All about Edward
The Long Road to Cheyne Ranch: Edward’s Story
In January 2021, ten horses were removed from a property in Clinton, Mississippi due to neglect. The surviving horses were taken in by Mississippi Horse Rescue, where they began rehabilitation and rehoming. They became known as the Clinton 10.
One of those horses was a small sorrel stallion with a wide blaze. He arrived underweight, still intact, and with an irregular movement in his hind legs, attributed at the time to stringhalt related to nutritional deficiency. His age was originally estimated between six and ten years old. More recently, both a veterinarian and equine dentist have confirmed he is approximately 15 years old. He had little experience with consistent handling.
He was named Edward.
Recovery
Edward remained in the care of Mississippi Horse Rescue, under the direction of Patricia, where he spent the next year and a half rebuilding his health. Refeeding a starved horse requires a slow, careful approach, and his progress came through steady routines, veterinary support, and time.
He was gelded later than is typical, likely between seven and ten years old. As a result, his build reflects a more mature stallion frame, with denser bone and a compact, sturdy structure. He stands at 13.3 hands and is currently maintained barefoot.
By mid-2022, Edward had improved physically, though he was still cautious with handling. He was sensitive to new people, reluctant to be haltered, and inconsistent with hoof care.
In July 2022, trainer Lynda Koch began working with him in coordination with Mississippi Horse Rescue. She focused on foundational skills such as haltering, hoof handling, and routine interaction. Over time, he became more predictable and easier to handle.
DNA
In early 2023, Edward’s DNA results showed a mix of Missouri Fox Trotter, Tennessee Walking Horse, and Rocky Mountain Horse, all gaited breeds known for smooth movement and steady temperaments.
Edward does not consistently gait and remains smaller than typical for those breeds. He continues to carry a slight hitch in his hind legs, which has remained stable and does not appear to affect his general comfort. His breeding is more evident in his disposition. He is generally calm, willing, and tolerant of different handlers.
Heart of the Horse
In late 2022, Edward was selected for the Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge, a program pairing rescue horses with trainers to prepare them for competition and adoption.
He was first worked by Mercedes Kelly Sampsell, who began riding work and continued his groundwork. As part of the program, Edward was introduced to obstacle work, pattern riding, and busier environments.
In April 2023, Mercedes stepped away due to a knee injury, and Delaney Ware took over for the final 30 days before the competition. Edward adjusted and continued progressing.
He competed in the Heart of the Horse finals in May 2023 in horsemanship, trail, and freestyle classes. He completed all three and handled the environment well.
Throughout this process, he showed a consistent ability to adjust to new handlers and expectations.
The Winding Road
After the finals, Edward was adopted by a young rider in Mississippi. He later returned to Mississippi Horse Rescue and entered another training program, Plan 4 Progress, where he continued to be described as easy and willing.
He was later adopted again by a family in Mississippi who were already familiar with Cheyne Ranch through a previous horse they had donated. They felt Edward would be a good fit for the program and chose to send him here.
Edward at Cheyne Ranch
Edward recently arrived at Cheyne Ranch and is settling into a new environment. At 13.3 hands, he is one of the smaller horses in the herd, with a sturdy build and a quiet presence. His hind leg movement remains slightly irregular but consistent.
He is adjusting to new routines, people, and surroundings. Based on his history, he has shown the ability to adapt over time with steady handling.
Edward’s path has included extended rehabilitation, multiple trainers, a competitive training program, and several placements. Across each stage, he has remained consistent in temperament and willingness to engage.
He is here because many people, especially Mississippi Horse Rescue, took the time to invest in him. That consistency shows in the horse he is today.