BEHS 982 – Lucera

When Lucera arrived at the rescue she was apprehensive around people and was not a willing partner. She received some initial training in her foster home and then two weeks of professional ground training. As a result, she learned to lead well, load in a stock trailer, and stand quietly when tied. We believe Lucera has experienced some very rough handling in the past. When she first arrived for at her trainer’s facility to start preparing for the 2019 training challenge, she was very protective of herself. She was difficult to catch, kicked out to warn people to stay away, and even threatened to bite. Once she realized no one was trying to hurt her she quickly came around and stopped exhibiting those behaviors. She began to meet her trainer at the gate and became sweet and willing. Her adopter needs to be aware of these defensive instincts since we do not know for sure how she will react in a new environment. Her trainer felt as long as her adopter is patient, gentle, and fair that the mare will respond in kind. Lucera had significant holes in even basic skills when she arrived. She was extremely fearful of things like fly spray, general grooming, and being bathed. She has worked through these issues and now stands tied calmly for these basic tasks. Lucera appeared to have had some training under saddle but really didn’t know much. She is a very forward mare at the walk and trot but she has been difficult to get into a canter. Once in the canter she has difficulty holding it, especially on the left lead. Her trainer feels this is likely due to needing muscle tone to properly carry herself. She was malnourished when she arrived so she should continue to improve in this area with proper exercise and under a normal workload. Lucera likes working outside and is not spooky at all. She will work through obstacles. Her trainer said she will go over or through most anything you ask her to. She learns things quickly and her trainer said she would make a great trail horse or might even be a prospect for playdays when her conditioning improves. Lucera is a sensitive mare especially under saddle, so she will need a patient adopter who can continue to help her work through her trust issues. She will make an amazing horse for the adopter who is willing to put time and effort into bringing out the amazing horse we know she can be.