BRIAR – ATFO 2024 Diamond Division

ATFO candidate in training with Jessica Chambless at JC’s Training and Gentling*

Briar
2013 Warmblood (Trakehner/Holsteiner)
Dark bay mare
15.2 hh
FEE: $1500 starting bid in August

*TRAINING: This horse is part of a special training event called the Appalachian Trainer Face Off. You can learn about it on the ATFO Facebook page or website. Horses in this training event are adoptable in August, following 100+ days of training.

It’s not often we see Warmblood breeds show up at HOP. Introducing #hopteambriar!

Take a look at this girl’s beautiful floating trot! Just click here to see the video.

Briar’s trainer, Jessica, says Briar is a very smart and loving girl, super friendly and enjoys spending time with people. She is a very willing partner and is turning into a trail horse deluxe. Jessica says she is not spooky and if she does startle, she recovers quickly. Here’s a summary of the good and not-so-good with Briar.

Good:

• Rides in an arena with no problem.
• Stands quietly for grooming, fly spray and picks up her feet.
• Enjoys baths and water.
• Lunges nicely and responds to verbal cues.
• Solid with mounting, walk, trot, and backing.
• Working on side passing but can get anxious if rushed.
• Not spooky around cars or ATVs.
• Can sit for a few days off and pick right back up where you left her.

Not so good:

• Briar can get anxious quickly.
  She does rear if it escalates, either on the ground or under saddle.
• Will pace or paw if tied and can’t see her friends.
• Has terrible anxiety in a stall. (Has been on 24/7 turn out, but comes into stall to eat)
• Still is super mouthy with the bit and  would do best with a drop nose band. (Rides fine in a halter, so bitless may be better long-term option.)
• Still not confident or comfortable in the canter although her canter is very smooth when she offers it. (Much more willing to pick up out on the trail.)

Briar currently rides in a sweet mouth, single-jointed, eqq-butt snaffle, which she seems to like the best. She requires an intermediate rider with trainer due to the short length of training.

“We were way late to get started into the challenge so she only has 20-25 rides, about 60 days. I had to juggle how much exercise she got so she would gain weight,” Jessica says.

“Overall, this mare has huge potential, she is very athletic and smart. With the right training and dedication, I believe this mare could go in any direction and excel.”

Follow #hopteambriar to keep up with her progress.

Briar certainly is easy on the eyes, and if you think you would make a good match with her, please go ahead and submit your application—the deadline for the ATFO auction is August 10.

Adoption Info:

Adoption fees may be outdated, as a horse may have moved into training, so check with us on most current fee. Horses adopted are typically up to date on vaccines, dental floats, farrier care and all vet needs.

Horses are typically located in the Appalachian area, but please inquire about a horse’s specific location when you apply!

We are looking to adopt to safe homes.

A history of good horsemanship, the ability to provide sufficient care with good vet, farrier and peer references are important. If you are a first-time horse owner, we will require you to board at a facility for the first year while you learn more about care. We encourage everyone to take advantage of riding lessons.

Foal adoptions require previous, established experience with youngsters.

Our adoption process makes sure you get the right horse for you – it is a no-fail process for finding the right match.

Apply at https://www.wvhorserescue.org/adopt