*** UPDATE SEPT 2010 - It looks like Dream has found a wonderful new home, and her new owner should be taking her in Oct. I am leaving this page active for now, in case things don't work out - but as of now, if you email me about her, I may not get back to you. I am saving emails and contact info of all interested parties though, just in case..... Thank you all! **********
I am looking for a new adoptive home for Alexis Speedrope (or "Dream")
She is a 15.3 H, 11 yr old, registered Thoroughbred mare who was adopted from a horse rescue 6 years ago. She is sound, loving, smart, and willing; she has been trained english, and started over jumps, but needs to be ridden more consistently to reach full potential. She can be spooky (and we believe abused by her first "home"), so is best for someone calm, quiet, and patient. Not a beginners horse - but also not "wild" or crazy. Just quirky....
I am only interested in GREAT new homes for this wonderful horse! New owner would need to sign adoption agreement (and can not sell or breed her, per adoption agreement). $200 adoption fee (possibly neg. to perfect, local home).
Please email at shanahan1327@hotmail.com or call Shannon at 847-571-0973
I am looking for a horse for my child, will she be a good fit?
Without knowing your child or seeing them ride, its hard to know. She is not "wild", but is also NOT a beginner's horse. She is a horse for a competent, patient, steady intermediate rider who can ride independently and confidently at ALL gaits. She is sensitive to aids, which is great - but then she needs a rider who has steady aids - does not bounce around, kick for no reason, yank or hang on her mouth, etc.
Does she stand well for the farrier, when being groomed, when being bathed, when being clipped?
Yes to all. She may move and slightly dance in the washrack, but not much.
How is she at loading and being trailered?
I have not loaded her or tailered her anywhere in the 6 yrs I have had her. Previously, I was told she was fine.
I am looking for a good broodmare, is this a good fit? Or, I like to buy horses, train them, and then sell for a profit, is she a good fit?
NO. Per her adoption agreement (from the adoption agency I adopted her from), she can not be bred or sold for profit. She can be re-homed for a modest adoption fee - but I am really looking for a FOREVER home for her.
I am looking for a showhorse, or a Hunter/Jumper prospect, will she be a good fit?
I don't know. She has been started over low jumps and has done well. She does have nice gaits and definitely has more potential if she were ridden and trained more. But because of her age and her past, I certainly can't give a guarantee that she will be a ribbion winner or great jumper. If you will not be happy with her as your horse if she can not do this, probably not a good fit...
Why would I want to adopt a horse when I can just buy one?
1) Value. If I was "selling" her, a sound, sane, trained, healthy TB mare like her would go for several thousand dollars. I am not trying to make a profit - just give a great horse another chance at a happy home. 2) Compassion. She spent her first 2 years in a neglectful and abusive home. If it were not for her rescue organization, Dream would not have had a chance. 3) Low downside. Besides the fact that you can't breed her or sell her for profit, there isn't much difference between having an adopted horse and from buying a horse!
What is her disposition like?
Dream is a LOVER. On the ground, she is a true pocket pony - wants to be right with you, being loved on, etc. Beyond sweet.
How are her hoves or How is she shod?
She has been "bare-foot" most of the time I have had her, and it has worked well. We have not had any real hoof issues.
Is she an easier keeper?
Yes. She has been pasture boarded for over 6 years, mainly only getting grass and some hay (with some supplementation of grain - mainly just in the winter) and has thrived. She has no trouble keeping a good weight and staying healthy outside.
Does she have any vices?
Besides being a TB mare (and thus, pre-disposed to being a bit "hot" and spooky), no. She doesn't bite, kick, crib, buck, rear, etc.