AGE: February 5, 2016

BREEDING: Overanalyze - Morningsideheights by Malibu Moon

RACING STATS: 6 Starts: 0 First, 0 Seconds, 0 Thirds. Won $2,392

SEX: Mare

HEIGHT: 15.2 hh

ABOUT: Tonilee came to Akindale in 2021 with a right front bowed tendon. From the beginning, she was a mare with plenty of personality and her fair share of quirks. She was quite untrusting of new people and situations, so we knew that patience and consistency would be important in helping her settle in.

During her rehabilitation, Tonilee gradually became more comfortable with her surroundings and really began to thrive on a consistent routine. Once she had recovered, she was adopted into a new home, where she was doing wonderfully and even enjoying barrel racing! Unfortunately, she eventually began experiencing lameness in both hind legs and was returned to Akindale for further evaluation.

Upon her return, our veterinarian evaluated her, and after being shod behind, she appeared perfectly sound. With no obvious issues preventing her from returning to work, we decided to give her another chance in our retraining program.

When Tonilee first went back under saddle, she was quite hot and reactive. We spent a considerable amount of time helping her relax, understand leg aids, and become more confident in her work. It wasn't always easy, but with patience and consistency, she began making some really nice progress.

Unfortunately, when we experienced a change in trainers, many of Tonilee's old quirks began to resurface. She struggled with the change in routine and the unfamiliar approach, and it became clear that she wasn't particularly happy with the situation.

Rather than continue pushing her through a program that seemed to cause her stress, we made the decision to give her a break and let her enjoy life in our sanctuary.

Tonilee has remained in the sanctuary ever since, enjoying the consistency and freedom of life with her herd. While she certainly had the ability to pursue a second career, she was also a mare who needed a very particular environment and relationship to feel comfortable.