A Ton of Personality in a Small Package!

Thank you to Brandy for this update on Esperanza! “Essie” is one of our most recognizable alumni, being known as the “sled filly”. She and her mother Dolores came in during a humane case in December of 2012. Esperanza was so weak she couldn’t stand and had to be taken from the trailer into the clinic by sled. Thank you to the emergency care of Dr. Nicole Eller and staff, Esperanza was able to recover from extreme hypothermia, dehydration, malnutrition, and parasite infestation. She also had one badly injured eye which we had to remove. Within a couple of weeks she was happily cantering around with her mother during turnout time. Brandy met her when we paired them for the In-Hand division of the Diamond in the Rough competition at Truhaven Ranch in 2014. Luckily for Essie, Brandy and family decided they couldn’t part with her after the competition and they adopted her. We have received many updates on Essie over the years and it’s apparent she is Brandy’s pride and joy. Here is the latest:

“Esperanza is a ton of personality in a small package. I absolutely adore my little Nugget. She makes me chuckle every time I work with her. Some days I just do groundwork, some days I do groundwork and ride, and some days I just bring her in and groom. No matter what, she always makes my heart happy. Essie is smart and sassy. I play with some liberty work with her. She can park at the mounting block hands free and then turn so her other side is to me as well. She was used for beginner summer camp and was one of the favorites.
Big successes this year for Essie. My main goal this year was positive off farm experiences for her. We did a couple off farm trail rides, one ended with me riding her bareback in a lake. My daughter rode her at the fairgrounds over the summer several times for 4H and then jumped her during our county fair. I did a couple of clinics with her. Jaycie is doing a jumping clinic with her in couple weeks. Jaycie and I both did some off farm lessons with her as well. All these wonderful experiences has helped to grow her confidence.
Essie has been turned out in the big herd for about 1.5 years now. Only having one eye doesn’t seem to faze her. She’s a smart cookie and stays clear of trouble.
I am so grateful to MHARF for giving her a fighting chance at life.”

Thank you to Brandy and family for giving this girl such a great home!