Lena
Breed: 1/2 Arab, 1/2 Paint
Sex: Mare
DOB: 1995
Height: 15.2 hh
Color: Bay
Markings: Blaze
Location: Harper, TX
Adoption Fee: $300
 

Temperament: Lena is a sweet mare and loves human attention. She's an easy handle on the ground as well as under saddle. 

Physical problems / health issues:  Lena has a valgus deformity of the left front fetlock which is irreversible and cannot be corrected surgically.  Progressive arthritis is setting in.  Valgus deformity means that the part of the leg below the fetlock angles outward.  Injections of hyaluronic acid (stuff like Legend or Adequan) and/or cortisone would be needed for the inflammation should she be ridden often.  The organization had her injected every 6 months or so at a cost of $60 or so. This is not a great expense and she responded well to this. Her adoptive home had her for several months and did not note any lameness though she was only trail ridden weekly.

Interaction with horses: Lena was returned by her adopter because of her inability to get along with another mare in the herd. She was very aggressive with this mare and relentlessly picked on her.  Lena would do well as an only horse, in a boarding facility situation where her turnout with other horses can be controlled or in a pasture with geldings.  In her previous foster home, she was pastured with geldings and did exhibit some typical mare behavior, but was not overly aggressive.  The right mix of horses is going to be very key with Lena. 

Interaction with people:

History: She was donated by her previous owner when she could no longer perform dressage movements. For her first several years, Lena was used as a barrel horse, but has more recently been used as a trail and english/dressage horse.  She has had formalized dressage training.

Training / abilities: She goes very well under English or western saddles.  She has a light mouth and responds very well to body and leg aids!  She is very willing to work and prefers a rider who is willing to allow her to ‘step out’ and utilize her natural forward movement.  This mare is smooth and covers quite a bit of ground. Lena is sound for some trail riding only.  She cannot do any jumping, gaming, hard riding or tight circles in an arena setting due to her fetlock deformity.  Lena cannot be worked in a round pen before riding so pasture turn out is essential for her to work off her extra energy.

Experience level required to work with this horse: Intermediate, she can be energetic on the ground at times.  However, she could probably be managed by an advanced beginner if they were confident enough.   

Has this horse ever:  Bucked? No. Reared? No. Kicked? No. Bitten? No. Other? No.

Ground handling: Catch? Yes. Lead? Yes. Tie? Yes. Trailer? Yes. Clip? Unknown. Trim Feet? Yes. Bathe? Yes.

Special needs: Any adopter will need to watch her fetlock for signs of lameness. She may need injections of hyaluronic acid (Legend or Adequan) or cortisone to the fetlock to control inflammation should she be ridden often.  Lena's long-term soundness is in question, but for now, she's pasture sound and lightly rideable. 

Other comments: Lena's adopter that had to return her really enjoyed her and would have certainly kept her if not for her interactions with their other mare. Her previous adopter said she is a beautiful, affectionate horse that seeks out human attention and rides great.  Any future adopter must be aware that she does not get along with some horses.  Lena's ideal adopter would be one that wanted to do some trail riding or pleasure riding on the weekends.  The life of her leg will be extended if she's not ridden too hard. 

More pictures:

Adopt: Please contact us regarding adoptions at adoptions@habitatforhorses.org or call 1.866.HFH.LSER(866.434.5737).

Are you unable to adopt but would still like to have Lena in your life? Sponsor her through our Virtual Foster program.

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