Introducing Celila

Early Saturday morning, a new member of the Alexander family arrived. Her name is Celila, and she is a 6 year old Lipizzan mare. It's really a neat story of how Mom acquired her, and was able to find Jubilee (the white horse in which all of the pictures of the kids' riding were taken with) a home with someone who was more compatible with her. Yes, horses have personalities, just like people - and when you are training and partnering to achieve goals in Dressage, "liking" each other is important. Jubilee could be a bit of snot with Mom. Jubilee very much loved all of the attention she got from the kids though, probably because she was being treated as the Princess she felt like she deserved to be. However, Mom was getting a little tired of her "royal" attitude.

As beautiful as Celila is, she is not done growing and changing. As is true for Lipizzans, she was born dark, and over time is becoming more and more white. She's never been ridden or trained, as she was born at a location where breeding was the priority. (She's already been a mom). Mom is a little frustrated at the idea of starting from scratch, but I believe it will be an extraordinary opportunity as they work together and Celila learns all of her skills just from Mom.

Mom thought that the attention we all gave her yesterday was probably more than she's really ever received. Me, being the foolishly fearless person around horses that I am, willingly got in the paddock to love on her. You could tell from some of her ear posturing that she was a little concerned, but in no way threatening. I think she's a real sweetie - and very photogenic!




And, let us not forget Holly. She's a beauty too - and very special to Mom's heart. At 15, she'll quickly put Celila into her right place, and probably let her in on just how lucky Celila is to be part of Mom's family........