Unlikely Heroes

Contributing Author: Shelley Lovell

The bond humans have with animals dates back for centuries. Animals, especially horses, have been around to help with the duties of living such as pulling plows, carts, rounding up cattle and moving people across the country. Today, horses still help humans in daily living and survival. Our horses are the heart of Courageous Connections. Our four, (soon to be five) very special horses do the work of guiding people through many lessons and are there to soothe aches and pains that we may not have e words to describe. They certainly are the center of who we are. However, living alongside our herd, are a few other unlikely heroes that many of our younger participants have bonded with; two with four hooves and four with two wings. That’s right, our boys, Bodie and Benny, and our four chickens, who all have several names, depending on who you are talking to. 

Benny and Bodie are twin Nubian goats. They are two little creatures that you can hear hollering from time to time with their little “baaa” across the arena. That call, distinct and precise, always brings a smile to anyone’s face. Eyes light up seeing their floppy long ears and laughter bellows when you witness their antics of jumping and playing with each other. The shriek of joy fills the air as children see the goats having interest in the most basic of things such as shoe laces and zippers. These boys are very special to the children that come to the farm. For some, their smaller size can be easier to stand next to compared to the horses. Children love to interact with them and learn about their toothless top gums, horizontal pupils and soft floppy ears and tails that wag like a dog. 

Chickens; some people love them, and well, some can do without them. Children seem to adore the chickens. It might be their very small stature and the innocence these animals bring that put children at ease. Children can walk into their pen and stoop down and tower over them, which in turn makes them feel bigger, even for just a moment. There is also a certain level of euphoria lifting the hatch of the chicken coop in search of eggs. Children squeal with delight hearing the chicken’s squawks as they hunt for small snacks on the ground. For some, feeding the chickens can be quite the adventure as they muster up the courage to have dried meal worms put into their hands for the chickens to eat from. The biggest smiles come to their faces with a belly-filled-laugh that brings shared joy to all that are standing near. 

Yes, our horses are the center of Courageous Connections and they are cherished deeply and many have made strong bonds with them. However, up and around the corner, in two different pens, sit two little boy goats waiting for shoe laces and zippers to nibble and four hens that are waiting to eat mealworms out of little hands. These small animals have allowed our youngest participants to create bonds with them and have brought forth authentic curiosity, courage, smiles, and laughter; making us remember that even goats and chickens can be unlikely heroes and heroes really do come in all shapes and sizes.