This Valentine’s Day, Bijou is looking for love! And by love, we mean the forever home she deserves. We sat down with Bijou to talk about who she is with the hopes of finding her the perfect match!
SAFE: Hi Bijou! We were hoping you could tell us about yourself.
Bijou: Well, my backstory is rather dramatic. I was found abandoned on the Arlington Tree Farm along with my (since adopted!) buddy, Sebastian. But despite this, I still like people very much. A horse like myself is very forgiving.
S: Are you looking for a home as a riding horse, or a companion?
B: While it’s possible I had been ridden before in my life, when they started the work to saddle me after I arrived at SAFE, I said a very clear ‘no thank you!’ The nice people here listened, and I have been living the retired life ever since. My forever home will have to be one that guarantees they will keep me as a companion for the rest of my days.
S: What are some of your favorite things?
B: I love to be shown affection, and really enjoy the time I spend with people grooming and petting on me. I don’t always love to hold up my feet for long periods, but I do well with a bit of patience.
Oh, and treats. Oh, and grain. Did I mention I’m a bit of a foodie?
S: I know you said that you’re not a riding horse, but I do see you doing some work on occasion. Can you tell us what that looks like?
B: I do dabble in a bit of groundwork to keep my feet feeling free and my body in motion. Some days, I just get asked to move around in the round pen, which is great exercise. Other days, I work on the line, moving my hind and front quarters, learning to get more free in my backup, remembering to respect people’s personal space bubbles, that sort of thing. In the context of work, I prefer direct communication — I get a lot of support from a strong leader, and I can get a bit frustrated when I feel like something unfair is being asked of me. But that being said, I mostly go through life as an easy-going sort of horse.
S: Can you describe your current living situation?
B: I am currently living in a herd with several other gals, though I mostly prefer to stick to myself (or boss the young ones around)! I do well in group turnout, but I’m not really the lovey-dovey type with other horses (at least, none that I’ve met so far). I will respect a leader, and stay out of the way of the boss.
S: And what about when the vet or farrier comes and you have to leave your paddock (and herd)?
B: I’m good on my own when people take me away from my herd — I don’t really get ‘herdbound,’ as the kids say. If you have a horse you take away for rides, chances are I’ll be A‑OK by myself until you get back.
