Story Begins With A Kiss
SCEA - The Story Begins with a Kiss

In December 2005 Westmoreland County Humane Officer Elaine Gower contacted
horse owners Bryce and Christina Le Jeune. Elaine expressed concern about the future
of a young Morab gelding that had been seized earlier in the year. The four year old
sorrel had been starved and carried scars on his back from being beaten with boards.
Due to a severe behavior problem he had been rejected by three foster homes and was
running out of options. The horse now known as “Winston” was petrified of people,
especially men. He had learned to avoid beatings by running over anyone who tried to
confine him. Bryce and Chris agreed to foster him and try to determine if his behavior
problem might be correctable. After a two-hour game of tag, a broken pair of glasses
and some bruised muscles he was loaded into the trailer and on his way to the
LeJeune farm.

In his stall Winston was very nervous. He would tremble and break into a sweat when
humans would get too close. Chris saw something special in the young horse and
carefully tried to gain his trust. She spent time in his stall daily. Just standing at a
distance patiently waiting for him to move closer. When she first tried to touch him he
would jump back in fear. As he gained confidence he would allow her to stroke his neck
and cheeks. He was still apprehensive but started to enjoy the attention.

One January day during his petting session Chris pressed her face close to Winston’s
nose and kissed him. At that magic moment his fear seemed to melt. He became a
willing partner and his rehabilitation escalated. He quickly learned it felt good to be
brushed and helped to put on his own halter so he could go outside. He no longer ran
from humans. He now approached to be petted or to enjoy an occasional treat.

When Elaine Gower was told the good news she was pleased, but stated, there is a
greater problem. Winston was not the only horse in need of help. She explained the
Humane Society shelters in the area were able to satisfy the needs of small animals,
but none had the facility, finances or staff trained to handle horses and other large
animals. When Humane Officers faced a horse related emergency they struggled to find
places willing to accept the animals. Additionally horse complaints in the area were
increasing at an alarming rate.

Due to her persistence and a tenacious dedication to animals, Elaine convinced the

Le Jeunes of the need to form an organization to respond to the dilemma of abused
and neglected horses. After a multitude of phone calls to experienced horse owners,
Humane Officers and equine professionals the Second Chance Equine Association
had its first semi organized meeting at a small restaurant in Latrobe on April 1st, 2006.
Attended by

about a dozen horse enthusiasts, the groundwork was laid to embark on our mission.
As you explore this website you will see how far SCEA has come in such a short time.

Please accompany us on this journey, enjoy the ride, only God knows where the trail will
lead from here.