Four years ago, Candy, abandoned and malnourished, was rescued by Lollypop Farm. She was also pregnant with Sedona.

Megan Conant from Braeburn Farm soon heard Sedona's story through Lollypop's mailing list.

"As the baby was developing he needed more than we could provide at Lollypop. Very smart, very intelligent and needed something to do, and we don't have the time to provide that," said Lollypop Farm manager Joanna Dychton.

When Conant went in to sign the papers to bring Sedona home, she saw Candy, and felt she had to take her home too.

"They're like kids. You get attached. I tell people I have 11 kids, and those are my horses," said Conant.

Both horses had to be trained when they first arrived. And they had two dedicated riders to help do that.

"I'm actually happy they came here together, Candy and Sedona. That doesn't happen a lot," said Lindsay Guild, 15, who rides Sedona.

Abbie Smith, 17, was one of Candy's first riders.

“She's really good for having gone through that and being here now. I'm really surprised and impressed," said Smith.

Everyone's impressed, that the rescued horses will perform at the New York State Fair this weekend. The girls are part of a 4-H Club equestrian drill team.

They will go against teams from around the state, riding Candy and Sedona.

Conant says it's proof what can happen when these animals are given second chances.

"You can turn them around and make them productive members of 'equine society' … and they shine,” said Conant. “All they want is a little love and a little attention and that's all it takes, and they give their heart to you."

Some of the riders have performed before with the drill team, for others the experience is all new. The competition is expected to begin Saturday morning.