Meet luna!

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 Luna is the heart and soul of KataLUNA Horsemanship and rescue. She came into Katie's life back in the spring of 2017, back when she was still in school. She attended her first ever feedlot auction to participate in a photo journalism project. 

'Walking into the holding pens, Luna, (whose original name was Rose, coincidentally is also my middle name) was the first horse to catch my eye, she was skin and bones, and didn't have much interest in people but I immediately felt some sort of connection to her. I began to put all other tasks aside and just be with this horse who seemed frightened and shut down. As we were waiting for her time to go through the ring, we were approached by a group of men browsing the animals for sale. They seemed to have interest towards Luna, kissing at her and smacking her on the rump to try and get her to turn around. My heart sank for this poor mare who was being treated like dirt, when I knew there was nothing I could do about it. 

The time came for the auction to start and me to leave, thinking that was the last time I would ever interact with her. I sat in my seat, watching each horse come in and out of the ring, some finding new homes, some on the start of a long journey to an unfortunate ending... filled with so many different emotions my heart was pounding waiting for this mare. Finally, the last horse of the night, she is walked into the ring. My heart began racing, my body shaking and pale. They started off her bidding at $300 (well below meat price value) but no one bid, her number decreased until finally they called out asking for $100 bill for this horse and who of all people raised their hand? The man who kissed at her and smacked her rear to get her attention. I felt tears filling my eyes for i knew where she'd end up, but to my surprise, I heard the voice of the friend who joined me that day suddenly call out a bid. He knew how much she and I had connected and decided to do what he could to save her. It turned into a bidding war, back and forth, until finally one of them relinquished. My heart raced when I heard the auctioneer call out our bid and say, 'Congratulations young man, whats your number?' 

I waited with her for hours until someone came with a horse trailer to take us home. Since then Luna has blossomed into an amazing spirit, so trusting and giving. She is one of the best teachers I know. We have had ups and downs of difficulty with her health, a few timealmost leading to euthanasia, but she is a fighter. She still has so much to teach us and I am grateful for everyday we share.