Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwendolyn Little.
Hi Gwendolyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the CEO of EveryThing Horses Inc. This non-profit is dear to my heart because I was that little 5-year-old black girl born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, asking her parents for a horse. In the 1960s, Black families did not own horses, they had an “ole mule”, and their children did not train to compete in Equestrian sports. The average black cultural was not exposure to a real equestrian environment. Reasons for the disparities in exposure are due to geographical locations, financial affordability, and social exclusion. Therefore, the only real exposure I had with horses was seeing them in parades, at the zoo, and on television.
My parents and grand-parents taught our family that every person should be treated with dignity and respect. My siblings and I grew up doing missionary work. Our maternal grand-mother, Mother Charleszetta Waddles, founder of Mother Waddles Perpetual Mission, main concern was to see that everyone had equal access to the necessities of life. Every individual should have an opportunity to better themselves, their families, and communities. We find peace and motivation in becoming better when we have the opportunities and exposure to the things we love and enjoy doing. Having a support team or someone in your corner to encourage you as you go through a process no matter how fast or slow you move through will help build courage and self-esteem. Without bias or prejudice, EveryThing Horses is that support team. We will never give up but continue to fight moving forward in breaking down social and economic barriers.
So, when did I fall in love with horses? As a child, I have always loved being around all types of animals. I have always known the bond between animals and humans can grow into a very trusted and dependable relationship. While in the sixth grade, my parents allowed me to have a week-end job at our local Veterinary Hospital: Hurley’s Dog and Cat Hospital located on Livernois in Detroit, Michigan. I was a dog walker and Kennel Cleaner. I continued to work for Dr. Hurley through-out my Junior High and High School years.
Before graduating from High School in 1979, I applied and was accepted to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University. However, due to marriage and starting a family, school was postponed. I continued to work part-time with Dr. Hurley as I raised my family and continued my education.
In the Fall of 1986, I started studying for my Associates Science Degree in Veterinary Technology, at Wayne County Community College in Detroit, Michigan. I was one of five Black students in a glass of thirty-two and one of two Black students to graduate in a glass of twenty. My studies included learning about and working with all types of critters: dogs, cats, birds, laboratory animals, large and small farm animals, and two or three exotic animals.
For years my children’s pets were two white lab rats named Marlene and Rosie, Geraldine the gerbil, a black cat named Azrael and Baracus the Rottweiler. However, in the Spring of 1992, while volunteering at the large animal farm at Michigan State, I had the opportunity to walk, brush, feed and spend quiet time with the horses, at that time, I realized how super amazing they really are. Seeing other White and Hispanic students walking and training with their horses, showed me how much me and other black children and adults like me were missing. Soon after that I became enthusiastic to develop an Equestrian program reaching out to children, families, and people of color.
In 1996, after my divorce, my three young children and I moved to Akron, Ohio, where I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Akron. In 2006, my three children had since moved away from home and started their families. I made good on a promise made to myself, that was to move to Georgia for the good weather. and to complete my Master Degree, and that I did.
My journey to starting EveryThing Horses has not been easy. December 23, 2013, while getting off a friends horse, the horse raised up on his hind legs, knocking me over and falling to the ground. I sustained a right dislocated collar bone, which caused a sever tear in my rotator cup, four (4) fractured ribs, and a six (6) inch gash to my left leg which required 12 stiches. January 15, 2014, three days before my 53rd birthday, I had the surgery to repair my collar bone and rotator cup. I spent three months of recovery and four months of rehab, before returning to work. Under Equine participation Waiver laws the horse owner was not legal responsible for my injures, nor did they offer to help me through this difficult time. Thank God for AFLAC! They paid me for my injuries and time off work. June 2016, my dear friend, Farrier and blacksmith died from a massive stroke, A year before the stroke, I experienced a horse deal gone bad. Larry, helped me find my Tennessee Walker who I named “Favor of God.” That Sunday after church, Larry was suppose to trim and shoe Favor, instead I received a call from his cousin saying, “Last night, Larry had a massive stroke and was on life support.” He invited me to come to the hospital and I did. I was a new business owner in the Equestrian Community and Larry was my go to friend and supporter. When he died, I found out who my friends were and they were not many.
