When Katie Wright, of Apple Valley, California, rescued two neglected horses in late April, she wasn’t sure how she’d be able to afford their extensive vet bills and the food they so desperately needed. That’s why Momentous Insurance Brokerage’s Equine Specialty Practice decided to donate funds to aid her efforts.
Before: Najeem’s body was plagued by scars when Wright rescued him
Soon after rescuing the horses Wright contacted her friend Christine Courtland, an Account Executive at Momentous Insurance, about obtaining insurance for the horses. Courtland was able to provide a personal liability policy that included coverage for the horses. In other words, should the horses cause injury or damage to someone else, Katie’s family would have financial protection. Working together to secure this coverage, Courtland learned the full story of how her friend got involved with the horses.
Wright is the mother of four children, some of whom have special needs. She began taking them to a monthly equine event designed for children with disabilities. She realized firsthand the benefits the horses provided to the development of her children and began to look for a healthy horse to complement their therapy at home.
Before: Lady Whisper was hyper alert and nervous before being rescued
During her search, she found an ad for an Arabian named Najeem, who was abandoned when his owners moved. Upon meeting Najeem, she realized the severity of his mistreatment – he was lame in two legs, had brutal sand colic due to starvation, his body was riddled by scars and lacked at least 100 pounds of muscle. Najeem’s dire circumstances pulled on her heartstrings. When the individuals who placed the ad realized she was able to offer him hope, they advised her of another horse, Lady Whisper, who was also left on the foreclosed property. She was a sad case as well; extremely malnourished, sorely in need of care from a farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care), hyper alert and nervous and she had lacerations that were being attacked by flies.
According to a recent study conducted by the Wall Street Journal, more than one million U.S. properties are currently under foreclosure proceedings. Unfortunately, as many of these foreclosed-upon Americans face tough times, they find themselves unable to afford and properly care for their four-legged family members.
After: Najeem today, looking healthy and ready to hit the trails
“The conditions they were kept in were deplorable,” explains Wright. “It was evident they had been neglected for a very long time. No one in my position could have walked away from them without regrets; we knew we needed to save them from their misery.”
Upon hearing Wright’s story, Momentous wanted to do more than ensure she had the proper insurance protection. Courtland discussed the need for care and supplies for these horses with President Diane Brinson and Equine Division Sales Executive Christina DiSalvo.
“We didn’t hesitate to help Katie with her cause,” affirmed DiSalvo, who has owned and ridden horses since the age of 6. “Our Equine Division is about more than just insurance, it’s about community and family. Our passion for horses and involvement in the horse world are the reasons we created this specialty practice.”
Momentous bigheartedly donated $1,000 from the Division’s operating budget, which has allowed Wright to buy enough quality hay to feed both of the horses for an entire year.
After: Lady Whisper now has boundless energy and loves to run
Momentous shared this story in their internal newsletter and Vice President of Personal Lines, Gilda Terry, was so moved that she decided to personally donate 1 month’s worth of hay to the Wright family.
Today, Wright is seeing vast improvements to their well-being. Najeem’s coat is gaining luster, he’s regaining weight and muscle tone and his sand colic has improved considerably. Lady Whisper now has a healthy coat, is nearing the appropriate weight, and has had all of her shots and farrier and dental care. Their physical progress has been accompanied by improved demeanors – it’s evident the horses are much healthier overall.
As Wright attests, “The generous donation has allowed for so many of their needs to be met. Not just the basics but the opportunity for them to receive the best care.”
Wright’s children have experienced developmental improvements as well and are flourishing thanks to Lady Whisper and Najeem.
“With an autistic child, it is impossible to explain the benefits, “confirms Wright. “My seven year old, Charles, was not supposed to walk let alone sit up yet continues to make gains. Equine therapy is a blessing beyond measure. Untold joy is the best way to describe how he feels about riding.”
For more information, high-resolution photos or media inquiries, please contact Michelle Boyer at (818) 933-9865.
