Heartbreaking sale of my much-loved mare Iris. Finding the right home is my absolute priority.

I’ve owned her since she was 2 and have carefully backed her alongside my trainer. She is a chunky, hardy type with plenty of presence - she’d make a great hunter.

Together we’ve done light schooling and a lot of hacking around village lanes, both in company and with someone on foot. We’ve not yet hacked completely solo, but once she’s built trust with a confident handler/rider, I think she’d be great to hack solo as she’s happy to take the lead when out in company. She can spook at birds in the bushes, but is unfazed by traffic, tractors, sheep, cows, and general village life. She enjoys her ridden work, has always looked after me and tries her best. We’ve recently moved yards and now have access to some amazing hacking along bridleways and she’s taken it all in her stride.

Due to a change in circumstances in March, I have only been able to continue with groundwork and some light hacking this year. She’s ready for someone with the time and experience to bring her back into consistent ridden work and further her education. She will soon be schooled twice a week to build up her fitness. She will be an easy project for someone to help her reach her full potential – all of the foundations are there.

She is still young and can be opinionated on the ground when unsure, so is therefore not suitable for a novice and requires a confident, knowledgeable home. Whilst she’s not particularly forward going in the school, she can be sharp given her age. She is very mareish so needs clear and consistent boundaries, particularly when she’s being handled. She’s very curious and brave for a youngster. I’ve done a lot of desensitising with her, and have also done working equitation (in hand as it was before she was backed), and she wasn’t phased by any of the obstacles.

Iris has previously lived out 24/7 quite happily. She’s now currently in during the day and out at night, and is good to do in the stable – she has no vices (other than being quite messy!). She previously had front shoes due to the bridleways at our last yard, but is currently barefoot with no issues – she has good, solid feet. Whilst I don’t have my own transport and therefore haven’t taken her out much, she does load and travel well in a 3.5T (what I have had access to). Her teeth and vaccinations are up to date.

£5,000. More photos and videos available from when she was in regular work. Tack and rugs available.

This is an incredibly sad sale as I have invested a huge amount of time, effort and love into Iris and have formed a great bond with her. She has huge potential but sadly needs more work and consistency than I am able to provide.