Jessica Farren Photography
Honey Bee is a sassy 20-year-old Norwegian Fjord mare who joined our Little Bit herd in July of 2014. Before coming to Little Bit, she was a competitive trail rider and driver. Now, at Little Bit, she is a fantastic all-around horse and aids in both the Adaptive and Hippotherapy programs. She is known for her reliability, high level of training, and big, adorable personality.
Honey Bee is incredibly sweet and does whatever job is given to her, including being fully scheduled and receiving special training for hoist mounts. She is a very hard worker, but has been known to pout and make faces when her girth is tightened or she can’t get a last bite of grass. Honey Bee can be a bit of a diva.
When on vacation from Little Bit during session breaks and holidays, Honey Bee is very lucky to be able to go home with our instructor Diana who spoils her. With Diana, she spends her days playing in the pasture with fellow Little Bit horse Gigi and is turned in to a private stall at night.
Jessica Farren Photography
After many years of hard work in our program and regularly supporting unbalanced riders, Honey Bee has developed a bit of a sensitive back. To ensure her utmost comfort, Honey Bee receives chiropractic care every six to eight weeks and massages every two weeks as well as handmade concave horse shoes. At the beginning of 2020, Honey Bee’s saddle had begun to pinch her withers and put stress on her vertebrae. She was uncomfortable, and it was difficult to find a saddle that fit her better. Thanks to generous donations, Little Bit was able to hire a professional saddle fitter who measured her and selected a custom saddle that is a perfect match for Honey Bee.
Thanks to her new saddle, Honey Bee is able to relax while riding. Her schoolers have said that she stretches her head and neck all of the way out “like she’s free.”
We truly are blessed to have a special horse like Honey Bee on our Little Bit team. Right now, Honey Bee’s care is 28 percent sponsored. To help her get closer to 100 percent, please contact Director of Development Sharon Soldenwagner at sharons@littlebit.org or visit www.littlebit.org/horses. Horse sponsorships start at $1,000 per year.
Written by Sharon Soldenwagner
