ATFO candidate in training with Kaylie Eaves of Kaylie Eaves Horsemanship LLC.*
Sonora
(Registered name “Corks n Bubbles”)
2012 American Saddlebred (not gaited)
Golden Champagne mare
15 hh est.
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.
Sonora is sweet, gorgeous, intelligent, and, according to her trainer, has just enough sass to keep you engaged in your horsemanship. She bonds with you once you build a relationship with her. Her trainer, Kaylie, says she has come a long way since beginning her ATFO training.
So far, Sonora …
Sonora has some quirks (as most horses do)—she is insecure and relies on her herd mates for support. Kaylie says she’s still learning to lean on humans rather than her buddies, but you must prove you can protect her. She is more insecure when in heat.
“During work, if you ask something of her and she doesn’t understand, you can’t push her; she will shut down (mentally check out) and then wake up. If you ask her something when she wakes up, she could blow up (it’s only happened a couple of times with me). What I’ve learned from her form of shutting down is if you have patience, wait for her, and reassure her when she comes to, she relaxes and starts to think again.
“Besides being herd-bound and shutting down when things get too much for her mentally, she’s a fantastic horse. She’s sweet and wants nothing more than to relax, and once she does, she is so good. When she feels safe and secure, she tries hard to do what you ask. She has picked up on neck reining and moving off leg aids quicker than most; now that she feels good physically after gaining weight, she is starting to be more forward and enjoy herself in the arena or around the farm.”
Sonora is in the middle of the pecking order and loves being out 24/7. Stalling can be an issue if she has a particular friend she’s attached to and can’t see them. She loves bodywork. She enjoys anything that can help calm her mind and relax her body.
Kaylie says her trot is becoming more organized now that she’s learning to balance with a rider and learning to come up slowly rather than leaping into her gaits. Kaylie wants Sonora to build more muscle and confidence before asking for anything faster than the trot, as she seems to still be a little weak in the hind end. She also plans to introduce Sonora to bigger crowds, taking her on more trail rides and, hopefully, some small local shows so she can get more exposure.
Sonora would require someone confident and experienced with smart, observant, sensitive horses and who wants to build a relationship with her.
Click here at #hopteamsonora to find out more about this lovely lady, her interesting past, and to follow her progress toward the ATFO competition in August.
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
