Haven

Horse Details

Height

16.0hh

Colour

Dark Bay

Age

14 years

Sex

Mare

Status

Permanent Resident

Rider Level

Beginner (Calm and steady in new trail environments; sweet and patient at home).

Identification

Registered Name

Xtrapenny (NZ)

Date of Birth

2012-08-28

Microchip Number

985125000058840

Disciplines

• Confidence Building
• Road & Trail Riding
• Groundwork
• Teaching Team

Haven - The Horse Who Found Her Place

Not all horses that arrive at Hawkez Haven have been neglected or mistreated.

Some simply find themselves in the wrong hands, misunderstood, or placed in homes that are not equipped to understand who they truly are.

Haven's story is one of those stories.

Like many Thoroughbreds, Haven came from a racing background. She carried with her the experiences of life on the track and the intelligence, sensitivity, and presence that Thoroughbreds are so well known for. Somewhere along the way, however, the relationship between Haven and her humans had become one built on uncertainty.

Haven had learned that if she was the strongest in the relationship, she would remain in control.

When Haven arrived at Hawkez Haven, she was confident in all the wrong ways. She would charge at us while seemingly protecting the herd, walk through our personal space, and attempt to dominate every interaction. It was as if she hoped to turn our confidence into fear before we had the chance to understand her.

But we saw something different.

Underneath the bold exterior was a horse looking for leadership.

Rather than meeting force with force, we chose another approach. We showed Haven that humans could be both gentle and firm. That boundaries could exist alongside kindness. That trust and respect are not things that are demanded, they are things that are earned.

For the first few weeks, Haven kept us at a distance. She gave us the cold shoulder and made it clear that she wasn't interested in forming a friendship.

So, we waited.

Day by day, interaction by interaction, Haven began to understand that one human working alongside her could become her greatest ally rather than her greatest challenge.

That was the moment everything changed.

Over the following months, Haven transformed into a completely different horse. The mare who once met us with defiance began greeting us with affection. The horse who once challenged every interaction began looking to us for guidance.

Before long, Haven was happily heading out for rides on the road and eventually helping to teach others through riding lessons here and there.

Today, Haven is one of our forever girls.

She reminds us that not every horse needs saving from physical hardship. Sometimes, they simply need someone willing to understand them, to believe in them, and to show them that partnership is possible.

Haven has taught us that leadership is not about dominance, it is about trust.

Her loyalty is something that cannot be measured, and her journey continues to shape Hawkez Haven every single day.

She arrived believing she needed to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Today, she knows she doesn't have to.

She is home.

And she will always have a place at Hawkez Haven.

Care, Health & Well-being:

• Routine & Handling: Responds best to clear, gentle boundaries and consistent, patient handlers.

• Workload: Enjoys road hacking, trail adventures, and structured horsemanship lessons.

• Management: Standard balanced nutrition, regular farrier care, and quality herd paddock turnout.

Looking Forward

Haven remains a forever resident of Hawkez Haven, continuing her vital role in our Teaching Team to help riders build genuine confidence and connection.