Duchess

We welcomed back an old friend today. Duchess is a 12 year old palomino Saddlebred mare, who came to SAFE as a two year old during a major Animal Control seizure in 2008. Duchess arrived at SAFE emaciated and unhealthy with badly overgrown feet and a dreadful parasite load. She made a perfect recovery from her neglect and spent the next ten years in a wonderful home where she was loved and cared for. She was professionally started under saddle and became a great riding horse, safe enough for a beginner rider and great on the trails. In 2014, she sustained an injury and spent the next 3 years enjoying pasture rest. She made a full recovery and is now sound and healthy.

Unfortunately Duchess’ owners were no longer able to keep her, and were unsuccessful finding a new home for her in their area. The decision was made to return her to SAFE where she could get some refresher training under saddle in preparation for finding the perfect adopter. She is a tall, big bodied palomino who can easily carry a larger adult rider. She gets along very well with other horses, and is happiest in a small herd with friends. We’re starting her with groundwork and will move on to riding her soon.

Here are some photos from Duchess’ first go around as a SAFE horse and her first adoption, including her training: