Like her namesake, this stalwart lady has risen from the ashes of her former life. Phoenix, along with several other horses and goats, came to us as court-ordered surrenders from an animal neglect case.

Phoenix and her buddies frequently went without food, water, or shelter, and Phoenix needed to recover from a long-time, untended skin condition that has left her with a few scars on her face and body. 

Phoenix is an approximately 16-17-year-old grade mare who came to us already halter-trained, but without knowing much more. While she came to us quite pushy on the ground, she has learned to mind her manners extremely well. She was aware of how to take a saddle, but didn’t seem to know much beyond that. With training, Phoenix has become solid in her basics, including all three gaits, backing, and transitions on a loose rein, and is starting to get a few fancier buttons.

She is riding sound, loads easily, and stands for the farrier. She likes to move out on trails, but can have difficulty standing still. She would do best not housed in a small stall since she has a tendency to stock up in her hind legs.

Because she is still green, we are looking for an intermediate rider for her to continue to build her confidence with consistency. She can be cinchy and she will sometimes test new riders, for example, with an occasional buck into the lope.

Phoenix tends towards the dominant side. She does well with horses that acknowledge this and give her space when she asks for it, but doesn’t do as well in close company with other dominant horses.

Phoenix is our endearing “Crabby Patty” — she may sometimes seem a little cranky on the surface, but she’s a lot of fun to work with and go out on trails with when you build a trusting partnership!