When Docz Solid Sting arrived from Alberta in May 2005, Barb named her Xena, after the warrior princess television character. Barb also named the mare who’d accompanied Xena, Gabrielle after Xena’s TV sidekick. To be honest, when I first heard the name Xena, I thought it was a bit cliche, but it grew on me and eventually it just became Docz Solid Sting’s barn name.
In May 2010 I was able to get in touch with Xena’s second owner, Sue. It was during our first conversation that Sue mentioned Docz Solid Sting’s original barn name had been Fancy. She was Fancy for the first 7 years of her life, and it immediately resonated with me. In that moment I decided to change Xena’s barn name back to Fancy. I know it won’t erase her history as a PMU rescue, but to me it symbolically restores her identity. And as Sue says, Fancy certainly does have a fancy way about her.
Did you notice the reflection in her eye? It’s me holding the camera, with the barn’s silhouette in the background. I’ve decided to continue referring to her as Xena on this website, more for convenience than anything else.
Xena's YouTube Channel
Hi Linda,
I just stopped in to see what is new in both your lives. I love the name tag on her halter! I think of you two often, and it looks like things are going well, other than her abscess, but time will heal that. Take Care, Sue
Hi Sue!
Fancy is doing quite well this week. She had her scheduled trim on August 26th and farrier confirmed that the abscess has now healed. She’s still a bit tender at the trot, but she seems to be more stiff than sore.
Yesterday we had a huge achievement — she allowed me to wash her udder with the car wash mitt and tepid water! I’ve been working on building her trust around her hind legs since last summer, and she’s now very relaxed with having the insides of her hind legs rubbed. It was a hot day and she’s beginning her heat, so she was agreeable to having me gently wash away the thick layer of dirt and grit. I was so happy just knowing she’s clean and comfortable, and that she trusts that much. :)
Hi Linda,
I clicked over from P.C. and thoroughly enjoyed your story about Fancy/Xena.
As a first time adult owner/guardian of a horse with a long, well traveled history, I can appreciate your efforts to piece the puzzle of your mare together in an attempt to understand her and what created her “horsenality”. As a boarder on a horse rescue ranch, I get to witness a lot of interesting horse interaction and comprehend how the surroundings and handling or mis-handling of our equine partners can shape their behavior. Congratulations to you for all your time and effort taken for the sake of your beautiful mare. May you both have a long and happy life together!
Gene J.
Auburn, CA.
Gene, thanks so much for your comments here, and on Parelli Connect. My time with Fancy continues to be so rewarding, and I often think I’m the lucky one. Seeing her become the wonderful mare she was meant to be, has been well worth the years of effort. I’m really excited about what the future holds for us.
All the best,
Linda