Chris Lombard works with rescued horses

(NECN: Marnie MacLean, Freeport, Maine) – All across Maine, horse rescues are filled to capacity. Some have been abused or neglected, others are rescued from other states before they are sent to slaughter.

Saving these animals is often the easy part. Training them proves to be much harder. That’s where the horse whisperer comes in.

His request is polite, but firm. Chris Lombard is doing his best to teach this young horse a few lessons she’s never had the chance to learn.

Sophie was living in a kill pen in Pennsylvania, and headed to slaughter before a horse rescue brought her to Maine. Just over a month ago, the Davidson family in Freeport decided to give Sophie a permanent home.

They quickly realized, they would need help training her.

That’s where Chris Lombard comes in. Lombard didn’t discover his passion for horses, or his gift for training them until he was 26.

A Maine native, Lombard moved out west to learn about horses and then came home, offering his on-site services to families struggling with their horses.

And, Sophie makes it tougher, showing Chris she’s still not entirely sure about what she’s being asked to do, trying to run back to the barn where it’s safe is her natural response.

Rather than reprimand Sophie, Chris goes right back to the exercise and when the lesson is over, she knows her hard work is recognized.

The Davidson family says they are amazed at what Chris has accomplished in such a short time.

In the last 6 years, Chris says he’s worked with over 500 horses and Rocky was one of the most dangerous Chris ever handled; Rocky was also rescued on his way to the slaughterhouse.

Since becoming Rocky’s owner two years ago, Chris has developed an amazing relationship with the horse.

Rocky doesn’t flinch — he knows he can trust Chris. It’s the kind of bond Chris tries to foster with his clients.

It may be awhile before the Davidson’s are riding Sophie around their farm, but they are now confident that day will come.