Horse Spotlight: Winchester — A Beloved Soul Who Walked Us Home

Some horses walk beside you for a season. Others leave a permanent hoofprint on your heart.

Winchester was both.

He wasn’t a mustang, but he was absolutely a rescue—and he carried within him a deep gentleness and a quiet wisdom that made him one of the most beloved therapy horses we've ever known. His image—standing with me on the labyrinth—is the one we chose to represent Zenhorse® on our homepage. It’s not just a photo. It’s a feeling. It’s what we hope everyone who comes here gets to experience: grounded presence, connection, and a sense that they belong.

A Survivor with a Gentle Heart

Winchester was rescued by Longmeadow Rescue Ranch after being found in devastating conditions on a Missouri farm. Around 30 horses had been left with no food or water. By the time Longmeadow arrived, several horses had already died. Winchester was one of the survivors.

Despite that traumatic beginning, he somehow held onto his light.

He was adopted by our neighbor and eventually came to join our therapy herd in Wildwood, where he brought his strength, softness, and brown-and-white beauty to countless sessions. He had a way of being with people that didn’t demand attention—but offered it fully. A steady presence. A companion for grief, grounding, or whatever the moment called for.

Everyone loved him.

His Last Circle

Shortly before we moved to our current home, Winchester suddenly became ill. We knew—deep down—we were going to lose him that day. We had a private meditation circle scheduled, but canceled it so that our team could be with him. What unfolded was something none of us will forget.

The Zenhorse® Board and volunteers gathered in silence and formed a meditation circle—just for him. Winchester walked in and out among us, gently visiting each person one by one, as if to say goodbye. As if to remind each of us how much he had loved, and been loved.

He passed not long after.

And somehow, it felt like he had walked us all home, just one last time.

The Great Escape Artist

Of course, Winchester wasn’t just soulful—he was also a bit of a legend when it came to mischief.

At our former ranch, we had two pastures separated by two gates and one small wooden people gate—a little V-shaped entry that humans could walk through but horses could not. One day, I looked out and saw Winchester in the “wrong” pasture. I checked the gates. No holes. No gaps.

Unless he had airlifted himself across, I was stumped.

But then… it kept happening.

Every day, no matter where I turned out the herd, Winchester would somehow end up on the opposite side. The rest of the horses stayed put. Winchester? Always on the move. Eventually, I caught him in the act.

That big, silly guy had figured out how to squeeze himself through the people gate—and he’d just come and go as he pleased. None of the other horses even tried. Winchester, though, had cracked the code. His own private shortcut.

Still makes me laugh.

We Remember

Winchester may be gone, but his presence lives on—in the labyrinth, in the wind, in the hearts of all who knew him. His photo still stands as a symbol of what’s possible when love and safety meet a horse who’s ready to heal and help others do the same.

He wasn’t just part of Zenhorse®.

He is Zenhorse®.