Our Horses: Zoey
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
Acorn is the short, and Zodiac (Zoey), at 16'3 hands, is the tall of the Windhorse Herd. Zoey's size is impressive but her kind demeanor attracts people to her in trainings. Participants feel safe around her and she hangs her head over their shoulders like mothers do to comfort their foals.
Mary Lee says, "Zoey is the perfect family horse. The whole family can fit on her back." Actually, her quiet nature and steadiness will make her a wonderful schooling and therapeutic horse. When she trots those elephant-sized hooves pat the ground and give her a joyful buoyancy. Her trot has dressage level quality.
Under saddle Zoey seems calm and relaxed, however, she has only been ridden a few times and needs more training.
Mary Lee is preparing mustangs for the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. The N.A.C. needs large, gentle horses like Zoey for many of their adult, wheelchair clients and also horses for their Para-Olympic Program. Economically, younger horses are needed as well as horses specifically trained to allow special-needs clients to ride independently and compete in the Para-Olympic competitions. This is a large part of the Windhorse Dream Team effort.
In workshops, one would think Zoey's size would intimidate people. On the contrary, her gentleness magnetizes participants. When they approach she lowers her head over their shoulder and curls them in a big hug. Everyone feels safe and loved in her presence.
2009 Update:
In 2005, Zoey advanced to being ridden. She was steady, willling, and gallant under saddle. Unfortunatey, our gentle giant is no longer with us. She severely colicked and died a few years ago. She was always willing to "heart-hug" and was the first one in the herd to introduce herself to M.E.E.T. participants. She was especially fond of little children.
We, along with all of those she touched, continually miss her. She is truly a Windhorse, in the Tibetan tradition, carrying our prayers to the heavens.
"There is no death, only a change of worlds" ~ Chief Seattle
