Brandon Carney is one of the people Pamela Rickenbach calls “the kids” at Blue Star Equiculture, the draft horse sanctuary, rescue facility and organic farming center. The “kids” are a squadron of animal-loving idealists who have grown strong and wise handling the powerful work horses at the farm.

I’m not sure if there is any other place quite like Blue Star, I don’t know of any, they have between 25 and 30 big and beautiful draft horses, some retired from the New York Carriage Horse Trade, many rescued from starvation and abuse and abandonment.

Blue Star’s message has always drawn the young, it is an accepting place, a place to find community support, and work with the giant horses. It advances the idea that horses can help the environment and the young see firsthand how much the horses love to work with people.  Brandon has been at Blue Star for some years now, he is at home with the big horses, he handles them, grooms, them, rides them and trains them. I’ve known Brandon only for a couple of years, I am always touched  by his love of the horses and his commitment to them at the farm.

I imagine his connection to the farm will change the course of his life.

And even in the brief time I’ve known him, I’ve seen his confidence and focus grow. He has the spark.

Blue Star has great appeal for the young, they care about the earth, they wish to keep the animals with us, and they believe in giving anyone, especially the young a chance to learn about animals and care for them and find the support and understanding they sometimes need for themselves.

They are soldiers in the new army, advocates for the animals, for the planet, for one another, for a life bounded by idealism, love and compassion.