Ashdale Mirage (Lexi)

Description

Wanted the most loving kindest home.

I have owned Lexi for 4 years.  I purchased her as a safe all rounder but she was missold as I found out after time that she had been known to rear. She has done this with me 3 times in the 4 years I have owned her (you can anticipate it) and has not unseated me but at 64 I just don’t have the nerve any more.  I had her checked and my vet who specialises in lameness issues said she was the soundest horse she had in for a vet check but I insisted on further checks as I always felt something was ‘not quite right’ and was found to have mild KS.  This was 3 years ago and she had two courses of injections and I then rehabbed with llo work, in hand work etc. and built her strength up and she has not been injected since.  She is very comfortable to ride,  responsive, stands at the mounting block as long as you need .  Unfortunately I had a hip replacement 5 years ago and I have had a lot of problems in the last year so she has not been in regular work although she has learnt to free school llo and she will lunge llo and is clockwork to commands.  At the moment I am unfit and lack confidence which is not the best combo for her.

She works in hand, moves well, is well schooled and lateral work established.  I don’t jump but she does have a good pop in her which is unsurprising with her breeding.  She doesn’t bother about traffic, I have had tractors lorries etc. go past and she has been fine but she is one that could see something in the distance that no-one else can and can get ‘up’ – I truly believe someone braver than me would give her confidence and it not be an issue, as on the very odd occasion she has been like this on the yard (I let her wander free) once you have hold of her and/or tie her up and are in charge she behaves, unfortunately riding I no longer have confidence and panic and therefore do not take charge .

She has the most beautiful temperament, has never bitten, kicked etc and you could have a child around her – she can have her moments ‘of high alert’ but I have got off her on a hack and walked her a couple of miles home in hand ‘on high alert’ and had no issue (I am just not brave enough to stay on).  I want to be as honest as possible so she gets the right home.  I have described her at her worse but I am more than happy to get on and ride if someone came to see her and also take her out on a short stretch of road which can get all sorts of traffic.  She has even nannied a young horse out on a hack through busy traffic.

She is really well bred, she is KWPW AES registered is by CS On-line (Emma Whittakers successful stallion).   Although untested and a little older she could possibly make a lovely brood mare.

A good loving home is utmost importance as I feel she may have been mistreated in the past as she was scared of whips etc. when she first came but is very trusting now.  So I would not want someone who is shouting and ragging her around.  She is best if you are just calm, quiet and firm, hence she stays with me when she has been ‘up’ and would never pull away or pull back if tied up etc.

She would also make a lovely companion – I bring her in and out in company and can be led with others.  She is not at her happiest if left on her own but has been left and does settle.  My husband who is non horsey manages her during the week when I am at work with no issues, grooming feet picking, rugging, held for the farrier, etc.

Problems

Due to KS would probably be better with a lighter rider (although I am 13 stone and she has been fine).  Any relevant issues highlighted above.  She can come with summer and winter rugs but I would need to retain her tack as her saddle has been made for me and has a system that allows it to be adjusted to the horse  - possibly could provide her bridle and bit - she is ridden in a cavesson noseband and snaffle bit. She was a bit of an itchy dull coat type when she arrived but I feed her accordingly and her coat is always lovely now.  She is under a worming programme with West gate labs and always comes back clear. I have had her teeth done without sedation and she will co-operate but it is not her favourite routine.  I have a vet dentist who always sedates every horse as says it allow a much better treatment, she is great with the vet for anything.

Health Issues

As mentioned she has been diagnosed with KS but it is manageable. I have a chiro and physio now and then, both have said they don't really find any issues and unless told would not have known she was diagnosed with KS. All vaccinations up-to-date.  Regular dentist checks (did have a tooth removed last year) She is barefoot and I have the farrier every 6 weeks.  She is a good doer and although never had laminitis I do restrict grazing in summer to manage her weight but my grass is very rich so having one with laminitis in the past I am over cautious. She has windgalls and a splint on the front but they don't bother her in anyway.  I feed her marigold and cleavers in her feed and she never has filled legs.  She has had mud fever in the past but I have found the remedy that works with her and now rarely have an issue or have cleared it very quickly if it has ever appeared.

Ideal Home

Someone who will be kind but confident  - love her like we do and if ridden be prepared to build strength in her back again rather than just get on and away. I have her out mostly 24/7 in summer and she does get a lot of winter turn out but is in mostly at night.  She has been in for a few days in winter if the weather is horrendous and is fine. She suits that routine

Vet Details

Oakhill Veterinary Centre, Langley Lane, Goosnargh, Preston. PR3 2JQ