Shimmer shines as Pet of the Week

Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, June 18, 2025

A unique entry from Luverne, Shimmer with her owner Faith Bassett of Bassett Family Farms has been selected for this week’s Pet of the Week. 

Shimmer, a 4-year-old Tenessee Walking Horse, has been in training with Bassett Family Farms training to join their riding program. Shimmer loves to snack on her favorite treat – nicker makers – during her training. 

“Currently she isn’t used in lessons, yet,” Bassett said. “However we are hopeful she will have a bright career teaching children the joys of riding.
“… However, if she prefers a person to herself, she will be placed in a loving riding home in the future.”

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Shimmer has been with Bassett Family Farms for a few months, being adopted by the family after her previous owner lost their pasture and needed to place her somewhere. 

Bassett said that she has a soft spot for gaited horses, and bought Shimmer sight unseen. 

Afterwards, the Bassetts were able to see her personality shine through with them. 

“She used to be impossible to catch, I mean impossible,” Bassett said. “Now she cannot wait to be handled. She will follow you in the pasture while you are retrieving another horse and pout at the gate that you are not playing with her. She loves to follow you around like a puppy dog.”

When Shimmer arrived, Bassett said that the family had to treat her for saddle sores and ulcers. For this, they were able to use ointments on the saddle sore, and she is now painfree. For the ulcers, Bassett Family Farms is conducting a more long term treatment. 

Despite the hardships Shimmer has gone through, Bassett said that she has found a soft landing on the farm and has become a joy to work with. 

“There are a lot of old sayings, ‘hell hath no fury like a chestnut mare’ or ‘beware the red mares,’” Bassett said. “But honestly, she has sass and spirit but I would want her any other way.” 

“Pet of the Week,” “Pet of the Season” and “Pet of the Year” are sponsored by Luverne Veterinary Hospital which offers a full range of veterinary services for both small and large animals, as well as grooming and boarding options. To learn more, contact them at (334) 535-0161.

To enter a pet or share stories of the animals that brighten life, visit www.luvernejournal.com/contests. If you have previously entered and have not been selected yet, please note that all submissions roll over into the next week.