Ella

Height:  14.0 hh (est)
Weight: 775 lbs (est)
DOB:  2002 (est)
Sex:  Mare
Color:  Gray
Breed:  Arabian
​​DNA:  1st Arabian
2nd Welsh Pony
3rd Venezuelan Criollo
Adoption Fee:  $1,000
Category: Riding Horses (Light Riding)

Ella's Story

 Ella 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 additional 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. 

Ella is an elegant ~20 year old Arabian mare that arrived with her ~15 day old colt by her side. Despite their poor condition, they were beautiful. Ella delivered little Theo in the wide open areas of the fairgrounds arena in the icy cold of winter. She was an amazing mom, so proud and protective. 

Ella was not halterable upon arrival, but now she is easy to halter and lead. She's good with her hooves, and she's fairly good for the farrier, but she can be pushy and impatient at times.

There's something sweetly exquisite about Ella. Another diamond in the rough! She must have been a dream when she was young. Her mane was long and beautiful, even with the thick dreads that formed. They're gone now, and her mane is growing and filling out again. So is she. Her body is still restoring itself after working so hard during pregnancy and after delivery to keep her little guy, Theo, healthy and well nourished, despite her own needs not being met. Now that she's looking and feeling better, and Theo is weaned, she's had a bit of exploratory work. We were delighted she was nearly unphased by the introduction of a saddle pad and surcingle, and she gave to pressure on her neck quite easily. Maybe this sweet ol' girl was ridden in years past?

Update February 20, 2025
Ella's first ride went well!  She was a bit nervous and distracted, but considering we had zero training history, and, like the rest of her herd, we were unable to halter her upon arrival, Ella's made great progress from the ground up. She was confident, but rusty.  She was responsive to most requests, but her whoa was quite slow.  She moved over a tarp comfortably and wasn't bothered by much. She needs more exploration to better understand what she knows.  We'll continue our learning while she's here.

For now, it seems an experienced, confident rider could continue her progress. 

​Ella is current with hoof and dental care vaccines, and deworming, and she has a microchip. Ella and Theo are available for adoption, and it would be a beautiful thing if we can find them a home together, forever. 

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.​​