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| Michelle and Steve Dec 2004 |
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Howdy.
Thanks for checking us out. I wanted to give you a feel for the people who are behind our Horse Rescue because, for me, if I am going to give or support a cause in some way, it is important to not only know about the organization, but the people who run it. Steve and I are the founders, as well as, the President and Vice President of the company and are the main force behind making things happen.
Steve and I met in 2000 after my orthopedic surgeon recommended him as a "pit bull attorney" and I hired him to put a whoopin' on my former employer, the US Soccer Federation (USSF). I retired in 2000 from professional soccer because of injuries that occurred during my National Team career (1985-2000) and the USSF decided they were going to blow off paying for the surgery and rehab I was entitled to. Thanks to Steve, the pit bull, after a year and a half of negotiating and battling, they were made to be responsible and had to pay for my medical bills.
When the case finally settled, Steve asked me out and a year later we got married. Proof that even though bad things happen, there are blessings to be found if you have the patience and perseverance to receive them.
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| At our wedding Aug 2003 |
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| steve, cody, and me xmas 2006 |
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Say Hi to Steve
Steve (pictured at right in the mickey mouse ears) is an attorney and his most fun thing in the world is to fish. Any kind of fishing, he doesn't care, he just loves to fish and he would do it all day, every day if he had the chance. His other "love" is his kids. He has three from his first marriage, Jordan, Max, and Sari and they live in Orlando, FL (see below picture), plus a new addition, Cody (born 05) and 10 more if he had his way about it.
Steve is not a horseman, although he loves horses and appreciates what I do with them and how much I love them. RIght now, we have 4 of our own, plus the rescues, and 3 dogs and a cat, and not near enough property. I keep telling him I am waiting for him to stop fishing and make some money so we can buy more land. Ha.
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| Steve hauling in his first sailfish Fall 07 |
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Although, he will tell you himself, Steve is probably one of the smartest guys you'll ever meet and one of the most impassioned about helping those in need get what deserve. A great person/friend to have on your side when things get tough. I am fortunate to have him as my husband because he is very patient and kind-hearted and puts up with my stubborness, high-spiritedness, and soft heart for animals in need.
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| Steve with Michelle and Cody fishing at Frankie's pond next door |
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| Max, Sari, Jordan, and Cody |
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| 99 World Cup Final |
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| A Little about Michelle
As for me, I mentioned I played soccer on the US National Team for 15 years (1985 to 2000) and when I retired, I immediately began pursuing my dream to be a paramedic. I got my EMT certification, but when my knee needed reconstruction (number 3) I decided I didn't want some crazy or drugged out lunatic to re-injure one of the body parts I had worked so hard to put back together again. I was majorly disappointed after coming to that conclusion, but knew it was the right thing and trusted God had something awesome waiting for me down the road. I just had to sit tight and would know it when I saw it.
As time passed, I gathered more animals and horses, married Steve, began learning more about natural horsemanship, had a baby (Cody in 2005), and finally in the fall of 2007 was asked to foster Zoe after she was taken from her owner for abuse and neglect. I fell in love with her and also discovered I had a strong intuition about caring for horses. After a few months, I started a rescue with two other people (Heart Land Horse Rescue & Rehab) and months later we realized we had different philosophies about horse rescue and decided to separate... they doing their thing and I doing mine. Thankfully, Steve jumped in wholeheartedly, and here we are with Michelle Akers Sundance Horse Rescue and Outreach.
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| Michelle, Steve, and Cody 2005 |
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Meet the Rest of Our Family
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| Stormy, my appendix mare |
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| Buck, an aussie shepherd, my first dog |
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| Lucy and Bob, my beloved pound dogs |
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| Thunder, Stormy's baby |
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| Handsome Man |
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| Candy Cane, our mini, and Cody |
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| Lola |
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| Zoe and her herd of Pygmy Goats, Penny, Little Joe, and Lilly |
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Hopefully, this page has given you the jist about who we are and what we are about. We are normal folks (although some would say otherwise) who hold family and friends close and believe strongly in treating others with respect, kindness, and compassion.
We are passionate about standing up for what is right and helping those in need. Horses included. Steve and I both feel it is important to instill these values in our kids, as well as, children in our community and use our platforms (his as an attorney and business man, and me as a former pro athlete and horse owner/advocate) to encourage them to be leaders with integrity, and to demonstrate compassion to those who are in need.
If you would like to know more or get involved with our Horse Rescue & Outreach, please check out the rest of our website and contact us at info@michelleakershorserescue.com. Thank you.
Sincerely, Michelle Akers & Steve Eichenblatt
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