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Breed: Grade Gender: Mare Age: 12 Height: 14.2hh Color: Black Disciplines: Other, Companion Adoption fee: $1,800 Location: Heart of Phoenix — Shoals, WV PLEASE NOTE: THE INQUIRY FORM ON THIS PAGE IS NOT THE HEART OF PHOENIX ADOPTION APPLICATION ADOPTION FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF A HORSE IS IN TRAINING. PLEASE INQUIRE FOR MOST RECENT FEES Astoria Foal Date: Estimated 2014 Grade Bay Mare Height: 14.2 gaits sometimes FEE: TBD by trainer $ Astoria is in training with Amber Ludwig. Follow her progress at #hopteamastoria. Astoria is the epitome of slow and steady, you don't rush you don't over stimulate, take everything in stride! What it may look on the outside, she hasn't made much progress, she's not rideable etc! HOWEVER put yourself in her brain... 10 years of life just existing fight or flight, survival mode, over reacting. Then someone randomly comes in and says "Hey it's okay, you can trust me". How many times did someone say that just to get her to do what they wanted in that moment? Astoria has YEARS of trauma to unbundle and undo before her reflexes come correct. In starting every horse you don't just read a book and know. Each horse is different, especially the older ones. They don't have a clean slate. It's not just starting to show them, it's not just saying here's something new. It's trying to untrain the brain. With Astoria she has finally learned to look to her person on the ground, look for the answer. Starting with the amazing Ashley Lauer on her back. She had that pressure, and the scary (something is trying to kill me) feeling. But she never tried to run away or fully bolt only turned to the ground person and said "I feel uncomfortable what do i do?!?) To teach these horses to find the right answer to a question it takes time, patience and doing the same thing over and over and over again till you're falling asleep doing it to find your positive enforcement out weights their trauma. Astoria will make an amazing horse for someone who wants a connection, who wants a horse that will not ride the same for your brother, mother, boyfriend in law. She wants HER person. But if you're that and willing to put the time in her. She will go to war for you. She loves cookies, random snacks in the field, loves being groomed. Don't throw her out of your options because she's not far, just wait for her finish The Appalachian Trainer Face Off is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together horse trainers from across the country to compete while highlighting adoptable horses and showcasing each trainer’s skills. The 2026 event is scheduled for August 20–22 in Winfield, West Virginia, and selected horses will be offered in an adoption auction on August 22, 2026. If you’re interested in bidding, apply now for the opportunity to bid on horses that fit your riding category. More event details and application information are available here: We can officially wear a saddle!!! While being gentle, Astoria is still very reactive. Her #1 answer to everything she doesn't like is to run away . We have been going slow and steady to give her the confidence to trust humans and take a step back and say it's okay just look! Once she takes a breath and evaluates the situation she melts right in! What does Astoria do loads on the trailer Straight ties barn or trailer as well as Ties lunges both directions likes spray bottles but side eyes aerosol cans Stands to be groomed She has came far! Some would ask why not further? Answer is you can only push a horse as far as their brain will allow. Build the trust and foundation and you can go far! Practice makes progress!! https://www.appalachiantrainerfaceoff.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQz3bdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYZlpwM2tWMlhFYUZpUWc4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpyCTydm48xrhETK8e0k3XBmO1JY34yVaueH6OIvE3jCH9nUlEFhG77qJ0fA_aem_rIWjjVGy3lZLcZjnE_PSDw Details Adoption fees may be outdated, as a horse may have moved into training, so check us on most current fee. Horses typically adopted UTD on vaccines, dental floats, farrier care and all vet needs. We are looking to adopt to safe homes. A history of good horsemanship, the ability to provide sufficient care with good vet, farrier and peer references are important. If you are a first time horse owner, we will require you to board at a facility for the first year while you learn more about care. We encourage everyone to take advantage of riding lessons. Foal adoptions require previous, established experience with youngsters. Our adoption process makes sure you get the right horse for you – it is a no fail process for finding the right match. Apply at https://horseandridermatch.com Apply at https://www.wvhorserescue.org/adopt PLEASE NOTE: THE INQUIRY FORM ON THIS PAGE IS NOT THE HEART OF PHOENIX ADOPTION APPLICATION Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue is a rescue; this horse is for adoption, not for sale. Message Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue here on tacktack to ask about Astoria and the adoption process. Rescue website: http://www.wvhorserescue.org Original listing on My Right Horse: https://www.myrighthorse.org/available-horses/mare-grade-from-shoals-astoria