In 2017, I had to make some sacrifices. After Sista/Friends Linda Blount and Paula Williams each would demand that I come to their homes. Then there were times I treated myself to a room at Red Roof Inn. During this 2 year period, I was able to pay off a few bills and invest $790.00 every other month into my business. I moved out of my apartment and moved into the barn with my horses for two years, I was still employed with the county jail, part-time worked as supervisor for a private aircraft cleaning company, driving Uber, and later worked for Lifeline. I slept in the barn and my truck. During really hot or cold nights, 2 of my dear mother/big Sista /friends demanded that I came to their homes. I was able to save $790.00 month to invest into my business.
After three years in business, I became discourage and asked God, “If I was on the wrong path and had He plans for my life changed?” During the Covid pandemic, like everyone, I was not sure how I was going to continue to properly care for myself and four horses. Therefore, I started looking for foster homes for my horses, something I really did not want to do. Thank God I sold only one horse. We started receiving request from parents with children diagnosed with Autism, Downs Syndrome, and other developmental challenges.. As of June 2022, we provide Equine Riding Therapy to fifteen (15) children and young adults with developmental disabilities. Also, we have six (6) young African American teenage girls learning Western Pleasurer Riding skills. All of the families that we serve household annual income is below $45,000.00. The majority of our riders and families have never been so close to a horse to touch them or ride them.
Having my relentless faith in God, being persistent and patient, along with the support of my children, parents, siblings, family, and friends has given me the courage to proceed in fulfilling my life-long dreams. This journey has not been easy. However, it will continue to be worth it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, no smooth road here. December 23, 2013, sustaining server injuries after being knock over by a friend’s horse. I have faced betrayal from people who were supposed to be my friends and lost finances. I invested $850.00 into the care of a horse that was given to me. Later the owner renege on our verbal agreement We agreed to go on Judge Judy to resolve the issue. The horse owner acknowledged the transactions. However, without a written lease or agreement, Judge Judy ruled in favor of the owner. She stated I was leasing the horse, therefore, the owner did not have to give me my money and he was able to keep the horse.
At one of the stables where I kept Favor, one of the barn owners threaten to report me for neglect. She felt Favor was forced to spend too much time in his stall and he should be out in the pasture with the other horses all the time . Her complaint had no merits.
During the end of a two years relationship, my ex-friend kept 2 of my mares (Diamond the Diva and Lovely Lucy) and tact claiming he paid for them. To avoid any arguments, I moved Favor to a pasture in Conyers, GA. Six months before returning to California my ex-friend sold me my horses back for $650.00. I paid him, because, $650.00 was not going to buy me another horse.
Then there was me living in the barn for two years. During this time, it was challenging, lonely, peaceful and motivating. Little House on The Prairie had more amenities. Nevertheless, I grew close to myself, my horses. and took time to develop my business. February 2019, 1 month before the official announcement of the Covid 19 pandemic, I moved into my new apartment.
EveryThing Horses’ next set of challenges as a registered non-profit, is finding grant money, investors, sponsors and locating and obtaining 50 to 100 acres of land to establish our home location. Currently, we lease a cozy four- (4) stall barn and two (2) acres of privately-owned fenced pasture located in Lithonia, Georgia. As we continue to grow, we are looking within the DeKalb, Stone, Mtn., or Lithonia area to renovate 50 to 100 acres of land for our new home.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been blessed to have had several career opportunities. Some of my professional career opportunities were goal-oriented and others God’s calling and planning. I must admit, God’s calling and planning has worked out the best. In 2001, I was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel for Christ. 2017, Earned graduate degree at Luther Rice Seminary – Master of Divinity, Communications / Friendship Counseling, Work and studies in Pastoral Care, Administration, Crisis Counseling, Coaching & Mentoring.
