When Winnie arrived at Bluebonnet, she was halter broke but did not have much additional training. In the fall of 2021, she spent about two months with trainer Trey Temple for groundwork. She learned to lead, load, and stand tied. He taught her to lunge and carry a saddle and bridle.

Her next foster home continued working on her groundwork and said she was doing well. Then in the Spring of 2022, she went to trainer Amber Werner to prepare for the Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge. Amber worked on her groundwork, taught her to navigate trail obstacles, and started her under saddle. She’s been ridden at a walk, trot, and canter in a round pen, arena, and open field. She’s also been hauled to other arenas.

She’s still green, so she needs an intermediate rider to continue her training. Amber runs a lesson and youth showing program and says Winnie loves all the kids! She’s not ready for a child rider yet, but Amber feels she has potential to be a kids’ horse with more training.

Winnie competed in the Professional Division of the 2022 Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge. She placed 3rd in the Basic Skills portion of the event.