Our Horses: Athena
Acorn, Aspen, Athena, Beryl, Blackhawk, Cedar, Chaparral, Daisy, Everest, First Star, Hickory, Honey Girl, Jade, Jasper, Joyee, Juniper, Navajo, Onyx, Pearl, Pepper, Pinon, Raven, Sapphire, Sequoia, Springtime, Starbright, Teak, Teton, Tiger Eye, Topaz, Vaquero, Wild Sweet William, and Zoey
Athena was adopted in 2002 as a two-year-old. She was gathered from the Twin Peaks herd that roams the Nevada and California range east of Susanville, California. This sweet, brown filly with a star was relaxed around humans because she had been held for nine months. If she didn't have a freeze brand, you'd mistake her for a small thoroughbred. Athena looks like a classic brown hunter.
All the horses adopted in 2002 had been held for long periods of time because of distemper outbreaks at the BLM holding facility. Then they were shipped to the adoption in Cedar City, Utah.
Athena has been very gentle and agreeable with the same reactions and concerns you'd expect from a domesticated two-year-old. Peter Campbell easily taught her to lead and the next year she was ridden. Between trainings Athena lives like a horse on the ranch with the herd. Mary Lee believes socialization is important in their development. Also, it gives them time to grow without stressing their legs.
Last summer Athena was at Brighton Meadows Equestrian Center (BMEC) in Salt Lake City and participated in camp activities. Campers learned how to create willing relationships with the Mustangs. Athena was seen with her nose in close to many youngsters in deep communication. Her temperament, conformation, and intelligence make her an awesome prospect.
During the summer of 2006, the Buckaroos continued riding Athena and her Western saddle soon after was traded in for an English model. With funding, Athena could make it possible for some hardworking students to be able to show hunter and hunt-seat equitation. These students dream of being on an intercollegiate team as other Brighton Meadow show team members have done at Stanford, UC Davis, MIT, Colorado State University, and Sweet Briar in Virginia.
2009 Update:
In the summer of 2009, Josie Brookbank's parents adopted Athena for Josie's 16th birthday. They are stars in the advanced classes and make a stunning and impressive pair. It was one of the most exciting and moving birthdays ever! Athena has a blanket and a bridle with her name on them.
2010 Update:
Athena went to her first Hunter/Jumper show this year and won some blue ribbons and placed in many other events. She and Josie did great and many couldn't believe Athena is a mustamg. Shows how much they know about the incredible abilities mustangs have! She and Josie are spending the winter at Kayenta Korrals in preparation for future events. She is working out in the sand going up and down the hills and is becoming very buff. What an amazing team Josie and Athena are!
