Montana

Montana was the first horse we got in 2017, and he set the structure for the vision Renewing Hope Ranch was built around. We got him from a rescue in Conifer after he was pulled from a kill pen. He had a lot to learn as a youngster, so we spent lots of time with him and found an amazing trainer to help us navigate our horsemanship.

Montana has been such a good teacher — not only to others, but to me. He holds a strong yet quiet confidence now. He is the chosen leader in the herd, and the other horses look to him when things get worrisome. He has taught me the value of knowing and prioritizing what is important, and the necessity of presence. Montana’s heart is so big for being such a little horse. He may be little, but his impact is bigger than I could have ever imagined. He loves spending time with people who want to be with him and are willing to give up control. He loves teaching about leadership, connection, and authenticity.

Age

Montana was rescued from a kill pen as a yearling, and we adopted him from the rescue when he was three. We celebrate him on June 13, 2014.

Care

Montana has been through so much in his short life. He has experienced laminitis, founder, and a fractured hip. We have done all we can to keep him healthy, comfortable, and as pain-free as possible.

We have been able to do PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to help him recover. Dr. Page also did a laser treatment, and he has done amazing since. His first treatment was in March 2026 and is recommended every six months. He is on gabapentin twice a day because his liver values were not great when we tested, so he is not able to have any other pain medication right now.

We have been able to take Montana off all of his founder medications. He has been maintaining his weight well and does not appear to need founder- or laminitis-related medication at this time. We currently give him a red-light therapy blanket once a week, a magnetic blanket as needed, and Masterson Method bodywork as often as we can.

Monthly care

• PRP twice a year
• Gabapentin ($0.22 each), 12 pills a day: $964 a year / $2.64 a day
• Cosequin ($139.99) once daily: $639 a year / $53 a month
• Chiropractic ($135) every 3 months: $405 a year / $34 a month
• Taping as needed
• X-rays once a year