MADONNA
Madonna is Staydopted™ and supported for life by Shelley and Brian C., because we love her and know that Rosemary Farm does too.
Make no mistake, Madonna is no angel. A powerful Appaloosa mare, with a history of acting out, she was a challenging horse to take on as part of our family. Upon arrival, she required a watchful eye, as we worked to de-fuse her, and help her build smaller responses that are successful in being a kind citizen. There were a lot of 'two steps forward, one kick back' kind of progress. It took patience and a skillful crew.
Why did we take on 'putting up with' a mare who is sometimes a PITA? Because how she showed up was created by humans.
This mare had a rough life, largely due to lack of training and management, and learned to fight back. As she moved from place to place, her reputation grew in proportion to her skills. There was no one, who knew her, who wanted her. We witnessed her display of power before welcoming her, and it was scary. We gave the process great thought in advance, to set her up for success. And now, 2 1/2 years later, she is part of the family, running in the field with her horse friends like Sunnie and Savannah, who she has taken on as a protege!
Over the greeting wall, guests hug on her and she loves it. She is safe in most interactions but will always be given special handling because turning and kicking is her specialty. This means she will never be cleared for adoption and will remain where those who know her, love her, and appreciate her, can keep an eye on her, BUT she has stolen the heart of one special person who has decided to be her Staydopter™!
Our joy and relief are in direct proportion to the danger this mare could have become. Now, this beloved, affectionate Appaloosa has her basic needs met for life, that's a promise, and she will continue to grow in love and trust.
This is Sanctuary. It is for the horses, for their well being and for their safety. It is especially for horses who were living a life they did not choose, moving places they did not want, not receiving the basics in instruction and trust building, who now have a chance, and a special person who values them or who they are.