Bella is considered a Half Arabian (although she's more like 98.9%). She was bred for the show ring - though we don't show - and has what is called a "teacup" muzzle (tiny). Although it's not quite small enough to fit in a teacup, it does fit nicely into the small mixing bowl Jen uses to hold the shredded carrots for her carrot cake. Bella happily washes it out any time she's asked.
Unfortunately, this [desired by the show crowd] delicate muzzle came with a heavy price. Bella suffered from retained caps (a lack of room inside her mouth which caused her teeth to grow downward, instead of upward). Thankfully, this was a correctable issue, and Bella wound up with her very own Orthodontist (we were quite relieved she didn't need braces ;o)
Though she does not particularly care to be petted, Bella is friendly if the price is right (the promise of a treat). We are fairly certain that Bella is smarter than than the rest of us, and she is definitely our resident Rocket Scientist. She once decided to "let herself out" after supper by scooting underneath her stall door. Bella's favorite place to be is on her pedestal, and she will do anything you ask (as well as things you didn't) for a treat. She has made it her mission to protect her hapless human (Jen) from any and all dangers in the pasture.
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Check out this great video
Most of us don't think much beyond the velvety softness when it comes to this part of the equine anatomy. But I'm here to tell you, that cute little kissable thing is just COOL ;o)
Video shot from the back of a horse and uploaded for use in a post on the blog, Equine Epiphanies. Max's muzzle is the first one, then Bella.
We did this giveaway video several years ago to help an equestrian, Paralympian Laura G, get to the games. Bella helped.