Our Horses: First Star
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
Adopted in 1997, First Star is from the Maverick-Medicine herd, near Elko, Nevada.
First Star is so cute, so athletic, and so afraid. Sayings like "afraid of his shadow", "quick as a rabbit", and "jumps out of his skin" apply to First Star. People are immediately drawn to his alert, intelligent eyes. First Star's attractive head seems to be a Maverick-Medicine Herd trait as well as a quarter horse type body. He has a powerful 14.2 hand build with appealing white markings. His acute awareness makes him the best training demonstrator and everyone adores him.
As a baby, First Star was so spontaneous and such a scaredy-cat even the herd didn't want him too close. They tired of him "crying wolf" at the drop of a leaf. The herd kept him on the perimeter, and when he'd dart into the center for protection from the noise of a blade of grass growing, the others would send him away by barring their teeth and pinning their ears.
Interestingly, as his training progressed and his confidence developed, the herd related to him differently. As he gained more self-control he integrated into the herd. Marcia has worked with him every day this winter and his posture has lowered from his high-headed acute alarm response into a more relaxed, confident look. His body has softened and his skin no longer twitches or quivers at just the anticipation of being touched by the hand. Lately, he has reached new levels of confidence. In fact, First Star is playing stallion with the herd and now Everest is his girlfriend and Cedar eats dinner with him every night.
First Star has always been Mary Lee's favorite demo-horse. He responds to every word and motion. Workshop participants love him.
The fall of 2005 First Star united with a family as their fifth child. He is now First-Star Fonnesbeck.
