Brophy's Job
Brophy's Job is a chestnut Leopard spot Appaloosa gelding with two heart-shaped markings on his rump. He was purchased by Best of Friends in 1992 at 7 years old to honor Sister Michelle Brophy's years of service.
Job is the best therapeutic riding horse in the world. We all feel that way and so does anyone who ever witnessed Job in the ring with a rider. Many people learned to ride a horse using Job; he was an excellent starter horse for anyone, as he had the patience of the biblical Job. He was always calm and steady in the ring, nothing bothered him. Job seemed to actually relax and enjoy the classes, he would practically fall asleep while waiting for the cue to "walk on".
In 2004, Job began to favor his right hind leg, and was examined by a veterinarian. It was discovered that he had a torn sensory ligament and was placed on stall rest for at least 6 months. During that time, he was only allowed out of his stall on short walks on lead to be walked outside for grass and sunshine, or up to the cross-ties to be groomed. He was, even then, patient and calm. Everyone who knew Job brought him treats and pampered him.
After receiving a clearance from the vet in 2005, Job was moved from the stall to a turn-out pasture where he could move about freely without worry of being kicked by another horse. It was still unsure whether he would be able to continue with another year of the program. The Board of Directors of Best of Friends decided that Job should retire and spend the remainder of his life as a pampered retiree.
Although many of Job's friends have offered to give him a home with them; Job will continue to reside at Saddle Rock Stable near Ebensburg, PA where he happily spends his days in a pasture with some other geldings and his nights in a big, warm stall.
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