Darla came to SAFE as a very sensitive mare, and while that is not something that goes away (nor would we want it to), she really made huge strides during her time here. When Monne came to ride, the two were able to overcome obstacles that would have been impossible for Darla to handle in her early days as a riding horse. Over the course of their visits, Darla and Monne did it all — riding both inside and outside the roundpen, loping out in the big outdoor arena, meandering around the property, and even taking a trail ride or two through the park. Darla also got along well with Mike, Monne’s husband, and their young grandson who accompanied the pair of them to a few of these sessions.
As summer began to slide into fall, we scheduled a date to take Darla to her new home, where she settled in nicely upon arrival. Surrounded by other horses, goats, sheep, and chickens, Darla found herself a nice little slice of pastoral heaven with Monne and Mike. She has access to a lovely big pasture, as well as a warm stall and dry lot — everything a girl could ask for! In addition, Monne’s property butts up to an area with horse trails, meaning that adventures are just out the back door for the two of them.
Before she left, we made a plan that Darla would return for the Joel Conner clinic, as it coincided with a previously planned vacation that Darla’s adopters would be taking. When we pulled around the corner to pick her up for her brief stay back at SAFE, Darla and Monne were waiting for us, with Darla looking about as content and relaxed as a horse can look. It was clear that she and her new home were getting along famously.
Since then, Darla has been doing great in her new digs. She is one lucky mare, and we are so happy that she was able to find such a great match in Monne and her family!
