Sassy Ashley Update – Feb & March 2018

 

Sassy Ashley

Sassy Ashley has had a busy start to 2018.   After arrival on Valentine’s Day at Kalley’s ranch, Kalley spent time getting to know Ashley and getting her looked at by her new vet and farrier.  Ashley also let Kalley know very clearly which food she wanted to eat and which she didn’t.

Me: Timothy/Alfalfa pellets mash?
Ashley: “No.”

Me: Timothy/Alfalfa + Oats?
Ashley: “No.”

Me: Plain Oats?..All racehorses love oats right? Ashley: “No.”

Me: Ok fine, you’re not a Sr, but how about Triple Crown Feed Senior?
Ashley: “Yes…Finally!”

Sassy Ashley   Sassy Ashley

In early March the real work began.

“Ashley’s been ridden a lot on the track, won almost $40k, but never been in a western saddle before… and Wowee did she have something to say😲

I grew up retraining off the track horses for Polo, and some horses you knew were started with western tack (breast collar, and back cinch included), and others like Ashley, you knew only ever had an English saddle on.

Sassy Ashley   Sassy Ashley

I like to saddle and turn them loose to let them get themselves acclimated to the different tack out on their own, that way I’m mostly out of the picture and blame for any upset in their mind. Then, once the dust starts to settle, I’m there to get them organized and settled, as they start to figure out it’s not something bad, it’s just different.

She got big and bad for a couple rounds, holy smokes, but impressively sorted it out very fast and settled in. I rode her yesterday and she was great. I tell you, this mare is so cool, I just love her. She’s got a “constitution” for sure, but a ton of common sense as well… to me, the perfect combination.”

Sassy Ashley     Sassy Ashley

She has gotten to enjoy lots of free time with new friends out in our lush green winter pastures just learning to socialize with others and enjoy a bit of freedom.

Kalley has been so impressed with Ashley that as of March 23rd, Ashley now belongs to Kalley!  She’s off the market!  But she will continue on to the Retired Racehorse Project under the Neigh Savers name.

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