Meet Belle, a Shetland pony mare and her trainer, Brenda Buus of Brookings, SD. #ShowdownTeamBelle is competing in the Pony Division of the 2023 Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge
Belle is estimated to be a 9-year-old Shetland mare. She was purchased from a kill pen and arrived at the rescue because she was slow to trust and difficult for the vet. She was quite ill when she was first purchased. She started out very fearful and difficult to catch. Each new thing required a slow introduction and the wind was worrisome.
She has gained so much confidence and stands well for grooming and farrier. She leads well with caution around new things. She loads easily on the trailer and is improving with ground work. She accepts a saddle and harness including bridle and has started ground driving. She looks super cute in harness. She will need to continue to work on confidence in her new home but seems to enjoy having a job to do and is improving with obstacles and new challenges.
Brenda, a physical therapist and avid horse enthusiast, has always had a deep connection with these magnificent creatures. As soon as she was old enough to care for them, her family welcomed their first two horses into their lives. They embarked on trail rides, parades, and fun shows, creating cherished memories together. In June of 2017, Brenda began volunteering at Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue, dedicating her time and expertise to helping these majestic animals. Recently, she has also been involved with Little Hooves Mini Horse Rescue, a rescue organization closer to her home in Brookings, where she continues to make a difference. Additionally, Brenda actively contributes to the advisory committee and Board of Directors for STARS (Special Training and Riding Skills), a remarkable program that offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to interact with and ride horses. Through her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, Brenda has become an invaluable advocate for the welfare and well-being of horses everywhere.
From Her Trainer
I have loved watching Belle's confidence grow. She is willing to try almost any obstacle I ask her to do, with the exception of water. She still doesn't really like to get her back feet wet. She is a beautiful girl who loves attention.
Belle is looking for a quiet, consistent home that will continue to work with her and continue her education. She is doing better with noises but would be best in a less chaotic environment while she continues to progress in her confidence.
Belle is a 2014 pony mare who was purchased through a sale barn horse dealer. Her past is unknown. She was timid and fearful and untrusting of people. Her owners realized she was not settling into the easy to handle mare they hoped for and reached out for help. Belle started the challenge as a difficult to catch and nervous to handle mare.
The Dakota Showdown horses will be available for adoption under the Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue contract (or Little Hooves Miniature Horse Rescue contract for ponies KC, Diamond Dave, Belle and Tinkerbelle) to approved adopters through an online bidding process on August 12-13, 2023. The starting bid is $1200. Appointments to meet the horses you are interested in on August 12 are greatly encouraged.
Photography provided by SLS Photography