It’s time for a long-overdue update on our mare, Nova! This summer, Nova has enjoyed a growing friendship with Harissa. They make a great pair, with Harissa helping to keep Nova grounded when she gets a little too bold. Overall, Nova has shown significant improvements in her behavior during day-to-day care, and we’re thrilled to see her back to being the mare we knew before hormonal shifts impacted her demeanor.
We prioritized giving Nova time to settle into her “new normal” post-surgery, allowing her to naturally adjust without the influence of hormones. It’s similar to how an older stallion might need time to mellow out after gelding. This approach allowed us to understand her true personality before introducing any new challenges.
Previously, Nova had become so reactive that she was virtually untouchable. Haltering her became impossible without triggering intense reactions—she would scream, pee, and strike out. Since her spay surgery, she has become much more manageable with routine tasks like haltering, leading, grooming, and vet or farrier care. However, she’s still an independent spirit, and we respect her limits, asking nothing she isn’t comfortable with. When things don’t go her way, Nova can be pushy and requires an experienced handler.
At six years old, Nova has some riding experience, but she’s had a year off to allow for her surgery and recovery. She’s now ready to start a gentle reintroduction to riding. Restarting her will require a handler skilled in managing behavioral challenges, someone who can confidently encourage her cooperation and set clear expectations. As a naturally assertive horse, her training may not be without its challenges, but we’re optimistic.
Our current goal is to bring Nova back into riding condition so that she’ll be ready when the right horseman is available to work with her. In the meantime, she’s enjoying 24/7 access to a large dry lot and daily turnout in a big grass pasture—what she surely considers “horse heaven” at SAFE. Nova’s life here is indeed very good!
