Black Mare -- Saphi

Saphi has found a new home with Sharmayne out near the East Coast.  She has large pastures, ponds of water, lots of trees, a peaceful stable and a sweet person to continue her PNH journey with.

Snip's Sapphire is a solid black 15 year old Missouri Foxtrotter.  She was used to pack gear and riders to a hunting camp and as a broodmare for several years before I bought her.  I raised two colts from her and then began trail riding in ernest.  She has had 3 years of natural horsemanship training, mainly Parelli.  I rode her only in a halter and lead rope.  She is very responsive to body position, and leg and rein pressure.  I rode her in the Black Hills Horse Expo in 2007 for the Missouri Foxtrotting Horse demonstration with a halter and mecate reins carrying a large flag without any concerns.  I rode her in the local parade in July of 2007, again with a halter and mecate reins, leading my Palomino wearing a halter and mecate reins with a beginner rider mounted.  Saph leads well, loads and unloads well, has been shod for several years, and is current on all vaccinations.  Saph is a boss mare and could dominate a partnership if matched with an inexperienced rider.  An experienced rider will have no problems with her. 

Saphi has been out pasture since the accident because my horse friends have been too busy riding their own horses and don't have time to ride her.  She stands quietly to get her feet trimmed or shod, to be saddled and bridled, when I mount her and is very responsive where ever and when ever we ride.

 

As I think back on some of the rides we've gone on I am amazed at her stoic mind and her willingness to go where I asked.  We've gone through the reclaimed train tunnels, we've gone up and down steep and rugged trails, we've chaperoned people during a buffalo roundup, we've even ridden through a herd of sleeping buffalo in the dark while following a trail.  We've ridden in parades and in the Horse Expo and on so many trails with different horses and people, with dogs underfoot on so varied terrain.  All without a bridle, just a halter and lead rope or mecate reins.  Most of the time we rode with non-gated horses and she was willing to match her speed to theirs but she's a joy to ride at a foxtrot with the other Foxtrotters or when we are alone.