Dakota

Dakota and his older brother, TommyHawk, were junkyard ponies, abused and neglected until they were rescued by the Smith family, who patiently loved and restored them both. Under their care, the brothers recovered and began work in the Makarios Autism Center, where they remained until the Smiths' ministry shifted to larger-scale endeavors. Wanting a place where their boys would be safe and loved, they donated Dakota and TommyHawk to Glory Reins.

Abuse and neglect created a protective nature in Dakota, who uses his body to shield TommyHawk when his more timid brother is feeling afraid. Sadly, he does have heaves (equine asthma), which can make it hard for him to catch his breath, but he is always ready to greet us with a whinny and a nuzzle. And on the days he is feeling good, he loves giving rides to our smallest Ranchers.