Willow

Willow was bred and trained for show. At her time of donation in May 2021, her half-sister was for sale for $24,500. She’s got impressive bloodlines and talent to match. Her registration papers show that she was sold 6 times in her first 7 years of life – likely from trainer to trainer then as a child’s show mount for a season until they outgrew her. She was donated in 2017 to Quest Therapeutic Riding Center, perhaps because she may not have been the best jumper on the circuit, or perhaps because the owner wanted a large tax write-off. Either way, she was well-loved at Quest, but over her four years there, they felt she wasn’t comfortable enough to give bareback therapeutic lessons and just wasn’t fully happy with her job. Wanting the best for her, Quest donated Willow to us.

Willow is sweet and playful and will do “tricks” to get attention (is it any wonder, seeing as she was born on April Fools Day?), such as crossing her front legs or nudging you for snuggles. Willow wants to connect – but she confuses connection with compliance and when frustrated. She can be a challenge to get true connection as she is still learning – and healing from her life as a show pony being passed from home to home. She probably didn’t have much connection in her earliest years of life. Willow is wonderful with people of all ages, and very gentle with kids, but be mindful that she is fast under saddle so not the best for beginners. Willow is eye-catching with her shapely face and small, refined body. She is curious and playful with activities using toys and obstacles, and a great confidence-builder since she is so gentle. Willow’s word from God is “safe.”