A Heartwarming Tale of Trust and Friendship
The internet is filled with stories that tug at our heartstrings.
Some of these tales are about humans, while others revolve around our furry and feathered friends.
Today, we’re diving into a touching story about a horse with a troubled past and the man who changed its life forever.
![](https://animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pexels-alex-green-5699825.jpg?x80557)
From Aggression to Affection
Meet Major, a horse with a history that would make anyone shudder.
His previous owners believed in a cruel method to “break horses.”
This involved tying Major’s head tightly between two poles and leaving him without food or water for an entire month.
Such harsh treatment made Major aggressive and distrustful of humans.
![](https://animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/jez-timms-_z9w52eAjyM-unsplash.jpg?x80557)
Enter Max: A Man with a Heart of Gold
But Major’s life took a turn for the better when he met Max.
Despite knowing about Major’s aggressive behavior, Max decided to buy him.
Janna Grapperhaus, Max’s daughter, recalls her mother’s concerns about the decision.
She said:
“I’ll never forget the day my mom called me in a panic ‘Janna, you’ve got to convince your daddy to get rid of that horse, it’s gonna kill him.’”
![](https://animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pexels-irina-kajdakowska-2889648.jpg?x80557)
Why “Major”?
The name “Major” was chosen because Max’s wife considered the horse a “Major Deal.”
But Max saw potential in Major.
He was determined to help the horse overcome its traumatic past.
![](https://animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/taylor-grote-L3qUP8MpExc-unsplash.jpg?x80557)
Building Trust, One Day at a Time
The journey wasn’t easy.
Major’s initial days at his new home were challenging.
“When dad brought him home, he barreled through five strands of fence within minutes of arriving and he’d bite and strike at anyone within distance,” Janna shared.
But Max was patient.
He spent hours every day with Major, working to gain his trust.
![](https://animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/annie-spratt-4j138WE0fls-unsplash.jpg?x80557)
A Beautiful Transformation
Max’s dedication bore fruit.
In two years, the once-aggressive horse transformed into a loving creature.
Major began to trust Max so much that he even allowed him to ride him.
Janna fondly remembers:
“My dad never broke him…. he earned his heart. Every single day, for hours and hours dad worked to earn that abused horse’s trust.”
![](https://animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ken-lawson-C75Pzpry7Us-unsplash.jpg?x80557)
A Special Bond
The bond between Max and Major grew stronger with each passing day.
Major, who once lashed out at anyone who came near him, now lovingly kissed Max on the head.
Their friendship was a testament to the fact that even the deepest scars can heal with love and patience.
![](https://animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/markus-spiske-eioMwO2IJ2E-unsplash.jpg?x80557)
A Heartbreaking Goodbye
Sadly, in October 2020, Max passed away.
The man who had shown unwavering faith in Major was no longer there.
To honor their special bond, Max’s family allowed Major to give his dear friend one last kiss.
Janna captured this poignant moment and shared it on Facebook, saying:
“It seemed only fitting to let Major say goodbye. This is Major’s last kiss.”
A Legacy of Love
The story of Max and Major is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of love and patience.
It teaches us that even the most broken souls can find healing and happiness with understanding and care.
See Janna’s original post below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.