Merple ATFO 2026 Diamond Division Candidate

PLEASE NOTE: THE INQUIRY FORM ON THIS PAGE IS NOT THE HEART OF PHOENIX ADOPTION APPLICATION<br/><br/><br/><br/>Merple is a candidate for ATFO 2026! and on a training hold at this time.<br/><br/>The Appalachian Trainer Face Off is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together horse trainers from across the country to compete while highlighting adoptable horses and showcasing each trainer’s skills. The 2026 event is scheduled for August 20–22 in Winfield, West Virginia, and selected horses will be offered in an adoption auction on August 22, 2026.<br/><br/>If you’re interested in bidding, apply now for the opportunity to bid on horses that fit your riding category. More event details and application information are available here: https://www.appalachiantrainerfaceoff.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQz3bdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYZlpwM2tWMlhFYUZpUWc4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpyCTydm48xrhETK8e0k3XBmO1JY34yVaueH6OIvE3jCH9nUlEFhG77qJ0fA_aem_rIWjjVGy3lZLcZjnE_PSDw<br/><br/><br/>Merple is a 2-year-old Thoroughbred cross filly standing 13.3hh and growing. It feels like just yesterday I was meeting this big-eyed filly for the first time — wondering how much we’d learn together. Now here we are, months later, with more memories, lessons, and laughs than I can count.<br/>This year has been a wild one — moving, major life changes, and all the curveballs life can throw. I’ll be honest, there were days I felt like I wasn’t accomplishing much. But yesterday, standing beside Merple, watching her soak up the sights and sounds, I realized she’s been one of my biggest accomplishments of all.<br/><br/>? Merple’s Magic She has this way of making everything feel lighter. Even when she has her “baby moments” (because yes, she’s still a youngster), she settles quickly. If you stay calm, she mirrors it. She’s taught me as much about patience and grace as I’ve taught her about leading, tying, or trailering.<br/>She’s also helped me heal in ways I didn’t expect. After losing my papaw, I felt a hole in my heart that nothing could quite fill. Merple didn’t “fix” that grief — but she gave me something good to look forward to every single day. Working with her kept me moving. She reminded me that life keeps growing, even after loss. Some days I think she knew I needed her more than she needed me.<br/><br/>? Merple’s Skills — The Fun Version: • Professional statue impersonator — stands tied without pawing or tap dancing • Spa day veteran — enjoys baths and face scrubs without drama (10/10, would recommend) • Runway model walk — trots in hand like she’s headed to a blue ribbon • Reverse gear installed — backs up softly, no beeping required • Traveling in style — loads, unloads, and trailers like she’s on her way to a beach vacation • Uber for horses — ponies confidently from another horse without complaint • Master of the “cute stare” — uses big eyes to get scritches faster • Personal space expert — respects it… unless you have scratches, then all bets are off<br/><br/>? Merple Highlights: One of my favorite parts of this journey has been watching her meet her growing fan club. At every show or event, there’s someone new reaching out to scratch her neck or say hi — and she soaks it up like the little celebrity she’s becoming. She’s gentle, curious, and especially sweet with kids. I’ve lost count of how many people have said, “Wow, she’s so calm for her age!”<br/><br/>? Merple’s Hobbies: • Following the four-wheeler like she’s leading a parade • Collecting scritches of any variety — neck, chest, or booty • Hanging with the older horses because she’s “above” young horse drama • Staring into your soul when she wants a scratch (spoiler: it’s always scratch time)<br/>? I had plans for tons of videos this weekend, but horse show hangovers are real. So instead, enjoy a little gem of Merple demonstrating extreme patience while Cayde tries his best to annoy her — spoiler alert: she doesn’t even blink.<br/><br/><br/>From trainer 7/9/2025:<br/><br/>She’s soft-eyed, easy to get along with, and has a naturally curious and people-oriented personality. Merple has been thoughtfully started and carries the fundamental groundwork expected of a young horse her age. She loads, ties, leads, stands, bathes, and backs off the trailer. She’s been exposed to four-wheelers, lawnmowers, tarps, umbrellas, and dogs without issue. While she is not yet started under saddle, Merple is well-prepared for the next steps in her education. She’s best suited for an intermediate person with young horse experience or a beginner under the guidance of a knowledgeable trainer. My students can handle her, but I’d love to see her in a foal-friendly home where she can continue growing up with consistency and the right support. This filly has no limitations and is a blank slate ready to shine in any direction whether English, western, or trail. She’s truly a special one, and I can’t wait to watch her future unfold.<br/><br/>Adoption Info:<br/><br/>Horses adopted are typically up to date on vaccines, dental floats, farrier care and all vet needs.<br/><br/>Horses are typically located in the Appalachian area, but please inquire about a horse's specific location when you apply!<br/><br/>We are looking to adopt to safe homes.<br/><br/>A history of good horsemanship, the ability to provide sufficient care with good vet, farrier and peer references are important. If you are a first-time horse owner, we will require you to board at a facility for the first year while you learn more about care. We encourage everyone to take advantage of riding lessons.<br/><br/>Foal adoptions require previous, established experience with youngsters.<br/><br/>Our adoption process makes sure you get the right horse for you – it is a no-fail process for finding the right match.<br/><br/>Apply at https://www.wvhorserescue.org/adopt<br/><br/>PLEASE NOTE: THE INQUIRY FORM ON THIS PAGE IS NOT THE HEART OF PHOENIX ADOPTION APPLICATION

