I recently read a post from Janie Coffey titled "Become a horse rescue mission Volunteer & Possibly help find a missing person!" which gave me the idea to write about a friend of mine who is in the PA Search & Rescue.
Kathy has been on the PA Search & Rescue Team for a many years. (Don't remember exactly how many she said.) She has also told me some stories about her adventures. One in particular stands out in my mind when someone mentions PA Search & Rescue.
Kathy was called out, along with other volunteers, to search for a missing person lost in the woods. They had been called out late in the day, so they were still searching after the sun had set. All the volunteers and their horses have reflective gear, which they wear when it gets dark, plus they carry flashlights. So, they are quite visible even in the darkness.
Anyway, Kathy and her horse, Sahara, were riding next to the road. Kathy saw a car speeding towards her and Sahara. Kathy tried to signal the driver to slow down, but the driver didn't seem to either pay attention or notice. Not only was the car speeding, but it was also zig-zagging in and out of both lanes of the road. The car was headed towards Kathy and Sahara. Kathy was expecting the worst. As the car zipped past them, Sahara had turned and Kathy thought they were just nicked. She dismounted to check on Sahara and saw that Sahara was hit on her rear, just below the flank. Once they got to a well lit area, Kathy checked out the injury and saw it was worse. She took the hit for Kathy. If she hadn't turned, Kathy would not be here today. Sahara saved Kathy's life.
Later on, Kathy found out that the woman that was driving was going through a bad divorce and was in tears and didn't even know she had hit anybody or anything. Her mind was not on the surroundings and never even saw Kathy and Sahara. Fortunately, Sahara was nursed back to health and Kathy did not press charges. She figured this woman has gone through enough and Sahara had survived. She probably would have pressed charges if she lost Sahara. All Sahara has left is just a small lump where she had been injured.
It was Sahara's bravery that saved Kathy. This goes to show you that horses will protect the ones they trust and love.
Janie,
It is amazing! When they consider us as one of their own, they will anything for us. By the way, Kathy will NEVER give Sahara up because of what she has done for her.
Jason:
I agree. As long as we treat them well, respect them and love them, they will do just about anything for us, including protect us.
Brigita
Katerina,
Thank you!
Brigita