Sophia

Height:  14.0 hh (est)
Weight: 850 lbs (est)
DOB:  2022 (est)
Sex:  Filly
Color:  Gray
Breed:  Arabian
​​DNA:  1st Lipizzaner
2nd Arabian
3rd Caspian
Adoption Fee:  $750
Category:  Young Horses/Non-Riding Companion

Sophia's Story

Sophia 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. Bloodwork done at AAE indicated Sophia was pregnant, but she did not carry to term. 

Sophia is a phenomenal little soul! She came with a broken spirit and deformed hoof, and she's overcome so much! When we initially saw her, we didn't think she was very old (maybe 6-8 months), but in time, realized she was likely closer to two years old. She had a big slipper hoof, maybe due to an injury as a foal? We don't know if one of the mares is her mom or whether her mom was one that passed. She was definitely impacted by the harsh winter and inadequate nutrition, not to mention navigating life with a wonky hoof.

The sweet little filly is the best. She has come so far from the meek and passive filly that she was, to the alpha in her herd. She's lovable, gentle, and adores attention. She's loving pasture life with some of the other mares and foals. Though she's bossy, she's respectful and gets along with everyone. She's easy with haltering, leading, and handling her hooves. She's good with the farrier and vet. Sophia is simply a gem. Her hoof was correctively trimmed, and she does very well, though she has some bony changes that will likely limit her abilities beyond pasture life. That said, she runs with the herd, and if you didn't know, you might not know there's an issue. We love this lil' sweetheart.

Sophia is available adoption as a non-riding horse due to her residual bony/hoof changes. Her person should be a young-horse experienced person, someone that wants to create a non-riding relationship with this fabulous lil' filly. She's behind in development after a very rough start and needs time to grow and mature. 

Sophia is current with hoof and dental care, vaccines, and deworming, and she has a microchip. 

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.​​