Cruiser
1990-2019

It is thought by some that the spirit of a being who has departed this life lingers a while before traveling onward.

It is in this tradition that we honor our Cruiser who has left us in his 30th year after a long life of happy service. He was beloved by the staff and the many young people who have come to the farm to seek solace and healing. He will be greatly missed.

I am the voice of Cruiser And this is my story

I was one of the lucky ones. I was born “Cruisin Lucks” in 1990, in Michigan. My early years are vague in my memory now and I only recall a short-lived career as a racehorse and later as a show and schooling horse. The turning point came in my life when at the age of 15 I was diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur and given a poor prognosis and short time to live. Suddenly, I was no longer wanted – a liability – even though aside from my thumping heart, I had no symptoms.

I was sent to Brook Hill Farm to live in sanctuary for the remainder of my days, and it was here that I found my true calling; NOT as an invalid, but as a valued team member and partner to the youth who come to the farm to seek safe haven and support, and to develop a structure of resilience and motivation that will enable them to live successful lives.

My role was simple. I was a partner and a vehicle (no pun intended) by which each youth assigned to me was given the opportunity to learn a skill (horsemanship), develop discipline (education and decision making), and the ability to envision a better world shaped by their own intellect and compassion.

My heart never failed me in my 15 years of service, nor my love for the young people I served.