August News

Gulliver’s Summer Sabbatical

Has there been an animal in your life that was your best friend? Someone who knew your hurts and struggles and made it all better without saying a word?

At Storybook Farm, Gulliver is a best friend to riders like Abby, LaJessa, Ryan, Shelby, John and Caylor.  He is the quintessential equine therapist- bright and colorful in appearance and a friend to all.

Like many of our riders, Gulliver endured many trials on his journey this summer. He traveled up mountains and through valleys -trails paved with doctors’ visits, numerous procedures and seemingly endless obstacles.

 In late May, veterinarians from Auburn University’s Large Animal Clinic diagnosed Gulliver with a corneal ulcer in his right eye.  This news upset Gulliver because he was unable to participate in sessions or play with his friends for a very long time, but he knew there was hope of recovery.

After his diagnosis, Gulliver’s doctors insisted he stay with them at the Griffin Barn at Auburn’s amazing vet school. Gulliver was apprehensive about the trip at first, but with a little coaxing from Dr. Estrada, the encouragement from Dr. Wooldridge and the promise of a bushel of apples from Dr. Norton he was eager to go. Gulliver also knew going with the doctors would help his corneal ulcer so he packed the trailer and headed toward recovery.

 During his five-week stay Gulliver’s patience was tested. It was a tedious time in his life, but he never lost hope. Throughout his time of treatment he made many positive strides, but as soon as he did the doctors found something else wrong. He had to take medicine every four hours and was unable to frolic through the pastures freely. For Gulliver this was especially hard as he yearned to be a part of everyday farm life.

One day while he was resting in his stall Gulliver reminisced of his past sessions and memories with his friends at Storybook. He then realized that his experiences are relatable to the uncertainty faced by many of our riders. Like Gulliver, our children face trying circumstances and conditions, but like Gulliver they hold on to the hope of healing and a bright future.

After the doctors mended his wounds, he made the journey back to the Farm. Everyone was so excited to have him back and could not wait to hear of his adventures at Auburn University.

After a long journey this summer, Gulliver received good news at the end of the fourth month of treatment.  He is healthy as a horse! The 10 riders he will assist this semester are destined for a fun time! Although Gulliver underwent many difficulties this summer with his health, his patience, trust in God’s plan and the doctors abilities, his optimistic spirit carried him through. He can’t wait to return to his favorite job carrying riders in Paddington Station Arena!

Southeastern Raptor Center Release

The Southeastern Raptor Center returned for the second time to Storybook Farm to release three birds back into the wild.After the first release last fall of Red-Tailed Hawks, the Raptor Center returned this time to release two Broad Wing Hawks and a Mississippi Kite on Saturday, August 20. It was a beautiful morning to return the birds back into their native habit after being rehabbed by the Raptor Center. A red-tailed hawk and a vulture were also brought along as educational birds so everyone could learn a little about them and get a picture if they wanted one.

Bridges of Faith Ministry Visit

Bridges of Faith ministry returned to Storybook Farm for the third time with a new group of orphans visiting from the Ukraine. This group of 11 Ukrainian orphans was entirely made up of boys and was accompanied by several gracious American hosts and a Ukrainian translator.

Everyone enjoyed a tour of the Farm before splitting up into groups and rotating between four different activities. First, they were able to get in the ring and take ride with Gus Gus, Captain Hook and Baloo. Next they were able to learn all about grooming, and Gulliver and Paddington Bear proved to be great sports for this. The boys also enjoy an obstacle course, shooting the basketball and their favorite game that they were so good at, soccer- or Futbol as they called it. Finally they were able to decorate a horseshoe to take back with them to the Ukraine followed by a delicious lunch from Chick-Fil-A. Storybook Farm was blessed to encounter such gracious children so full of life.

Work Group

A huge thanks to the youth of Providence Baptist Church for coming out to the Farm for a work day. They were in the fields picking up rocks, cleaning windows and fans in the barn and really anything else that they were asked to do. A lot of hard work was put in that hot, hot day, and the Farm looked great! Thank you so much for thinking of Storybook.