In Loving Memory of Lexi, owned and shown by Allison Arand.
Lexi, Expensive Shady Lady, is a 31-year-old AGHA Quarter Horse Mare. Lexi enjoyed her retired life at Nottingham Farms in Cincinnati, OH with long-time loving owner and rider, Allison.
In 2020 I set out to photograph 30 horses over the age of 30. My own horse turned 30 in 2020, and I wanted to celebrate the senior ponies in our lives that have been through extraordinary things and walked through life beside us. Our 30 over 30 Project was derailed a bit by the chaos that 2020 brought, however, I am still accepting applications for my 30 over 30 project, if you own a horse that is over the age of 30, you can apply here to be a part of the project.
“I have always promised this horse I would keep her until the end because of how much she has given me. She has taught me to be a strong independent equestrian with a kind, loving, ambitious, patient, & responsible heart. She has helped shaped me into the woman I am today.” One of Allison’s favorite memories of Lexi is the one she says her grandmother continues to recite. She shares about how hot the horse show days were and how patient this horse would stand squared up for a showmanship class and never move a muscle. It brings a smile to my face because we all worked so hard to go to those shows and do our best, including Grandma being there to support us. Not only has Lexi taught Allison tremendously, but she has also been there for many young girls in teaching how to show and ride. Allison states, “I love seeing the faces of children learn and light up around her and watch Lexi be so patient with them. She has all my trust for anyone around her. She would never hurt anyone. She truly is an amazing mare that has done way more than I can share in one short paragraph.” Allison is a strong believer in what you appreciate, appreciates.
“I have owned Lexi for 21 years. I was 10 years old when my dad took me to the Tattersall Sale in Lexington, Kentucky for a horse auction. We had our eye on horse #48. Once the auction started I was pumped! It was the most intense thing I had ever been to as a young girl. My dad was betting against another man wanting the mare. In the last couple of seconds, the other bidder was in the lead! I was so worried about my 10-year-old heart…we wouldn’t get the mare of my DREAMS! At the last second, “going once, going twice…” My dad raised his card and WON THE BID! I thought my dad was the coolest man alive (Which he still is). This is one of my favorite memories of finding Lexi when she joined our family. There have been hard decisions, such as going to college in-state in order to keep the mare as a broke college student, but it was my promise to this horse to always protect her and make sure we were together.”
Lexi is a 31-year-old mare and in still pretty great health. Throughout Lexi’s life, Allison has never taken her for granted. She has always made to sure give her the appreciation and love for all of the hard work and dedication that Lexi has provided; in turn, allowing Lexi to have a wonderful retirement living out the rest of her glorious days well spent pampered. “I promised Lexi I would always have her and keep her safe, to help her live the best life she can. I would see her through until the end. I believe love and appreciation have given her the years we have shared together and I am so grateful for our horse and human bond.”
“Lexi is one of the best mares you will ever meet. She is the most patient, loving, well-trained horses I have ever worked with. She has the sweetest personality. We joke about how she doesn’t like trail rides and water but she loves a bright lit show arena. She is our show mare. She loves her ears rubbed and falls asleep in your arms. She enjoys her show-ready groom with her face brush and Pepi finishing spray for showmanship. She always knew when she was “on” for the show. Ears Up, Squared hooves, Ready at the first orange cone. She was in an accident where she tore her hamstring making her lame to show in riding classes, but that did not stop her from showing in halter and in showmanship. She won almost every class she went in for showmanship. She is a bossy mare with other horses but she absolutely loves people.”
“Lexi was born in Arizona and showed all over the United Stated in AQHA events. We won several youth world shows as well as many circuit champion shows in the region. She has lived in Utah with me in the mountains just to come back to the Midwest of Cincinnati. I barely remember life without her now. She had one foal and now helps teach a yearling I purchased how to behave. Everything from bathing with a hose to loading in the trailer. She is always a horse you can count on for helping others, horse or human.”
