Abilene
Breed: Quarter Horse
Sex: Mare
DOB: 2003
Height:
Color: Chestnut
Markings: Blaze, Left blue eye, Partial right eye blue, Socks
Arrival Date: July 2006
Location: Somerset, TX
Adoption Fee: $250

Temperament: Abilene has really come a long way in a short amount of time.  When she first arrived at her foster home she had a lead rope dangling from her. Once it was on, she wouldn't let anybody near her to take it off! Now, her foster mom is able to walk her around her paddock, and was also able to take her in the barn when it was cold. She was nervous at first, but in subsequent trips inside the barn, she has been much better. 

June 2007 update: Abilene is continuing to improve. She recently had her feet trimmed, and for the first time, was able to do it without a sedative. She did just fine with all four feet.

Physical problems / health issues: Abilene came in malnourished, but has made great improvements. She has no other health issues or lameness, and is now fat and happy!

Interaction with horses: Abilene is currently in a pasture by herself, as her foster mom wants her to bond more with people. But when she is near other horses, she does just fine.

Interaction with people: Abilene prefers women over men, but she has gotten better with strangers approaching her as long as they are not on her side of the fence.  Her foster mom was able to walk into the paddock with her the other day while she was lying down.  She let her come right up and pet her.  

History: Seized by law enforcement and awarded to the organization.

Training / abilities: It seems unlikely that Abilene was ever trained, given her fear of humans. But with time, she could be trained to do anything within her physical capabilities.

Abilene needs a handler who will be patient with her, and not rough. She likes the gentle, sweet talking.  If she sees something she is not sure of, she will stop and look at it.  If someone talks to her and tells her that it won't attack her then she will continue on.

Experience level required to work with this horse: Experienced

Has this horse ever:  Bucked? No. Reared? No. Kicked? Yes, will threaten to. Bitten? No. Other? No.

Ground handling: Catch? Yes. Lead? Yes. Tie? Unknown. Trailer? Unknown. Clip? Unknown. Trim Feet? With her foster mom’s reassurance, yes. Bathe? Unknown.

Special needs: Abilene needs patience and love to get over her remaining fears. She has come a long way, and her foster mom does not want her adopted by someone who will send her backwards! She would do best with a female adopter, and her foster mom invites anyone who is interested in adopting Abilene to come and visit with her a few times to interact with her.

Other comments: 

More pictures:

Updated: July 10, 2007

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 Abilene in your life? Sponsor her through our Virtual Foster program.

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