Stoney Wood Friesians
Bella

Bella takes Melbie and I for a drive

Bella and I take a Sunday morning drive down Oak Knoll Lane

Bella hitched to the training cart	Bella hitched to the show cart (my antique Irish gig)
Annette reminding Bella how to ground drive.	Bella looking like an old pro.

In October 2009, Bella was rescued at auction in Oregon by Lisa K.  She brought her down to Sacramento and nursed her back to health.  When Lisa found out that her family would be relocating, she was unsure where Bella would go to live.  That's how we got so lucky!!!

Bella is an 18-year old draft mare standing over 16 hands tall.  We think she is probably Belgian.  She has a very quiet and sweet personality and genuinely loves people.  She arrived at Stoney Wood Friesians in May and really seems to enjoy her grassy pasture!  We are happy to have the chance to build on Lisa's success with Bella.

At the beginning, Bella was very stiff - even refusing to lift her hind feet for me or the farrier.  I wasn't sure if she would ever work again.  What a wonderful surprise we had when Annette came over to help me test Bella's driving skills.  We were so surprised that she remembered "Gee"  "Haw" and especially "WHOA".  Most important, the more we walked her around, the less stiff she became.  It seems the exercise was good for her.  So, we decided she needed a visit from the chiropractor.  Bella LOVED it and afterwards was able to lift both hind feet.  

Annette returned again and we were able to hitch Bella to the training cart.  Later, we even hitched to the show cart and Bella even did a little prance.  So, in between visits from Annette, I have been ground driving around the property and Bella even volunteers to trot!  She seems really happy and proud of herself.  We are really proud of her too! 

Bella now lives in the very large back pasture with her boyfriend, Norman.  They are like a little old married couple, keeping each other company and always staying close.  It is the cutest thing to see them so happy together!

Update June 20th: Today Lori and I drove Bella in the arena and even took her outside for a few minutes and drove her around the property.  Next trip - Blueberry lane!

Update June 27th: Today Lori and I took Bella to Blueberry Lane.  We also did quite a bit of trotting on Oak Knoll Lane. Bella is just loving these outings!  When we got back I was able to lift and clean both hind feet!

Update July 21st: The chiropractor said Bella is doing so well there is no reason she can't be ridden!  So today I rode Bella for the first time in a bareback pad.  She was an extra special good girl!  She walked and trotted and was perfect with her turns and her "Whoa". I think she might be a nice beginner school horse!

Update August 28th: after a few weeks off for a sore in the corner of her mouth, Bella was back to pulling the cart today.  We did quite a bit of trotting and Melbie even got to go for a ride!

Bella when she first arrived at Stoney Wood Friesians

 
Bella when she was rescued in Oregon

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