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:  $TBD
Category: In Rehab/Under Evaluation

Bria's Story

Bria came to AAE with six other horses. Their elderly owners, one bedridden, were doing the best they could under the circumstances.

Bria is a big, 20-ish, beautiful paint mare. Though she was thin, though her bodyweight wasn't as bad as others. This girl has been through a lot, and there's no mistaking it. When she arrived, not only did she have two horrific chronic lay-down sores on her front fetlocks, but 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 acceptable. Her hooves were long, her teeth were bad, and she needed considerable handling to move forward with fetlock treatments. We got the basics taken care of right away: dental and hoof care, vaccines, deworming, and a microchip. That was the easy part.

Bria had the works shortly after arrival: dental and hoof care, vaccines, deworming, and she got a microchip. She was also started on a daily Equioxx to help with arthritis. Her fetlock sores were actually chronic summer sores. After debriding, they needed cleaning, treating, and rewrapping every other day or two. The last couple months, twice a week, and here we are. Until recently, she slept on her fetlocks regularly. So, at least for now, she's wearing fetlock shields to protect her freshly healed skin. So far, so good.

Bria has come a long way since her arrival. Her fetlocks healed, her handling and behavior have improved, and her hooves are much better, but her mind is still a work in progress. She's become much more agreeable and easier to handle in her own space, but she continues to lose confidence (and sometimes she loses her mind) when taken out of her paddock. She has no social skills with other horses, and she cannot be trusted. She picks fights, and she causes a ruckus wherever she goes. We're taking Bria's challenges one step at a time. Let's hope she appreciates her freedom and learns to enjoy open space and other horses.
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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 and trailering, and weekly farrier visits.  There are resident dogs, cats, goats, 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.