Donna Lee Hutchins and Clover

"She’s a Standardbred with a Morgan head, who thinks she’s an Arabian," Maine native Donna Lee Hutchins said of her bay pacing-bred mare.

Clover, registered as Cloverine was stabled at the boarding facility where Hutchin’s sister kept a Tennessee Walking horse. On trips to the stable, Hutchins said, "We used to visit with (Clover) and proceeded to fall in love with her."

Too small to race, Hutchins said she bought the Radiant Ruler mare in February 2000 to prevent the horse from being sold at auction.

A "green" horse owner, Hutchins said she is still learning the basics, but is enjoying learning them alongside Clover. In July 2000, the pair went to a professional trainer so Hutchins could learn the ropes of horse care and handling, from grooming to hitching up and driving.

Grooming Clover, driving her, and watching her play in the field have brought Hutchins much satisfaction. "She’s grace personified when she trots, canters, or does ‘airs above the ground’ (during turnout)," Hutchins said. "She is a loving, sweet-natured horse, except when she’s in heat."

Though Clover hitches and drives, Hutchins said she’s been working on the stay, or stand, command necessary for safe pleasure driving, and the mare is getting better at it with maturity and practice. Lunge line work has also helped to slow down Clover’s gaits and it "gets her attention so she listens to me better," Hutchins said.

Hutchins said she looks forward to improving her skills as a driver and Clover’s skills as a pleasure driving horse, as well as enjoying the company of her equine companion.