Started withaWhisper (known as Hampton in our barn) is a 16.3 hh, 2015 registered & papered Appendix mare. Hampton has been with me for just over 3 years and has been in consistent dressage work the entire time. Hampton is being worked & shown in training level dressage by a novice adult amateur under the supervision of a dressage coach. She has successfully (with prep) attended local shows and outings at Majestic & Masterson Station Park. Though her owner does not jump, Hampton tends to REALLY enjoy jumps being set out & frequently jumped under prior ownership.

Let me be clear that this horse is not beginner friendly, but does have some serious athletic ability and potential. I bought this horse hoping to have a confidence building partner to kick off my Eventing journey and have struggled on and off with her in the 3 years since I brought her home, to varying levels of success. I believe that someone with the time, confidence and skills would be able to bring this horse to her potential – I am not that person.

Current challenges:

- Deals with internal demons & ghosts. For 3 years, the team of us have not been able to figure out this mare’s brain or the patterns behind it. Someone more in-tune with that might be able to.
- Has a huge spook. The kind that drops you & scoops you up though. No bolt.
- Can be buddy sour, especially off property & when other horses start calling to her
- Can become anxious in situations where she lacks confidence (off property, mainly) She will trigger-stack to the point of explosion if the situation is right. Luckily, we're always able to get her brain back within 15-20 min of work and focus, which gives me hope.
- Mare-ish. We do manage this with raspberry leaves & chamomile but have not gone as far as Regumate.
- I have had her extensively vetted to see if we could track the spookiness to pain with no luck.

The inevitable Good:

- She is a STUNNING mover when correct & makes you think that she has 2nd & 3rd level (or above) potential
- Goes in a simple eggbutt mylar bit or double jointed snaffle
- 3 awesome gaits - One of the most lovely trots to sit & a calm, rocking horse canter
- Easy to collect once focused
- Stands like an angel for farrier/vet/chiro/body work
- Loads & trailers just fine
- Minimal maintenance (front shoes)
- No rear or bite. Will throw a kick or buck when offended
- Easy keeper and has maintained sound for the entire time I’ve known her.
- Top of the pecking order in a herd of mares