12/08/2025
Thank you all for your patienceāthis update has been a long time coming, and I truly appreciate your understanding.
Reba and Honeyās Update
Reba and Honey both came from a kill pen here in Wisconsin. We were originally told they had been there for about a month, with Honeyāthe foalāestimated at around three weeks old and Reba believed to be younger. In the original sale video, Reba was shown being ridden, with Honey following behind. At the time, I had a client looking for a broke horse for her daughter.
I sent the video to my client, and before we knew it, Reba and Honey were coming home with us the following week. It may have been a slightly impulsive decision, but I believe everything happens for a reason.
Pick-Up and Initial Vet Care
Pick-up day went smoothly and both horses loaded without issue. We had the veterinarian out later that week for a full health check and vaccinations. Honey was prescribed medication for an upper respiratory infectionānot strangles related. Otherwise, both horses appeared to be in overall good health. Reba was aged at nearly five years old, and Honey was determined to be barely a week old, much younger than we had been told.
Quarantine Period and Behavior Changes
Over the next several weeks, Reba and Honey remained in quarantine, separated from our other horses. During this time, Rebaās temperament shifted dramatically. She went from sweet and willing to unpredictable, and she kicked her owner several timesāthankfully resulting only in bruises, but still posing a clear safety concern.
As a trainer, my first thought was that she was just being protective of her foal. However, once quarantine ended, we realized this wasnāt the case. Reba showed very little interest in Honey. She didnāt stress when separated and seemed largely indifferent, even occasionally rejecting her.
Since moving to pasture, Rebaās aggression has escalated. She has charged, bitten, and kicked, and has even put her head through a gate or fence in attempts to go after someone.
As someone who specializes in working with difficult horses, I can confidently say she has been one of my most challenging cases to date.
Progress and Next Steps
Over the past several months, weāve struggled to safely catch either horse. With winter here and no indoor facility available, weāve had to pause more intensive training until conditions improve.
Foals are new territory for me, and Iāve been learning as we go. That said, Iām in no rushāhorses with trauma often need far more time than we expect, and patience is key. I have reached a bit of a crossroads with Reba, but Iām committed to helping both horses and their humans build a bond. Reba is slowly beginning to choose her person. Itās a slow process, but thatās perfectly okay.
Honey is now seven months old, and both horses are healthy and continuing to receive the care and attention they need.
On a side note, this client has a strong passion for rescuing horses. In fact, my own horse, Dune, came from the same facility. Itās a reminder that even in places that may seem like a last stop for many, you can still find truly wonderful horses.
Pc: Honey and Reba in July
