Updated 5/05: During the summer of 2004, Risaan decided to get out of the pasture she belonged in and 'play' in an area that I was preparing to fence in. The posts were there, but no fence. Risaan 'ran down' one of the chain link posts and then turned and ran into it again. The post entered under her left leg and exited midway up her side - never entering the body cavity. When I found her, I assumed that I needed to move her to a more 'convenient' location for the vet to put her down. But even badly (in MY opinion) injured, she was so willing to follow me that I decided to give her a chance. The vet was all but useless when it came to helping her so I called friends with knowledge/experience in the medical field and they gave me LOTS of advice. Risaan healed (slowly), but she now appears to be 100% sound. There is still a 'divot' in her side where the post exited that may cause difficulty with training her as a riding horse, but I'm so darn glad to see her healthy and sound that I can't say that I really care!

Updated 1/04: Risaan had to spend a little time with the older mares during the summer of '03. She was under the mistaken impression that she could be a bully without any 'sass' from the lower life forms (the other fillies). The older mares quickly proved to her that SHE is a lower life form and had best mind her manners. Risaan is now pastured with the younger fillies again having seen what happens to bullies. Risaan was originally for sale, but when there was an 'opening' in the broodmare herd, her phenominal movement (see pictures) quickly won her a place on the 'mare' page.

Updated 12/25/02: Risaan has become easier to handle with age/maturity. She has ground manners and knows how to use them ;-) In the field she is easily the dominant horse of her age group. She isn't mean/vicious about her status as #1, but it is very obvious who is in charge.

Original 2/2002: Risaan was born almost literally into my arms since her dam decided to foal in the pasture minutes before I took her in for 'breakfast'. Risaan has been handled since birth - even had her hooves picked up before she had figured out how to stand up on her own. Risaan was weaned at about 6 months of age and has been pastured with other horses including two other foals her own age. Risaan is used to be led to/from her stall on a daily basis so she is very accustomed to humans and being handled. Like any youngster she has her foolish moments, but she is basically a laid back filly.