FeaturesNevada Joe: The Face of NARHA
Diane Holmes-Purcelli and Her Mustang, Nevada Joe
It only makes sense that the face of NARHA is that of a horse. A very special horse.
Nevada Joe started life in the wild, part of a herd of Mustangs roaming northwest Nevada. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is charged with overseeing wild horses and burros in this country. And every so often, the BLM culls the herds, sending some of the animals for adoption.
That’s what happened to Nevada Joe back in 2002. He was about six years old when the Wahl Clipper Corporation adopted him through the BLM Wild Horse Project, then sent him to their equestrian center in Illinois. Joe was acclimated to the domestic horse world—and then Diane Purcelli took over, training the horse to compete in barrels, team roping and more. And, of course, mounted shooting.
During that time, Diane and husband Ernie were getting involved in NARHA—and Nevada Joe’s disposition seemed to be a natural fit for working with special needs youngsters (and adults). “He has an amazing way of getting people to trust him,” says Diane Purcelli. “There’s a real connection there.”
It was a connection that impressed NARHA so much that they named Nevada Joe their Official Horse Ambassador in 2006. In 2007, the Purcellis (along with Wahl) came up with the Wahl Clipper Dare to Dream Shootouts, mixing mounted shooting along with therapeutic riding (or equine assisted activities therapy). Nevada Joe, of course, is the star of the show.
These days, Joe is based at the Purcelli’s Shooting Star Ranch in Darby, Montana. He travels all over the country to provide that unique therapy. He also has his own website (www.nevadajoe.net); he even has his own blog. He gets fan mail (and answers it).
In person, Nevada Joe is not necessarily the largest steed—only about 14.2 hands, a stocky bay gelding that looks like a lot of other mustangs or cow ponies. But when he’s with people—especially those with special needs—he becomes something else: a symbol of hope, healing and love.  Related posts:
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[...] Another fellow blogger added an interesting post today on Western Shooting Horse Magazine | Nevada Joe: The Face of NARHAHere’s a small readingThese days, Joe is based at the Purcelli’s Shooting Star Ranch in Darby, Montana. He travels all over the country to provide that unique therapy. He also has his own website (www.nevadajoe.net); he even has his own blog. … [...]
I am looking forward to working with this great horse at the National Western Stock Show in Denver Colorado Jan 20th I have the opportunity to be with him and his owner to demonstrate Equine theropy. Thanks Paula
I am looking forward to working with this great horse at the National Western Stock Show in Denver Colorado Jan 20th I have the opportunity to be with him and his owner to demonstrate Equine therapy. Thanks Paula