July 20, 2023 •Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue
Meet Nora, a Tennessee Walking Horse mare and her trainer, Jay Westerbur of Sioux Falls, SD. #ShowdownTeamNora is competing in the Showcase Division of the 2023 Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge
Nora, a 10-year-old Tennessee Walker mare, stands at a proud 14.2 hands and is the epitome of a perfect trail horse. She's got that calm and collected demeanor, with a graceful gait that'll make your heart skip a beat. Nora has been living the good life so far, surrounded by people who truly care for her. She may seem a bit distant at first, but once you crack that shell, get ready for her playful personality to shine through. This solid and sturdy girl can trot and gait like a pro, and not much can faze her. She's a creature of habit though, so be prepared for a little grumpiness if you try to mess with her routine. But hey, the more adventures she has, the more flexible she'll become.
Nora entered the Dakota Showdown with a history of solid handling, great farrier and loading skills, and even 30 days of professional training in her past. As a Showcase horse the goal of the Showdown was to refresh her skills and get her to the level that nearly anyone would be able to adopt her, and her trainer Jay Westerbur has definitely been working hard on that - even having his little sister, a beginner rider, work with her!
About Jay Westerbur
Jay, a dedicated volunteer at Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue and a lifelong horse enthusiast, possesses a calm nature and abundant patience that have proven invaluable in helping many unhandled and timid horses learn to trust and establish solid ground manners. Recently graduating from high school, Jay eagerly joined the Showdown to enhance his confidence in training horses under saddle, in addition to his already impressive groundwork skills. Teaming up with Nora, they have both flourished in their journey, building confidence and paving the way for an exciting future ahead.
From Her Trainer
Nora is super smart and tries really hard! But that also means she gets frustrated if she doesn’t understand what I’m asking. She is super responsive to verbal cues, and I think she would do amazing at liberty work. She just needs someone to show her that something isn’t scary and then she’s good to go.
About Nora's Ideal Adopter
Nora is looking for a person or family who understands Tennessee Walkers/gaited horses or is willing to learn to help her continue to use her body correctly. She has a solid foundation and is good for all levels of rider, though should be ridden regularly by an intermediate or better rider to keep building her confidence and skills (like any horse ridden by beginners should). She has been very loved for her entire life, and will do best with someone who will visit her regularly if boarded, or have her at home where she can see her people often. She needs someone who can help her feel safe and show her that new things aren't a big deal.
Nora brings a stable and mellow personality to the table, and prefers a routine. She's good for all aspects of ground work including farrier, vetting and trailer loading, and has a solid walk/gait/trot under saddle. She'll need continued rides to build confidence and find her canter, but is ready to find a home that will take her on adventures and treat her like family.
Nora's History
Nora originally came to Gentle Spirit Horses as a yearling from a small local auction after her breeder had passed away and his family needed to start to downsize. She has been adopted twice into very good homes, the most recent for over five years, however both families had to return her due to medical problems in their family. She has been well loved and cared for and had good handling and training.
Adopt Nora at the Dakota Showdown Finale
The Dakota Showdown horses will be available for adoption under the Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue contract (or Little Hooves Miniature Horse Rescue contract for ponies KC, Diamond Dave, Belle and Tinkerbelle) to approved adopters through an online bidding process on August 12-13, 2023. The starting bid is $1200. Appointments to meet the horses you are interested in on August 12 are greatly encouraged.
Photography provided by Spenser Pederson