PLEASE NOTE: THE INQUIRY FORM ON THIS PAGE IS NOT THE HEART OF PHOENIX ADOPTION APPLICATION



Merple is a candidate for ATFO 2026! and on a training hold at this time.

The Appalachian Trainer Face Off is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together horse trainers from across the country to compete while highlighting adoptable horses and showcasing each trainer’s skills. The 2026 event is scheduled for August 20–22 in Winfield, West Virginia, and selected horses will be offered in an adoption auction on August 22, 2026.

If you’re interested in bidding, apply now for the opportunity to bid on horses that fit your riding category. More event details and application information are available here: https://www.appalachiantrainerfaceoff.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQz3bdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYZlpwM2tWMlhFYUZpUWc4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpyCTydm48xrhETK8e0k3XBmO1JY34yVaueH6OIvE3jCH9nUlEFhG77qJ0fA_aem_rIWjjVGy3lZLcZjnE_PSDw


Merple is a 2-year-old Thoroughbred cross filly stand

PLEASE NOTE: THE INQUIRY FORM ON THIS PAGE IS NOT THE HEART OF PHOENIX ADOPTION APPLICATION



Merple is a candidate for ATFO 2026! and on a training hold at this time.

The Appalachian Trainer Face Off is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together horse trainers from across the country to compete while highlighting adoptable horses and showcasing each trainer’s skills. The 2026 event is scheduled for August 20–22 in Winfield, West Virginia, and selected horses will be offered in an adoption auction on August 22, 2026.

If you’re interested in bidding, apply now for the opportunity to bid on horses that fit your riding category. More event details and application information are available here: https://www.appalachiantrainerfaceoff.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQz3bdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYZlpwM2tWMlhFYUZpUWc4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpyCTydm48xrhETK8e0k3XBmO1JY34yVaueH6OIvE3jCH9nUlEFhG77qJ0fA_aem_rIWjjVGy3lZLcZjnE_PSDw


Merple is a 2-year-old Thoroughbred cross filly standing 13.3hh and growing. It feels like just yesterday I was meeting this big-eyed filly for the first time — wondering how much we’d learn together. Now here we are, months later, with more memories, lessons, and laughs than I can count.
This year has been a wild one — moving, major life changes, and all the curveballs life can throw. I’ll be honest, there were days I felt like I wasn’t accompl