Qianli Ma

Arrival Date:  January 2014

 

Qianli Ma (pronounced chin li ma aw, listen to the pronunciation) came to us from County of San Diego Department of Animal Services at the end of January 2014. In November of 2013, Animal Services rescued her as a stray in Boulevard, California. At the time, she was within yards of the U.S. Mexico Border. A notch in her left ear lead to speculation that she somehow managed to cross the border into the U.S., in spite of the boulder barriers set up to prevent this.

At the time of her rescue she was underweight, covered in ticks, and in need of foot care. Qianli Ma has abnormalities in the alignment of her right front leg that causes the joints to line up poorly and causes a lack symmetry. This was likely a birth defect, but it resulted in her right hoof becoming overgrown in a very unusual shape.

Fortunately for her, beneath the overgrowth, she has an otherwise healthy foot. However, the leg abnormalities mean she should not ridden.

She arrived close to Chinese New Year which began on January 31, 2014. This date marks the beginning of the Chinese year 4712, which is the Year of the Horse. As a result, it seemed appropriate that this girl receive a Chinese name. Qianli Ma was chosen, meaning a horse that covers a thousand li a day (one li equals 500 meters, making this over 310 miles). In traditional Chinese, it was a complimentary name given to a remarkably capable person, a person of great talent.

True to her astrological sign, this girl seems to have made unremitting efforts to improve herself, finding rescue with Animal Services and placement with us at Horses of Tir Na Nog. Fitting the Year of the Horse, she is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent, and able. Based on her journey, she is truly, Qianli Ma, a very capable horse in spite of the challenges life has presented her.

Qianli Ma gained weight steadily.  On April 27, 2014, her weight shifted dramatically, leading to the diagnosis of a late-term, high-risk pregnancy.  Twelve days later on May 9, Qianli Ma defied all odds and gave birth to a healthy filly.  At a special 100 Day Celebration in August 2014, the little filly was given the name Zhen Zhen, meaning “Very precious.”  The name was chosen by our donors and could not be more perfect for our special girl.