Barney’s Story: A Love That Lasts

Years ago, Tori was looking for her first horse companion. Naturally, she turned to Walkin N Circles Ranch to adopt a companion. It was there Tori met and fell in love with Diesel, a strong, tall gelding with an outgoing, lovable personality. As a new horse owner, Tori doted on Diesel, but soon realized even her attention would not be enough.

Friends and family gently guided her toward finding a horse companion to keep Diesel company when she could not be around at all hours of the day. That’s when Tori went back to Walkin N Circles Ranch for help. Once there, she was immediately greeted by the braying of a tall, all-white hinny named Zero (now Barney).

“There was an immediate connection that I just can't quite explain,” Tori said. “I did not know what a hinny was at the time, or what different kinds of care and training Barney might need.”

Despite these obstacles, Tori was overcome with emotion. “I told him right then and there I would be back for him and meant it.” Tori set out to keep good on her promise and learn all that she could while working with Diesel and other equines. Hinnies do require special skills, patience, and understanding to help them flourish. But as always happens, life got in the way of best intentions as Tori experienced her own hardships, career changes, family needs, and other events that took her all over the country.

Finally, as luck would have it, Tori made the call to Walkin N Circles Ranch after six long years had passed. Unbelievably, the volunteer who answered told Tori that Barney was still in their care and ready for his forever home.

“I just couldn’t believe it! I had given up hope and thought maybe someone had seen in him what I saw,” she recalled. “I thought he was long gone, that I had missed my chance.”

When she saw Barney again after many years, nothing had changed. Barney still greeted her loudly and remembered her. Tori was finally able to make good on her promise and has kept it ever since.

The two quickly made their way back to Maslena Rescue Foundation in Tijeras where Tori resides with Diesel. Today, Barney is a happy member of the larger herd in his forever home with a devoted, loving steward in Tori.