in an auction kill pen. In a lot of pain, he was treated with chiropractic and acupuncture.

For the past four years, Rothwell had been working with Ranger at Warrior Ranch, feeding and caring for him. She described him as “affectionate and loving.” Ranger is not rideable because of a few challenges but he’s a great companion. 

The Rothwell ranch has 54 horses, two owned by the Rothwells and the others are privately owned.“We’re excited to have Ranger at our farm as part of our horse family and he makes a great addition to the stables,” said Rothwell.  

Warrior Ranch Founder and President Eileen Shanahan said, “Our head trainer, Gina Lamb, did a phenomenal job working with Ranger. Watching him find his forever home is exactly why we do what we do.  It reflects both our mission to serve our heroes and give horses a second chance. Thanks to Gina Lamb’s dedicated work in Ranger’s transformation, and to the Rothwell family for welcoming him to Thunder Road Stables, this moment means everything to us.” 

Founded in 2016, the Warrior Ranch Foundation nonprofit rescues horses and helps veterans. Military and first-responders are invited to attend free clinics and workshops where they learn from an expert how to work with horses. Much of the activity will include grooming, feeding, and ground exercises. As participants engage in these non-riding activities, they develop bonds, give guidance, demonstrate leadership, and help horses overcome certain fears. 

For more information visit: warriorranchfoundation.org