In The Field Interview with Tracy Cox

     Many people walk the path of their life every day never knowing who they were meant to be. Allowing the hustle and bustle of their life to grab their attention with its honking, screeching, and detour signs, they never hear the still voice inside their heart telling them what their unique earthly mission is and the special talents and abilities they were given to carry out. Thankfully for abused and abandoned horses, Gerri Lundergan of Dun Painted Farm Equines Rescue, Rehab & Retirement, was listening.
    " Raised in Chico by her adoptive parents, Gerri heard her mission loud and clear as a young girl when she rescued her first horse, an Appaloosa mare, from a small corral, standing knee deep in mud during a nasty California winter. She knew then she wanted to be a horse trainer and set out on a career that even decades later still fills her heart with each loving nuzzle from a horse, some receiving proper care for the first time in its life.
    " It breaks my heart to see what people do to these horses. I really love them and they know you are trying to help them," she said. "Horses are mirrors of our souls, they will reflect what we are feeling."
     Named one of the top six instructors by the American Riding Instructors Association in 2007, Gerri continues on her mission in life to teach equine enthusiasts to "speak horse" in order for them to obtain the highest possible relationship with their horse. It is through education, she believes the incidents of abuse and neglect can be reduced and as an advocate for horses, she speaks out against all that she sees as wrong including drugging and deadening tails.
    " It is not about the ribbons and awards, it is about what you know to do with your horse," she said. "I will stand out and instruct as long as I can, it is my passion."
    With no signs of the fire inside smoldering, Gerri offers lessons and riding clinics, primarily for youth, at her facility located on Gallagher Road. An accomplished rider herself, she instructs on western, English, and dressage with her students consistently placing at horse shows. Three years ago, she had six of them bring home 45 ribbons from one show. Information on lessons and clinics can be found at her web site, www.dunpaintedfarm.com
     "We teach our students that the horse always comes first," Gerri said. "When they can ride in a big arena, they are ready to go to a show. We have a graduation process."
     After raising two sons, Robert and Cody Gibson, Gerri did not get a chance to have an empty nest "her girls" have made her farm their second home. She began making jewelry for them to match their show riding clothes, which has now blossomed into a new business, Dakota Wolf Originals. All proceeds go to the rescue to assist in caring for and fostering abused horses.
    The jewelry, which features one of a kind stones, are unique with no two the same, just like her horses. The stones have come to represent Gerri's mission and have a message with vision and purpose. . The jewelry, which once only adorned her young riders, is now worn by admirers all over the nation, and as far away as Spain, as word of mouth has spread about her custom pieces.
    Gerri has built up a following that regularly make requests for birthdays and anniversary gifts. Her work has expanded to include home parties, business luncheon shows, sold at "The Hay Exchange", and online. She can also work with her customers via email by providing a picture of beadwork laid out in a design tray for them to view and make changes to before completing her work.
    With her determination always foremost in her mind to help as many horses, she also conducts jewelry classes at Jo-Ann fabric and Craft Superstore located at the Brandon Crossing, 11215 Causeway Blvd. For class times, contact the store at (813)-655-1408.
    Gerri Has traveled the nation since she was nin-years-old, loving, showing, and training horses. She has given herself over totally and completely to her mission to rescue those that are abused and in is grateful for her abilities, she has been given to do so. As she has ridden the trail of her life, she had been taken on one mission as well, just as personal to her heart, to find her biological mother and welcomes her to contact her.