Taming a horse is no easy feat, even for the seasoned professional and some horses are even harder to break than others. That was certainly the case for a white mustang found running up the 210 freeway in Sylmar, California last year. After she was caught, she was taken to the Total Equestrian Experience in Chatsworth, where equestrian enthusiast Jen Fox and her 10-year old daughter Ella adopted the horse.
It soon became clear, however, that this horse, which Ella named Dixie, was not going to be an easy horse to tame. She was underweight, skittish, and unruly, causing trainers to believe that she had probably been abused at some point in her life. According to on of the trainers, she would cower in the back of the stall anytime someone approached it.
All of this made Fox second guess her decision to adopt Dixie, who it seemed may just be a money pit. That is until her daughter Ella began to work with Dixie. Ella is patient and tender with the horse. And though it took a great deal of time, Ella eventually won over Dixie’s trust and was able to not only braid her hair but ride her as well.
Of the difficult, but rewarding journey, Fox told CBS Los Angeles that Ella and Dixie’s connect was, “Love at first sight.” She continued by saying, “And I think that she knew that Ella was there for her and was going to take care of her. Ella has gotten a great deal of strength and confidence from her.”
This connection seems to be paying off. In May of 2016, Dixie participated in her first competition with Ella and the two came in fourth place. This result was much better than expected and marks the start of a long, beautiful friendship.