Last updated on April 3, 2021
Anyone reading A Woman Named Rio will get the idea that the author probably loves dogs. It may also be apparent that my second love is horses. I take a special interest in rescue horses and, over the past four years, my husband and I have been visiting six very special rescue horses in Englewood, Florida whenever we have been in the vicinity. Currently, the tract of land where they have been kept for over a decade is being developed, and they are in need of a new place to graze and run free. I would like to introduce you to this lovable little “Park Forest Herd” and the wonderful people who care for them, Gina Bannan-Stapleton and her husband Bill. Under each picture below, we have featured a brief bio in Gina’s own words so that you can get acquainted with Buddy, Ritz, Diamond, Delilah, Mufasa and Harley.
“BUDDY is the Sheriff of the herd. He is a registered Thoroughbred with blood lines from the famous SECRETARIAT. He is 34 this April, and I rescued/bought him 33 years ago. He was injured as a colt, and they said he would never run. After love, surgeries, and care Buddy defeated the odds and is now in great shape for an elderly guy. He has a heart of gold and has helped many people.”
“PUTTING ON THE RITZ is a registered American Quarter Horse mare that is twelve. She was a former rodeo bucking bronc and was very mistreated. She could only use three legs when she arrived, but through care, love, and hard work she has become a great “Tom Boy” horse. Along with Buddy, she has been the protector of the herd.”
“MY DIAMOND RING is the half-sister of Ritz. She is a registered American Quarter horse and is twelve. She also came to us from rodeo and had the fear of people, since she was also beaten. She is a beauty and she knows it. Diamond has bonded with many individuals that have come to see the horses.”
“DELILAH, the Anheuser Busch Clydesdale mare, will turn 17 this May. When we bought her out of an extremely bad situation she was in foal. Many people in the community watched as we brought her baby ARABELLA into the world. Arabella was named after the granddaughter of one of the residents of Park Forest. The name means “beautiful prayer.” The road to recovery for Delilah and Arabella was long, expensive, and hard, but we made it through with the community’s help. Arabella died at age six from a rattlesnake bite. Delilah and Arabella were inseparable. Delilah has a kind heart and has come a long way since she arrived here. She is loved by many.”
“MUFASA, the mini horse, is now the sidekick to Delilah. He is 22 years old and came to us seven years ago. When he came, we found out from the Vet that he had cancer and had approximately six months to live. As you can see, with care, love, and a new home he is still here with us. He really thinks he is the KING OF THE JUNGLE.”
“MY HARLEY DAVIDSON, known to us as HANDSOME HARLEY, is a Tennessee Walker and is also over 20 years old. We were informed that he had over twelve homes due to his allergies and injuries. The previous owner came to us on the recommendation of a Veterinarian, who suggested we be allowed to keep Harley on a pasture that would be paradise to a horse. He could run, swim, lie down, and get away from bugs. Harley needs a special diet and meds from our Vet daily. He has won the hearts of so many people. He is a true “gentleman,” and he will never have to worry about another home.”
Each of these horses has costly special needs. Now that they are being moved, there will be expensive boarding fees as well because land is very scarce. Gina and Bill are in the process of setting up a non-profit business to support the little herd called “Horses for Life.” They are hoping for sponsorship, and contributions in any amount will be helpful. They will also be offering professional photography for photos with the horses to offset monthly costs. If you would like to help these beautiful animals, you can email EquinesForLifeLLC@gmail.com, or call (941) 586-8748.
Gina and Bill are very grateful to the Terry family and all of Park Forest for the home, friendship, goodies and love for the horses over the past ten years. In the near future, residents and visitors to the area will be able to spend time with the herd at 724 Morningside Road, Englewood, FL 34223.
I hope to see you at the new location. I’ll be the woman holding a Siberian husky on a leash with one hand, and a bag of carrots with the other.
