MEMORIAL TRIBUTES TO THOSE NEAR & DEAR TO US
Gretchen Harris
Mrs. Gretchen Harris, Leslie’s mom. She was born in 1922 & passed from this life on May 3, 2001. She was a wonderful woman of God, who always thought the best of everyone she met & gave me the courage to seek after my dreams. She lived long enough to see me realize my dream of establishing Jacobs’ Ladder & beginning the path I am on now. She once told me that if she believed in reincarnation, she would want to come back as one of my horses, because she knew how much I love them!
Percy "Bud" Harris
Always supportive of his daughter’s dreams, Leslie’s dad, encouraged her love for horses, built the first ramps utilized at Jacobs’ Ladder and even volunteered as a side-walker when he was needed. He came to live in Hahira in 2013 and spent his last 8 ½ years watching and enjoying all the activities that went on. After he broke his hip, and as part of his rehab, he could be seen walking in the barn, still enjoying being with the horses. He is pictured here, on his 90 th birthday, riding Princess. He passed on Feb. 16, 2021, at the age of 97.
Gabe Hendley
Gabe Hendley, age 4, of Nashville, GA., son of Greg & Deanna Hendley & big brother to Lucas, passed away unexpectedly on 8-15-04. Gabe was one of our favorite little riders. His first horse ride was on Sugar. He is shown in this picture on Sassy. We cherish the time we had with him.
Mikey Smith
Mikey Smith was born on March 16, 1997. His adoptive family included Ronnie, Karen & Joshua Smith. He faced many challenges in his life, but was a blessing to those who knew him for the 8 years that he was with us. He rode Bogie when he was able to ride at Jacobs' Ladder & was frequently seen with a big smile on his face when he rode. Mikey died on January 16, 2006, leaving many behind who love & miss him
Angel Ross
Angel Ross was a special friend & an inspirational volunteer. She was born on Mar. 7, 1968, & due to complications from surgery, she left this earthly home way too early, on April 23, 2014. Angel was a daughter, sister, wife, mother & grandmother, as well as a friend to everyone who met her. She loved helping our riders, & especially enjoyed going to the Special Olympics State Horse Show. Because of her love, a fund has been set up to assist families who want to go to the state show & need monetary help. If you loved Angel, & want to honor her, donations may be sent to Jacobs' Ladder. We miss you Angel, but know you are looking down on us & smiling.
Lacey
Lacey was a 9 year old pony who came to live at Jacobs’ Ladder on June 1, 2004. She had a surprise growing inside her, and had her only baby, OnStar, December 26, 2004! She will be remembered for her ‘big bubble’, where she didn’t want any other horses to come near her while she was working. She took many children from riding with assistance to riding independently. She had pony attitude, at times, but was a tremendous asset to our small riders. At the age of 26, we had to make the decision to relieve her from her sickness. We miss you, Lacey!
Rascal
Rascal was born in North Carolina on March 28, 1996, while the Jacobs’ family was stationed at Seymour-Johnson AFB. He worked briefly in the riding program, but preferred trail rides & individual attention. He lived up to his name on a regular basis. He will be remembered for his love of treats and his ability to smile! He seemed healthy, until an unresolved lameness forced us to make the decision to let him cross over the Rainbow Bridge, where Lacey and many others from our herd were waiting for him. Rascal lived with the Jacobs’ his entire life, which came to an end on June 28, 2021.
Comanche
Born in 1991, he came to us in June of 2000. He was a good, solid horse & was used in our college program as well as our adult special riders program. He was a con-man & could “turn on” a limp, if he knew it would get him out of work. In 2003, as a result of health problems we were unable to fix, Comanche was sent off with Milo to horse heaven on March 30, where he can eat to his heart’s content.
Milo
A Tennessee Walking Horse who was donated to us by Dr. & Mrs. Miller Grow, in February, 2002. Milo was born in 1981 & was only with us a short time, but he was a quick learner & took good care of his young riders. They liked his different walk & he loved the attention he got! He was found to have an inoperable cancer & crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Mar. 30, 2003.
Ladybug
Our very first petite pony, she was born in 1978. Her previous owner called her Lady, but she was cute as a bug to us, so she became Ladybug! She was already in her twilight years when she came to us, but quickly wrapped us around her little hooves. Her little body wore out on June 11, 2005.
