When Tracy Saavedra first brought Cinnamon, her miniature horse, to Silver City, Cinnamon was a spoiled brat of a horse. Disappointing, considering the travelsized horse would have been perfect for Tracy's therapy program with SpiritHorse International therapeutic services. Though the mini had never bitten or kicked anyone, she certainly did have a mind of her own. She was stubborn, pulling on the halter or head-butting her handler; and sometimes flat out refusing to work. Tracy, however was every bit as stubborn as the little horse and refused to quit on her. Because she saw potential through her stubborn behavior, she was determined to turn Cinnamon into a therapy horse.
In the end, the final decision was Cinnamon's. After over a year of work, the mini turned herself around and changed her attitude. Though she is still in training to be a therapy horse, Tracy is now able to bring Cinnamon to places like Taco Bell, Tractor Supply, or WNMU football games. Events like these allow members of the community to learn about Freedom Riders and to get a picture with Cinnamon!
Tracy's goal is to firmly establish a SpiritHorse branch here in Southwest New Mexico. Cinnamon will be a key part in meeting that goal. Currently, she is in training to be able to ride elevators so she can be taken to Gila Regional Medical Center and do therapy work with patients. She participates in fundraisers like "Holiday Pictures with Cinnamon" which took place on December 5 at Tractor Supply. Tracy plans on offering "Pony Parties" where children will be able to have ponythemed parties with Cinnamon pet the pony and paint pictures of her. Tracy's next fundraiser will be in February for a Valentine's Day event.