Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria Inc.

Anastasia (or Lilly as we then called her) came to us as a rose-grey Arabian mare who had been handled somewhat but was fairly green when it came to understanding where her place was in the scheme of things! We spent much time with the little Arabian mare in the first few weeks just handling her and getting her accustomed to being led (not leading us), having her feet handled etc…though admittedly she never really gave us too much grief!

I have a great love for the Arab breed and enjoy breaking them in. I find them smart in such a way as they learn from their own mistakes and don’t seem to have to be shown things a great number of times. Anastasia was very much like this; she was flighty but sensible (if that contradiction makes any sense) and seemed to enjoy the challenge and stimulation of work. The actual breaking-in process was 3 weeks for the little mare though the learning starts long before and finishes long after this time. She never bucked or fussed (there is no need to make it a stressful process we believe) and soon she was starting the next phase of education with us, both in the ménage and out on the roads. Her and Aladdin were great friends and I believed he was rather sad when she left; he always seems to become the older, wiser role model for the young ones (though it seems as soon as they’re out of sight and it’s just him and me and the fresh air, that’s when he shows his true colours!!!!)

Anastasia was always destined for greater things! We loved having her; she was kind and submissive but always had that Arab fire that we love! I was so pleased when Jenny came to try her – Anastasia took to her straight away, she was gentle and I could tell instantly that they understood each other, sometimes you can just tell – this was one of those moments. And that’s what Project Hope are all about – those special moments when human meets equine and they begin a life-long friendship.

When I first met Anastasia she had just arrived from Portland. She was in poor condition, with a very dirty coat and matted mane. It wasn’t until some months later, when I heard she had been broken in and was proving to be very well behaved, that I even considered the possibility she may be suitable for me.

Rebecca had started Anastasia very gently and I was impressed with the way she was going. There was something about this little mare that made me feel we would get along well together. I just could not believe my luck when Rebecca agreed I would be suitable to take Anastasia on.

Anastasia settled into her new home very quickly, although the long trip in the float was obviously quite stressful for her. When she was unloaded, I realized she had started to choke on the hay I had put in the float. The vet was immediately called, but fortunately the blockage cleared before he arrived. So now, any trips in the float are done without hay – a lesson learnt the hard way!! Since that initial trip, Anastasia has settled down with her floating and is not at all bothered by it but I am not willing to take the chance of putting hay in for her.

Her education is progressing slowly, but surely. She has been to adult riding club and also to a few competitions, where she has generally behaved herself beautifully. Together we have lots of lessons and I vary her work by taking her out for trail rides a couple of times a week. Her confidence, and mine, has improved immensely and, although it may take a while, my goal is to get her to level 3 in adult riding club. We are currently at level 5, just a couple of points short of going to level 4.

(Some-one suggested I should aim for level 1, so we will just have to see how we go.)

My instructor has been a fantastic help with any training problems and Anastasia takes instruction kindly most days. Every now and then she shies at something only she can see or hear, but I have learned to hang on pretty tight and so far she has only left me behind once (no harm done). I am sure as she gains more confidence she will improve in this area. And she is an Arab after all!!

Anastasia has certainly come a long way from the neglected little mare I first met in March 2005; she has filled out a lot, her mane and tail are long and flowing, and she looks a picture of good health. Her feet are nice and strong and so far she has managed well without shoes. Considering she was seven years old when she was broken in she has accepted everything that has been asked of her in good humour (except rugs – she just refuses to wear a rug!).

I would describe Anastasia as optimistic – every time I take her out of her paddock she gets an expression on her face that suggests she is thinking “OK mum, what exciting things have you in store for me today then?” I can tell her trust in me is growing, as is my trust in her.

Anastasia has become a really special little mare, sometimes flighty, often a challenge, most of the time sensible, willing and keen to please, but always a lot of fun.

Thank you Project Hope for allowing me to care for Anastasia.

Friday, 21st September, 2007, began just like any other day, and as I headed off to work all things were right in my world. Mid morning the phone rang. “Come quickly, Anastasia has cut her leg on the fence, the vet is on his way.” I made the trip in record time, hoping for the best, fearing the worst. Anastasia’s wounds were horrific, I had no choice. So, on a day that began just like any other day, I said goodbye forever to my beautiful Anastasia, and all things were no longer right in my world.

Sleep peacefully, Tas, my sweet grey mare. You were always such a good girl. Jenny