Bria

Height:  15.0 hh (est)
Weight: 950 lbs (est)
DOB:  2010 (est)
Sex:  Mare
Color:  Chestnut/White
Breed:  Paint
​​DNA:  1st Colombian Paso Fino
2nd Tennessee Walker
3rd Quarter Horse
Adoption Fee:  $1000
Category: In Rehab/Under Evaluation

Bria's Story

Bria came to AAE with six other horses in mid-August 2025 after law enforcement intervention. There were originially two stallions, five mares, and a gelding; two mares in painfully poor condition were euthanized, Their owner was bedridden, and she was the horsewoman. Her spouse did not have the knowledge and experience to provide proper care, and the condition of the horses declined drastically. They were kept in stalls in a mare motel, standing in mounded manure, and they didn't appear to have any turnout for a considerable time (years). Needless to say, the horses were "existing", and their quality of life was poor.  Though they appeared to have been fed and watered, their hooves hadn't seen a farrier in years, and their teeth were in poor condition. Bria was thin, hooves were long, and she had large, chronic, and painful lay-down sores turned summer sores over her fetlocks.

Bria is a big, 20-ish, beautiful paint mare. Though she was thin, her body condition wasn't as poor as others. This girl had been through a lot, and there's no mistaking it. When she arrived, she had some challenging handling and behavioral issues. To say she was pushy, forceful, and headstrong puts it mildly. Understandable after being cooped up for years, but not ok. She needed considerable handling to move forward with hoof care and fetlock treatments. We got the basics done: dental and hoof care, vaccines, deworming, and a microchip. That was the easy part. Her horrific fetlock sores were debrided, and thankfully, with consistent handling, cleaning, treating, and rewrapping became much easier.

Bria was also started on a daily Equioxx to help with arthritis. Her fetlock sores took months to heal. Because her healing skin is still fragile, she's wearing fetlock shields to help prevent new lay-down sores. When she arrived, and for months, she slept on her fetlocks regularly. 

Bria has come a long way since her arrival. Her fetlocks healed, her handling and behavior have improved, and her hooves are in much better shape; her mind is still a work in progress. She's become much more agreeable and easier to handle in her own space. She continues to lose confidence (and sometimes she loses her mind) when taken out of her paddock away from her neighbors. Bria and the rest of the group arrived with no social skills with other horses after being cooped up in stalls for years. She could not be trusted with other horses. She picked fights, and she caused a ruckus wherever she went. Recently, she was transitioned to a pasture environment with four other mares, and she has been a model citizen. We're taking Bria's challenges one step at a time. Let's hope she appreciates her freedom; she seems to be learning to enjoy open space and other horses. All in all, Bria has a very sweet side.

Bria has had a lot of handling; her bandage changes started with every other day. She's had a fair amount of basic groundwork, she's been ground-driven, and she's been introduced to a saddle, which didn't seem entirely new to her. Besides sharing her opinions here and there, Bria's been willing and has made steady progress. She's not easy yet, but she's well on her way.

Bria is available for adoption to a very experienced person who understands behavioral issues and has plenty of patience and skills helping horses gain confidence to overcome anxiety. (She is not a beginner horse!) Bria has come a long way, and her confidence has increased tremendously, but she has a ways to go before she'll be a calm and confident girl. If you like spicy mares, and you can lead them to confidence, this flashy girl is for you!
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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 work, facility work, and weekly farrier visits.  There are resident dogs, cats, goats, pigs, cows, a mini donkey, a mini mule, and mini horses, as well as various wildlife, including frequent turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, deer, coyotes, and bobcats in and around paddock/pasture areas.  Tractors are used in and around pasture/paddock areas, trucks deliver feed, and a squeeze is occasionally used for unloading hay. A portion of AAE is situated along a highway with high-speed vehicles, trucks, and sirens. 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 quieter environment.