Buddy
Born in 1978, Buddy was a big tall, lanky Thoroughbred. He spent some of his life at the Good Shepherd Therapeutic Center & then went to live at the Lion’s Camp for the Blind, before coming to Jacobs’ Ladder in March of 2002. He was good at his job & could be counted on to take care of his riders. In May, 2005 it was discovered that he had an erratic heart rhythm & he was retired from work. On August 7, 2005, he stretched out to take a nap & closed his eyes for the last time. He left behind his soul-mate, Divine.
Beau
The biggest horse that we have ever owned, Beau definitely stood out in his field! He was born in 1987 & was donated to us in July 2002 by Matt & Lisa Edwards. He was a Percheron & pulled a large wagon, which carried us in many parades & he was also like sitting on a sofa to ride. He was a sweet boy & was always gentle with our riders. Due to a degenerative spinal problem, he was retired from work in January, 2006. Knowing he wouldn’t get better, we faced the tough decision of letting him go on Oct. 24, 2006.
Sonny
Donated by Libby Roper, Sonny came to be a special part of our family in February, 2004. He was born in 1984. He was such a kind old soul; he could always be counted on to help fearful riders overcome their worries. He moved so slowly, some of us felt like we were dragging him around the ring, but he filled a need – really well! Sonny had some health problems near the end & lay down for the last time on May 29, 2007.
Divine
Our movie star; she was in “The Long Riders”, filmed in the North Georgia mountains and released in 1980. We never knew exactly how old she was, but we estimate that she could have been 32 years old. She was retired from carrying riders in late 2006, but everyone loved to brush her soft coat, so she still got lots of attention. She was with us for almost 6 years. On her final day, February 23, 2008, she was groomed & then she stretched out in the sunshine. Her departure was peaceful. She told us she was ready to run the fields with her boyfriends, Buddy & Sonny!
Sassy
Sassy was born on April 6, 1980. She came to live with the Jacobs’, as their first horse in December, 1992. She was a smart & kind horse, & even before Jacobs’ Ladder was a reality, we knew that Sassy was very special. In August of 1996, Sassy went to assist at the Atlanta Paralympics. In 1999, when Jacobs’ Ladder began, Sassy took care of everyone & continued to do that for many years. On August 2, 2010, at the age of 30, Sassy was ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge; leaving behind many broken hearts, but greeting her horse friends who had gone on before her.
Princess
Princess has an interesting story. She was living in a pasture in south Lowndes County when Glenn went to buy a used horse trailer from a man. She literally got thrown in the trailer & came home to live with the Jacobs family on Christmas Eve 1992. There was no stall or pasture in our back yard on Eager Road, so Glenn & the boys stayed up & built her a stall. We quickly learned that she loved to go on trail rides. She filled a need when Jacobs’ Ladder began, helping riders sit on her really smooth trot. In 2008 she was retired from the riding program due to an ongoing lameness, but she still enjoyed the brushing & attention she got. On Jan. 26, 2011, after going downhill for a week, she was buried near her friend Sassy. We think she was at least 30 years old. We miss you Princess
White Sugar
White Sugar came to Jacobs’ Ladder on April 30, 2001. She was part of a ‘package deal’ which included two other horses, Buddy & Divine, from the Georgia Lion’s Camp for the Blind. She was 17 years old at the time & had already been called Sugar her whole life. Things got complicated, since we already had a horse named Sugar, so she quickly became “White” Sugar, while our other horse became “Brown” Sugar. It made perfect sense. One was white with freckles & the other a dark bay (brown). Little Miss White Sugar quickly won the hearts of everyone she encountered. We called her our “Energizer” Pony, as she would go & go & go! Her 12 years here were special to all of us. She was excellent for our beginner riders & was able to carry them safely as they learned to ride unassisted. During her 28th year she was retired from our riding program due to back issues, but she still loved attention & we were happy to give it to her. Her declining health forced us to make the decision to allow her spirit to run free once again over the Rainbow Bridge on July 3, 2013, at the age of 29.
Bud
Bud came to us in 2011. He was a Florida Cracker Horse, & already had many years here on this earth. Bud could be counted on to carry riders who were scared, nervous or noisy & was seldom rattled by anyone. He was uncomplicated to work with & we depended on him regularly. Near the end of his days, he was having trouble seeing things clearly, had some problems eating things that required much chewing & his walk became unsteady. It was determined that in his older years he was no longer enjoying life & that the right thing to do for him would be to allow him to leave us. His passing has left a hole in our hearts.
