Story submitted by Animal Services and Assistances, Inc. (ASAP)
When Belle first arrived at ASAP from an uncertain future in Louisiana, she was thin, malnourished, and had a foal at her side. Belle was extremely nervous around people and was difficult to catch and handle. After almost a year of working with Belle to gain her trust, she found a foster home that was willing to continue working with her. After a year in her foster home, Belle had become a different horse! You could catch her without issue, she behaved perfectly for the vet and farrier, and she was even ridden a few times! When Belle had her dental exam done, they discovered that Belle had a cracked tooth and had to go through dental surgery in order for a full recovery. This poor mare had probably cracked the tooth at her previous residence or trailering between them and had been living in pain for some time! After the surgery, Belle was a much happier and pain free horse! When someone saw Belle on Equine.com and scheduled a visit, she immediately fell in love! The approval process was started and a pre-purchase exam was set up. All was going smoothly, but the pre-purchase exam revealed an old hind leg injury and eye injury that were due to trauma. Despite the hind leg injury that may limit what Belle would be able to do under saddle, the adopter was so in love with her personality and story she went ahead with the adoption.
Belle now has a wonderful home and if riding becomes too much for her leg, will be a happy pasture pal! As a side note, her filly, Trixie, was a very friendly and curious foal and found her forever home a few months before Belle found hers!