Sundance
Registered American Miniature Horse & Registered Shetland Pony
9-year-old Mare | Approx. 37” | Located in Bend, Oregon
Sundance is a bright and sensitive little mare with a lot of try. Double registered as both an American Miniature Horse and a Shetland Pony, she’s 9 years old and currently settling in here at Groundwork Collective while we focus on refining her handling, introducing the saddle, and exploring what kind of work she enjoys most.
While she can be a bit tricky to catch, Sundance is already responding well to pressure and release and making steady progress as she learns to trust. Once haltered, she leads, ties, and loads without issue. She’s approachable, curious, and truly wants to connect, especially when met with patience and clarity.
She’s not yet started under saddle, but we’ve begun laying the foundation. With continued consistency, she has real potential as a kids’ project, companion pony, or even a future therapy prospect. She will also be presented at the Paulina Horse Sale on August 2nd.
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Sundance has started going out on short trail walks while being ponied off one of our older geldings and has taken to it really well. She gets a little unsure if there’s a horse directly behind her but stays where she’s asked and handles the movement and new surroundings with curiosity and try.
Ponying has been a great way for her to build confidence and get some extra exercise as she learns to navigate the world outside the arena. We’ll continue to use these outings to help her develop a stronger foundation in different environments.
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Sundance is not yet started under saddle, but we’ve begun laying the groundwork here at Groundwork Collective. She’s learning to carry a saddle pad, practice basic yielding exercises, and build trust through consistent, low-pressure handling.
She is currently a bit difficult to catch in a larger space, but is making steady progress as we work on approach and retreat, pressure and release, and helping her associate people with positive experiences. Once haltered, she handles well when leading, tying, and loads without issue.
With continued time and consistency, we believe she has the potential to be a very rewarding little project.
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Sundance is up to date on basic vaccines and deworming. She did have a mild reaction to her recent vaccinations and appears to be quite sensitive to needles, so a gentle, experienced handler or low-stress vet environment is ideal for future care.
She hasn’t been seen by the vet while here, but she is likely due for dental work soon if she’s going to continue into a riding or project pony home.
Sundance has been successfully trimmed for over a year, though handling her legs still makes her nervous. Her previous owners noted that trimming has always been a bit scary for her, and we’re currently working on building her comfort and confidence in that area. She is scheduled to see the farrier again before the horse sale.
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Sundance hasn’t been turned out with our full herd yet, but she previously lived peacefully with two older horses and seems to get along well with others. She is very herd-oriented and can become anxious when left alone, so continued work around separation and building confidence away from other horses will be important.
She does have a tendency to be more difficult to catch when turned out with other horses and will sometimes use them as a buffer by hiding behind them. With ongoing handling and trust-building, this behavior is already improving, but it’s something for her future home to be aware of and prepared to continue working on.
Ride/Home desired: Sundance is best suited for a patient, experienced home that understands the needs of a green, sensitive pony. She’s not currently a match for beginners, but she could be a great fit for a horse-savvy child or teen working under adult guidance and looking for a rewarding long-term project.
With continued groundwork and support, she has the potential to become a solid partner for a young rider who enjoys the process of building trust and connection. We could also see her thriving as a therapy or driving prospect, a gentle companion pony, or a broodmare in a thoughtful breeding program.
She’ll need time, consistency, and a home that values slow, relationship-based horsemanship, but she’s the kind of intelligent pony who will meet you halfway if you show up with patience.
Reason for Lease/Sale:
Sundance came to us on consignment after her two older pasture companions left for summer grazing, and she was unable to go with them due to concerns about her slipping through fencing. Rather than keeping her home alone, her owners felt it was in her best interest to find a more suitable, long-term home. They’ve always believed she’s a special little pony with a lot of potential and are excited to see her get the time, attention, and opportunities she deserves.
Lessons w/ sale: For local buyers, we’re happy to offer a complimentary groundwork or intro session here at Groundwork Collective to help set you and Sundance up for success. Additional lessons or ongoing support can also be arranged for those interested in continued guidance.
Sundance will not be sold sight unseen. We require all potential buyers, local or out of area, to meet her in person before finalizing a sale. Ensuring the right fit is our top priority, and we’re happy to work with interested parties to schedule a visit.
Priced at $1,750
Currently listed “as is” — price will increase weekly with continued training.
Sundance is being sold through our consignment program at Groundwork Collective. Her price reflects her double registration, age, and current level of handling. As she continues to progress in training, her private sale price will be adjusted accordingly.
She will also be presented at the Paulina Horse Sale on August 2nd if not sold beforehand.
Serious inquiries only. All buyers must meet her in person prior to sale — no sight-unseen purchases.