In March 2022, a trainer evaluated Willow Grace and found she was good to work with on the ground, but it seemed she had no further training. She was enrolled in the Professional Division of the 2022 Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge and has spent four months with trainer Nicole Glenn preparing for the Challenge. While preparing, Nicole first worked on establishing great ground manners and then started Willow Grace under saddle. They’ve ridden at a walk, trot, and canter in a round pen and arena and at a walk in an open field. Nicole has ponied Willow Grace on trails and has taught her to navigate obstacles under saddle.

Nicole says Willow Grace is still very green. She does not yet know how to neck rein and she is still working on being balanced at the canter/lope. She’s been ridden in a western saddle. Nicole has ridden her over ground poles and a small jump and thinks Willow Grace could be a cute hunter pony if someone wanted to train her.

Willow Grace will be available for adoption at the Training Challenge competition on October 8, 2022, during the Bluebonnet Horse Expo at the Williamson County Expo Center.

Willow Grace completed the training challenge and was adopted that very day!