My professional life and career started at Wayne County Community College, earned my Associate Applied Science Veterinary Science / Business 1990, with this I worked as a Certified Veterinary/Animal Technician for several small animal clinics and Bio-medical Research. Next 2004, undergrad degree at the University of Akron – Bachelor of Arts Sociology / Criminal Justice. This lead me to volunteer as a CASA/Guardian Ad Litem, short term Foster-care provider, worked as youth Advocate, Community Support Liaison for a youth transition housing, Aftercare Group Facilitator for Kid’s with Incarcerated Parents and Summer Camp Coordinator/Supervisor. I worked for the DeKalb County Sheriff off as a Detention Officer and sold life insurance to help pay for my Master Degree.
What do I do now? It is amazing how God pulled all my experiences together. Today, I build relationships between horses and children and provide opportunities for family to spend quality time together. My goal is to teach African American children about the rich history of Black Equestrians. And to train and prepare them in various equine sporting competitions. Since re-opening after the pandemic, 75% of our clients are children and young adults with developmental disabilities. Majority of these students have little to no verbal language skills. Teaching the history of Black Equestrians is futile. So we specialize more in Equine Therapy Riding and Socializations, which has been very rewarding for the child, parents and myself. I have met some really super amazing and funny kids.
I am best know for thinking outside the box. I have a 14 year old boy who is autistic and non-speaking on his first visit, he wasn’t interested in the horses. His mom and meme told me he liked colors bright rainbow colors. To their surprise, on their next visit, I had rainbow color banners in the barn, a red table cloth tired around my Tennessee Walker horse and plenty of bright color sticker which he was allow to stick on the horse. This kept his attention for about 10 minutes. His mom cried and said, “You are amazing!” I was a grand-daddy girl. As a child growing up, I watched and helped my grand dad make, fix and build things and I was a MacGyver fan! So when traditions solutions do not work, I look to heaven and say, “Ok Grand-daddy how can I do this and that triggers my MacGyver mindset into actions. This is what sets me apart from others. We try to stay to the written curriculum, however, the children can change that in the blink of an eye. Therefore we must be flexible. Somedays the child may not want to touch or ride the horses, then we will focus on eye hand coordination with a game of sticky ball catch, corn toss, kick ball and other ground activities, we may work on some arts and crafts or walk / run around the fenced pasture.
I am proud of the fact that I have learned to be more obedient to the Holy Spirit guidance over my life. The ministry God has given me goes beyond the pulpit. I can show people who God is just my being me, showing compassion, being concern, and a true member of the village desiring to make a positive change in the lives of others. I am proud to say we are able to give back to the community by providing snack packages to the homeless, and support the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Child Foundation.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Nothing or no one can make me happy. I choose to be happy. It has taken me a while to understand that reality. My life, your life, human lives, emotions and relationships are very complicated. Situations can change from good to bad in a blink of an eye and so does our emotions. I am not anti-social media. However, Facebook, Instagram, Tic-Toc, Twitter and those we don’t know about plays a huge impact on the world’s mental health issues. Many people do not realize the base of their happiness depend on how may likes, followers and viewers they have. For a while, I was in that mood. If my family or certain friends did not response or liked a post, I would get upset.
2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us to “Walk by faith not by site.” Proverbs 3:5 tells us to, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” These two scriptures’ came to mind as I was thinking about how to answer the question, “What makes you Happy?” Of course God’s Word and my faith in Him makes me happy. There were times when I was deeply walking by site. I saw things in myself and others which made me sad, felt unappreciated, and was not please with myself. I was not happy. God does not want his children to be stupid or ignorant. He gives us wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We have all been quilty of building our happiness on people and things .
Why am I happy? I am happy because I know God loved me first. He has protected me from many of my chooses. He has and still gives me what I need and want according to His will. I have walked down some dark allies mentally and physically and He has always been there with me.
“I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. For HIs eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.” Charles H. Gabriel.
Now, what fulfills me and gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling? Understanding the word Empathy enables me to understand and share the feelings of another. I have laughed and cried with family, friends and stranger. Hearing a child’s laughter as they ride a horse. A parent saying, “Since their special needs child started EveryThing Horses, he/she have become more relax in their home and social environment. Knowing what I say and do has help better the lives of another human being fulfills me and keep me pushing EveryThing Horses forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: EveryThingHorses.net
- Instagram: EThorses2022
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/everything-horses-117457168957526/
