06/07/2026
❤️ FIRST REQUIRED POST ❤️
It’s time for ’s first required post!
I want to start by reminding everyone where Vixen came from.
Vixen was born on a reservation before becoming caught in a kill pen scheme where she was “rescue.” She and several other foals were then neglected and starved, with two of those foals tragically passing away. Thankfully, Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue (HOP) stepped in and gave the surviving foals a second chance. That’s where began.
Vixen is competing in the Appalachian Trainer Face Off Whippersnapper Division, and we’ll be showcasing her progress this August at Winfield Riding Arena.
Because she didn’t receive proper nutrition during the first part of her life, Vixen is still a work in progress physically. By the time the Face Off arrives, I believe she will be completely unrecognizable. Right now she may be in her “ugly duckling” stage, but I cannot wait to see the beautiful horse she blossoms into.
Currently, Vixen is thriving on Purina Ultium Growth, 24/7 access to hay and pasture, and Elevate Vitamin E supplementation. Since arriving, we’ve successfully treated lice and internal parasites using Quest Plus, Ivermectin, and a PowerPac deworming program.
When Vixen arrived, she was completely feral and had never been halter broke. Despite that, her sweet personality quickly made her a barn favorite.
Today, Vixen:
🐴 Leads willingly
🐴 Trots in hand
🐴 Loads and unloads from a trailer (though backing off still makes her think a little!)
🐴 Stands tied quietly
🐴 Picks up all four feet
🐴 Side passes in hand
🐴 Ground drives
🐴 Ponies off another horse like a seasoned pro
🐴 Stands quietly for baths, fly spray, and grooming
🐴 Has been shown in showmanship and trail pattern classes
🐴 Loves obstacles and learning new things
She is always the first one to greet you in the pasture and comes running when called. She loves obstacles, water crossings, trail rides, and has become one of my favorite hiking buddies (along with Cayde).
One thing I’ve learned about Vixen is that once she trusts you, she gives you her whole heart. She wants to be your partner and genuinely enjoys being with people. If Vixen trusts you and you trust her, there’s no telling what you can accomplish together. That kind of partnership is unstoppable.
This mare has eyes that can melt your heart and a personality as sweet as sugar cubes. If you don’t submit an application for her, you’re truly missing out.
To quote Zach:
“She’s the first Face Off horse I’ve really, really wanted to keep.”
And if you know Zach, that’s saying something!
This past weekend, Vixen stepped into the show pen and competed in a showmanship class, earning 1st place! For a filly that started out completely feral and had never even been halter broke, that’s a huge accomplishment. She has also been shown in trail pattern classes and continues to take everything in stride.
One of my favorite things about Vixen is her versatility. She enjoys trails, obstacles, hiking, and groundwork, but she also shines in the show pen. She is the kind of horse that could go in just about any direction her future person chooses.
This past weekend, Vixen completed a 5-mile trail ride while being ponied by a horse she had never met before. We walked, trotted/gaited (Vixen is not gaited but the horse I was riding was), loped, and even jumped logs along the way. Vixen never missed a beat. She was definitely tired by the end, but she handled everything like a champ.
While Vixen has come incredibly far in a short amount of time, I truly believe her best days are still ahead of her. Every week she grows stronger, healthier, and more confident. Watching her transformation has been one of the most rewarding experiences, and I cannot wait to see where she is by August.
Interested in adopting Vixen or another horse? Send me a message and I’ll point you toward the application!
Vixen is also still looking for additional sponsors as we continue her journey to the Appalachian Trainer Face Off. I would absolutely LOVE to get her DNA tested to finally solve the mystery of her breed makeup. If you’d like to sponsor Vixen or help make a DNA test happen, send me a PM! 😉 Every contribution, big or small, helps this special girl shine.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for helping make Vixen’s journey possible:
❤️ Judy McGlone – One bag of Purina Ultium Growth each month
❤️ Kelli Whitt – PowerPac dewormer
❤️ Paula Weinfurtner – $50 toward grain and supplements
❤️ Dawn Holland – Sponsoring the obstacle clinic
We can’t wait to show everyone how far this special girl comes between now and August!
