At Bel Cavallo, the story of our farm wouldn’t be complete without Blizzie and Balu. These two horses are our heart and soul. They moved with us from California, trading their stalls for the wide-open dream of acres of land, and their stories of resilience and new beginnings inspire us every day. Let me share a bit about how they’ve become an essential part of our journey.

Blizzie: The Spirited Arabian with a Second Chance

Blizzie’s life didn’t start easy. She was raised in a herd on an Arabian breeding farm in Colorado, but after the farm fell into disrepair, she found herself in uncertain hands. A couple adopted her but soon realized they weren’t equipped to handle her high-strung nature. That’s how Blizzie ended up listed for sale online, her future hanging in the balance.

At the same time, I was grieving the loss of another horse, and my husband Doug, along with my trainer, thought taking on a new project might help. Blizzie arrived at Bel Cavallo untrained and misunderstood, but there was something about her—a spark I couldn’t ignore.

For two years, I worked with Blizzie on the ground, teaching her voice commands and hand signals. People called her “dangerous,” but I saw a smart, sensitive horse who just needed someone to believe in her. When the time came, a trusted trainer helped her transition into a safe, saddle-ready horse. Today, Blizzie is a symbol of transformation—my little unicorn who reminds me every day of what patience and care can accomplish.

Balu: The Gentle Giant Who Found Peace

Balu’s journey is no less moving. Once a trotter racing along the East Coast, his career took a toll on his body. Eventually, he was too lame to continue and ended up listed on Facebook as a free horse. Free horses often face uncertain fates, and I couldn’t bear the thought of Balu falling into the wrong hands.

When I met Balu, I knew he was special. There was a calmness about him, a quiet dignity that tugged at my heart. Bringing him home to Bel Cavallo felt like the only choice. Now, Balu spends his days enjoying the wide pastures he deserves, a far cry from his racing days.

His story highlights an important part of our mission—offering retired racehorses a safe landing and a chance to thrive in their later years. For Balu, the journey from cart-pulling to peaceful retirement has been nothing short of transformative.

How They Inspire Our Dream

Blizzie and Balu are more than just horses; they embody the values that drive Bel Cavallo. Blizzie’s fiery spirit and Balu’s gentle soul remind us daily why we chose this path. Together, they’ve formed a small but perfect herd, balancing each other with their unique personalities.

Their presence inspires everything we do—from creating a farm that feels like home to every horse that passes through, to building a future rooted in compassion and care. Blizzie and Balu represent the heart of Bel Cavallo, and they’ve shown us that every horse, no matter its past, deserves a chance at happiness.

Whether it’s Blizzie’s playful antics or Balu’s quiet moments of contentment, these two continue to inspire our dream for the farm. They’re a daily reminder that sometimes, the greatest joy comes from giving others the second chances they deserve.