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The Dolans purchased Judi from her original adopter in April 2000. She was a
birthday present for Kirren's 14th birthday and was her first horse.
Judi was originally adopted as a 2-year old in 1999 by a trucker who wasn't
home very much. He only got to the point where he could feed her treats
but couldn't really touch her so he decided to sell her. Judy, along with
her adoption mate, Bandit, were vet checked and came home with the Dolans.
Judi was the most beautiful mare that Kirren had ever seen, an Andalusian-looking
bay with long mane and tail that had big, deep curls. Each day Kirren would go
out to the large paddock that Judi shared with Bandit and by the end of the first
of the first week she was grooming her, picking up all four feet (actually Judi
would pick up her feet herself) and petting her all over. At first the Dolans
didn't even have a halter, but a week after they got one Kirren was taking
Judi for long walks all around their property.
A few months later the Dolans moved to a better horse property with a six stall
"mare motel," good pens and two one-acre pastures. This gave Judi some great
turn-out play space and Kirren a safe place to school Judi. Within a couple of
months Kirren was on Judi's back. After three days of getting used to a rider in
the round pen, they were out in the arena.
Judi was very willing and intuitive. She seemed to know what Kirren wanted her to
do. One of Kirren's goals was to teach Judi to jump and by their firth ride in the
arena, they were trotting over cavaletti and low jumps which Judi (and we're sure Kirren)
loved. By Judi's 12th ride she was out on local trails where she behaved like a lady,
even when passing by the local stallion barns.
Judi is very jealous of Kirren and other horses. She will circle her pen and stomp
her feet until Kirren takes her out or gives her some attention.
Next year Kirren plans to show Judi in 4-H classes at the county fair and try a few
more events such as the DARE benefit horse show.
Kirren says that if she can find the right stud, she might breed Judi. With her looks, easy
going nature and nice movement, she would expect a beautiful foal.
Kirren also mentioned that every first time horse owner should have a horse like Judi.
She has really bonded with Kirren who indicates that she's really sold on mustangs and
will try to get more in the coming years.
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