Westmoreland County Humane Officer Elaine Gower had seen Winston pass between several foster homes, and knew that Winton was running out of options. Gower appealed to horse owners Bryce and Chris LeJeune, of Norvelt, to be Winston's last chance, and the LeJeunes accepted. Winston would open a new chapter in the LeJeunes' lives.

When Winston first came to the LeJeunes' farm, Chris LeJeune had to work hard to win Winston's trust. She would stand in his stall, waiting for Winston to come to her. At first, he would shrink back. Finally, he trusted Chris enough to let her rub his neck. One day, Chris kissed Winston on the nose. From that day forward, Winston trusted the LeJeunes completely.

Gower was pleased at this success story, however, she informed the LeJeunes that there were many other "Winstons" in need of rescue.

Wanting to help other horses as well, the LeJeunes held an informal meeting of local horse lovers on April 1, 2006. At this meeting, the basic groundwork for the Second Chance Equine Association (SCEA) was laid.

Bryce LeJeune said that the biggest problem he sees with most of these horses is neglect. "I see comparatively few cases of actual abuse," he said. Chris LeJeune said that the root cause of this neglect is ignorance. "Many people don't realize how expensive horses are to care for properly," she said. "It can cost $2,000 a year to feed and board a horse, and that's barring any veterinary emergencies."

Bryce LeJeune added that he sees many cases of lower leg problems and hoof problems. "Many horses are left to stand in dirty stalls," he said. "Also, they often are confined to stalls, especially during the winter months. Horses need to move. In other cases, their hooves are not cleaned properly, which also causes foot and leg problems."

Realizing that they didn't have the room or the resources to care for all of the horses that were suffering from neglect, the LeJeunes started a series of workshops to educate horse owners about proper care of horses.

"We hold training sessions on first-aid and on foaling," said Chris LeJeune. "We also hold classes on worming horses and on how to house horses properly. We hold a lot of classes with local 4-H groups."

Chris LeJeune also created a coloring/activities book for children, which teaches them the basics of good horsemanship. "The more people we teach to take care of their horses, the more horses we help," said Bryce LeJeune.

For rescued horses, Bryce LeJeune said, the emotional scars of the abuse/neglect they suffered far outlast the physical affects. "Horses have long memories," he said. "They never forget someone who abused or hurt them."

The LeJeunes use a technique called "natural horsemanship," a training method pioneered by Frank Bell, of "The Horse-Whisperer" fame. Bryce LeJeune defines natural horsemanship as "speaking to horses in their own language."

"Horses have a language all their own," he said. "They have a whole vocabulary, just with their ears. When they put their ears back, that means they feel threatened. It can take years for a horse to get over its emotional scars."

When the LeJeunes agree to adopt a horse, they first put the horse in quarantine to resolve any health issues before putting that horse with the other horses. When placing horses in foster homes, the LeJeunes screen applicants carefully to assess each applicant's skill level with horses to make the best match of horse and owner. The LeJeunes then visit the horse's potential new home to be sure that the horse will be sheltered properly.

The LeJeunes hope to build a larger quarantine unit for their horses. They also hope to construct an indoor training arena.

The LeJeunes are available for consultation on horse care. They also encourage people to contact their local chapter of 4H for additional advice on horse care. "There's a wealth of information out there," said Bryce LeJeune.

They also are in need of volunteers and supplies, including hay and other feed, wormer and other veterinary supplies. Monetary donations also are appreciated.

"Horses are a lifetime commitment," said Bryce LeJeune. "They're magnificent creatures."

For more information about S.C.E.A., visit their Web site at www.secondchanceequine.org.