Tessi - The Baby of the Family

Seems like only yesterday Tessi was born. Yet these last three years of bringing up baby have been intense. At three years old, Tessi is a pretty accomplished girl: She can pull a cart very well and has started her saddle training.

Tessi is a little buckskin mare with a cute black dorsal stripe and one white sock. She is Zazu's filly. Although a petite gal at only 14 hands, she has a big, bold personality and will be the boss of you if you let her. Luckily, Nora is a good horsey-mentor to her and she is taking on Nora's good traits

I had never raised a foal before but I soon learned it takes a village to raise a filly. I also discovered Motherhood is exhausting.

I did all of Tessi's ground training and then sent her to a trainer when she was almost three to learn to pull a cart. The trainer did a great job and so it was easy for me to get her started under saddle.

I try to work Tessi 4 times a week which includes the weekly driving lesson I take with my trainer Mary. Tessi is still very young so our training sessions under saddle are 40 minutes or less.

Next spring Tessi will probably compete in some combined driving classes. Last September we entered a Introduction Western Dressage Class (see top photo) and did well. She also was reserve champion for Sporthorse Mares in Hand.

I'm hoping Tessi will grow to be as athletic and graceful as her Mommy and as bold and dependable as her Auntie.