Introducing: Hazel

Name: Hazel
Sex: Mare
Age: 16
Height: 16.1 hands
Breed: 3/4 Hanoverian, 1/4 Belgian
Breeding: by Don Alfredo, out of mare by All The Gold
Arrived at Meadowlark: 01/20/2017
Favorite Treats: Anything! This mare isn't picky, and she loves to have the sides of her neck scratched.
Unique Traits: This mare has the biggest forehead I've ever seen on a horse! LOL!

Special Needs: Hazel is on a joint supplement, due to her age and conformation

Physiotherapy: Currently on a "long and low only" regimen to encourage her to lift and release her contracted back muscles. Daily carrot stretches and regular chiropractic care. 

Hazel is perhaps the most "in your pocket" mare I've ever had come into my program. She is always happy to come across the field when she sees you coming, and she loves to snuggle. Her huge, floppy ears and natural lack of a forelock make her very endearing, as well!

The woman I purchased Hazel from was in the process of teaching her to drop her neck to help stretch her back. Her back muscles are severely contracted and atrophied (think pre-kissing spines) and being ridden can cause her pretty severe discomfort if she is allowed to go around with her nose in the air. She is currently ridden on a "PT only" basis, primarily in walk, while encouraging her to stretch her neck and lift her sunken back muscles.