Cody
Cody was our first donated horse when Jacobs’ Ladder began! He used to barrel race & even when he came to us at the age of 13, he loved to run! He was an American Quarter Horse. His personality was huge. He loved to be loved, he had a great work ethic & was great with all our riders. In his final years, he had some health problems, but still enjoyed attention from all who would come by for a visit & especially loved getting treats! He was 29 years old when he crossed over into greener pastures, free from breathing problems. We love you, Cody. Run fast again!
Elmer
Elmer, the big black Percheron, came to live at Jacobs’ Ladder in 2011. He had previously been a carriage horse on a plantation near Thomasville, GA & then was retired to live with Elmer & Jan Warden. After Mr. Warden passed, a home was sought for this gentle giant of a horse. We loved his sweet personality & even did a little driving with him. He was mostly a riding horse for us though & everyone loved getting to ride Elmer! He declined during late 2017 & passed away on Jan. 5, 2018. We think he was about 25 years old & know that he was certainly well loved by all our riders.
Scout
Scout came to live with us in 2008 & was donated by Tommy & Ellen Todd. He was a kind soul, willing to carry some of our more challenged riders & asking in return only a treat or two! People loved his spots & locating the hearts he had in his appaloosa blanket. He enjoyed living out his days with his herd mates & crossed over into heavenly pastures, where the grass is always greener, on April 23, 2018.
Bogie
Bogie was purchased by the Jacobs' when he was a 2 year old, in 1992. He was Sassy's son & in very many ways, he was a carbon copy of her. He was kind & willing, & could always be counted on to do his best for each rider. Bogie was a valuable asset to our equine team from the time we began Jacobs' Ladder & served us well from 1999-2019. We celebrated his 29th birthday on January 5, 2019. On February 12, 2019, after becoming very ill, Bogie was laid to rest. His work was done, but his memory will go on through all the lives he touched.
Honey
Honey came to us on Dec. 1, 2009, as a 17 year old, Her buckskin color made her very flashy to look at. She used to be hard to catch, then realized the work here wasn't so bad! For a long time, she continued to be full of life, & had lots of good years with us. Lots of people loved her, from our littlest riders to many young people & volunteers. We were fortunate to know her for ten years & her death was very sad for us. She had to leave us on August 27, 2019, & is still missed.
Rusty
Rusty was 8 years old when we found him in 2005. He had been a carousel pony in his previous life, so we felt happy to give him a new job being a therapeutic riding pony. He took great care of our little riders & his very large personality made him a special partner for everyone who got to know him. He spent fifteen years with us, until his recurrent laminitis caused us to evaluate his quality of life & we felt the best thing for him would be to take away his pain. He left us on July 30, 2020, & is hopefully running again without sore feet..
“Cracker Jack”, fondly known as “Jack”
Jack was born in 1992. We don’t know his exact birthdate, but we celebrated his adoption date of July 20, 2015 as his birthday. He was a Missouri Fox Trotter & had a nice forward walk along with his other smooth gaits. Jack had an interesting life before coming to Jacobs’ Ladder, as he traveled all over the U.S. He enjoyed his life here & even when he was retired from the riding program, he would be found in the barn waiting to greet people. He was famous for his head nods up & down, as if he agreed with everything! The eight years he spent with us weren’t long enough, but his old body was tired & we had to tell him goodbye on Oct. 26, 2023.
Tess
Tess came to live at Jacobs’ Ladder on May 21, 2011. She was formerly a show horse from Windfall Farm in Tallahassee, FL. Her American Quarter Horse registered name was Countess Frisco, born on March 3, 1996. Her new job took her to several Special Olympics Horse Shows & several local shows. She was our chestnut mare, complete with attitude some days, but it just endeared her to us even more. At the age of 28, after a period of declining health, Tess was helped over the Rainbow Bridge on August 19, 2024.
Tank
Tank came to live with us after we looked for a horse suitable for one of our young volunteers & he was immediately accepted as a wonderful part of our program. His kind disposition made him a barn favorite - riders & volunteers loved working with him. As an American Quarter Horse, he had a great walk, trot, canter & was a super horse in helping our riders become confident & independent. His last day he was loved on, brushed & given lots of treats, but his sore hooves eventually won & on October 12, 2024, he let us know he was ready to run greener fields over the Rainbow Bridge.