We recently received this update from Mabel’s (now JemaMae) adopter Kim.
After our very rough start JemaMae — Mae as we now call her— we are settling in nicely together. It was hard for her to leave her SAFE Herd and adjust to being alone in her own paddock. She is finally comfortable in her situation, the other horses at the farm have accepted her over the fence, even becoming friends. Each day Mae and I feel more at home with another.
Our weekly training sessions with Ken Siefer have given us a lot of opportunity to know each other. We are gaining an understanding of what she knows and are able to build on that foundation. (SAFE did a fantastic job on her foundation work!) She is offering me some challenges, her blind eye is an adjustment in my thinking and approach, but not at all a hindrance to our ability to communicate. She is a kind horse —forgiving my mistakes and off timing. We are learning together and I am eager to advance my horsemanship skills. I love that she meets me at the gate ready for whatever we do together.
I had her DNA tested in May, it turns out she is a mix of Criollo —a very old Spanish breed (pronounced cree-oi‑o), and some Quarter Horse. Criollo are generally found in Argentina and often used as polo ponies given their size, stamina, and agility, but Criollo and Spanish breeds are also primary ancestors of the Mustangs that populate our western regions of North America. So interesting! It explains her Baroque profile, her small size and beautiful confirmation, plus her dun coloring and primitive markings. Not that any of that really matters — What is most important: she is a delight to interact with, and I look forward to our future adventures together.
Below are a few pictures. I’ve chosen a few that include her new friends.
Cheers,
Kim
