A second chance for Saddlebreds

Bama, a white and brown-spotted, blue-eyed pony, was facing hard times. After she was diagnosed with skin cancer, the family that raised her in Alabama could no longer afford to take care of her. 

In Pennsylvania, American Saddlebred Peppermint, a former Amish carriage-driving horse, faced a horse auction where she would most likely be put to slaughter after she could no longer meet the demands of carriage driving.

The two horses were given a second chance when they were saved by horse rescue programs and given a home at James Hale Stables in Chelsea.

Owners Jackie Hale and her husband, James Hale, were raised with a passion for horses.

Growing up, Jackie’s parents were horse trainers, truck drivers and grooms. She began showing at horse shows in and around Alabama at 8 years old. James and his family began exhibiting horses, specifically the American Saddlebred breed, when he was just 7 years old. 

Although James Hale Stables has been in its location since 1997 and used to offer riding lessons to the public, they decided to stop lessons for several years to focus on training show horses.

This year, they changed their minds.

Jackie is on the National Board of Directors of the American Saddlebred Horse Association. As part of her involvement, she serves on the Riding Lessons committee, which advocates the use of American Saddlebreds for riding lessons. When she thought about it, she realized that although she had stables and advanced training programs available, she did not have a beginners riding program using American Saddlebreds of her own. 

“I thought that I needed to put my money where my mouth was,” Jackie said.

With the growth of families on 280, the Hales knew that they could make a lesson program work. Rather than buy new lesson horses, they saw an opportunity to provide a new future for rescue horses. 

To find Bama, the Hales worked with Helping Horses Alabama, an organization that provides rehabilitation and training for abused, abandoned or sick horses. 

The organization provided her treatment and found her a home with the Hales, who have agreed to continue her treatments and keep her out of the sun. 

Saddlebred Rescue, an organization similar to Helping Horses Alabama, saved Peppermint. She was adopted by 280 resident Amy Tate as a riding horse for her daughter, Emily. After knowing the Hales for several years, Tate was happy to house Peppermint with the Hales and allow them to use her for other riding lessons. As a veterinarian, Tate can attest to the Hale’s experience and professional care for their horses. 

“I’ve never been in another barn where they take such good care of their horses,” Tate said. “They focus on safety and they do a really good job with that.”

The Hales give lessons in Saddle Seat, an English style of riding that is becoming less popular in equestrian sports. They teach Saddle Seat to preserve the traditional aspects of the American Saddlebred riding style.

“Saddlebred can be ridden in any discipline, but Saddle Seat is what they’re really built to do,” Jackie said.

With these lessons, the Hales hope to not only show the versatility in the American Saddlebred breed, but also to inspire a love for horses and riding similar to their own.

“You’ve got to get them interested early,” Jackie said.

James Hale Stables will begin registration for after-school riding lessons at their open house on Aug. 9. For more information on James Hale Stables, visit jameshalestables.com.