The Story of Dundee

I got a call from a friend of mine named Lisa over the summer. She said she had this horse that she wanted to get rid of. Lisa is a dairy farmer, and the horse was supposed to be for her daughter. Her daughter really isn't into horses, she really is into showing her calves.

I told her "I need another horse like I need another hole in my head!" She went on to explain, that the horse isn't good on trails, and that is what they want her for. She also said, that she was going to run her through the sale (horse auction) to get rid of her because the horse was breaking through the shed, and had eaten an entire garbage bag full of feed. How the horse didn't founder I will never know. I told her my husband and I would come over to have a look at her, perhaps she would be suitable for someone else. I hate to see a sound animal get sold for slaughter.

My husband and I stopped by the farm, and there she was in all her glory.



Not much left of a tail, I suspect the calves snacked on it. She was the FATTEST horse I had ever seen. She had two shoes left on her hooves, but they were hanging on by about two nails. Her other two shoes had already fallen off, but took part of the hoof with them. I went out to the pasture to see what she was like, and from what I could tell this bomb of a horse was at least "bombproof." I liked her kind eye, and I told Lisa "Let us take her home, and see what she can do. Maybe I can find a home for her." My husband and I had a few moments to discuss it before I asked to take her home. His logic was sound, "She's going to be sold for meat, and at that weight she will bring a good price." We knew we didn't want that for her. If I at least got her in shape, maybe a rider would buy her if she ended up at the sale.

Dundee started her training, and she knew NOTHING. She didn't even know how to turn. She was greener than grass. BUT, her saving grace, she was smart and bomb proof. She was safe, I knew she would be great for even a beginner. Within thirty days, we had her trained on the longe line, direct reining, indirect reining, and trail riding without any problems.

Lisa called and said, "My husband said we need to get her sold, so if you don't have anyone to buy her we are going to run her through the sale." I didn't want her to go to the sale, but I knew she wasn't the same fat horse anymore and maybe she would be bought by a rider.



It turned out I did find a buyer for her. As you can see from the picture, Dundee remains at the barn with her new owners Kenley and Jenna. She is a perfect match for the two little girls. She helps them gain confidence because of her calm consistent attitude and gaits. They in turn, love her, take care of her, and made her a part of the family.

I love it when a story has a happy ending!