Claire

Height:  14.0 hh (est)
Weight: 900 lbs (est)
DOB:  2019 (est)
Sex:  Mare
Color:  Gray
Breed:  Arabian
​​DNA:  1st Arabian
2nd Lipizzaner
3rd Quarter Horse
Adoption Fee:  $1000
Category: Adopted

Claire's Story

Claire came to AAE after law enforcement intervention/seizure in a neglect case involving 24 horses, which became 25 horses when a colt was born after seizure.  We were told law enforcement stepped in when they learned of horses that had been abandoned on a large, remote, high desert property. Law enforcement provided care for the animals from late 2023 until mid-February, when they seized 21. Three horses had died, one prior to law enforcement intervention and two shortly thereafter. Another rescue was contacted, and together, we supported this effort. In the end, AAE took in 15 of the horses (pregnant mares, mare/foal pairs, and two young, sickly fillies), and the other rescue took seven horses (two mature stallions and young five stud colts). These are mostly younger Arabian horses. The condition of the horses had improved, overall, since law enforcement stepped in; however, all were in rough shape. Basic care had been neglected for some time. In general, body conditions and hair coats were in poor condition, especially the foals and weanlings that were heavily matted.  Hooves were in poor condition with long toes, high heels, splits, cracks, and even one long slipper toe on a young filly. Dental care was needed for the mature horses. Arabian stallions (and potentially mustang stallions) had been running with the mares, so the older fillies and mares are all potentially pregnant. (Update, four of seven mares/fillies tested were pregnant). The mares and foals had little to no handling, and none were readily halterable when they arrived at AAE. 

Claire arrived at AAE with a filly, Coley, by her side.  Claire was in fair condition, unlike her filly. Claire was one of the more reactive and less trusting of the mares when they arrived. She was slower to trust and accept haltering, but she made great progress once her trust and confidence grew. She learned to enjoy human interaction and to halter and lead well. She also learned some patience and stood stand quietly for the farrier. Eventually, she'd come in from the pasture to greet her human friends to enjoy their company. Claire was sensitive to new things, and she could be reactive with noises and quick movements, but as her confidence grew, her sensitivity decreased. She was curious and willing, and did best when we took things slow. Claire was introduced to a saddle pad, surcingle, and a saddle, and she handled it all fairly well.

Claire is a beautiful mare, and with patience and a knowledgable guide, she will make a nice partner for her person if he/she is willing to give her the time she needs to continue growing her confidence. Claire was current with dental and hoof care, vaccines and deworming, and she has a microchip.

Claire found her new famly, and we can't wait to hear about her progress.

In general, there is a lot of activity around AAE including vehicle and foot traffic in and out of paddock/pasture areas, mucking with wheelbarrows, grooming and care activities, tractor and trailering, weekly farrier visits.  There are resident dogs, cats, goats, a pig, cows, and mini horses, as well as various wildlife including frequent turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, deer, coyote, and bobcats in and around paddock/pasture areas.  A portion of AAE is situated along a highway with high speed vehicles, trucks, and sirens.  Tractors are used in and around pasture/paddock areas, trucks deliver feed, and a squeeze is occasionally used for unloading hay.  Horses at AAE are accustomed to a more active environment as opposed to a quiet/sterile environment. Some do well; others will do better in a more quiet environment.​​