Northwest Chocolate Rock, "Rico," is a 14 yr.old Reg'd. Rocky Mountain Horse gelding. He is 14.2 hh and is a rare Silver Dapple dark chocolate with a white / flaxen mane, tail and 2 white socks. He is soft in the bridle, moves off your leg and responds well to quiet hands and gentle pressure. He has packed kids on a leadline and is quiet and respectful but is best suited to an intermediate rider. He has a smooth 4-beat gait and covers a lot of ground effortlessly on the trail with his big walk. Rico will walk, trot, gait, lope, canter, side pass, has a big stop and a great back up. He has had experience playing games under saddle, carrying a flag, passing vehicles, motorcycles, quads, bicycles, tractors, mowers, weed eaters, cows, dogs, deer etc. He can be mounted from anywhere such as fences, logs, blocks, rocks and will side pass over and stand to let you mount. He knows voice commands and will go through his gaits at Liberty in a round pen or on a lunge line. He has been ridden mostly in a western saddle but is happy bareback and bitless also. He goes well in a Bosal hackamore, comfort snaffle, or a small curb bit. He is comfortable riding in an indoor or outdoor arena by himself or in a lesson group. Rico is brave and loves climbing on bridges, going through pool noodles, around carousels, gates and even carrying a 14' garocha pole. He enjoys a nice canter on the beach or wading through a river. He has had extensive training in natural horsemanship, western riding, trail riding, obstacle courses, mountain trail, back country camping, and playing games like soccer. He has even been ridden blindfolded and shown utmost trust in his rider. Through the years he has participated and benefited from many clinics with well know clinicians like Steve Rother Horsemanship, Warwick Schiller, Jennifer Bauer ( gaited horse trainer), Marion Weisskopff (ground work & ponying), Francesca Carsen (Liberty), Stefanie Travers (hackamore training), Trevor Mertes (Horsemanship & obstacles), and most recently Tabatha Hepworth (communication skills, obstacles and Cowboy Challenge). Rico has traveled to numerous Ranch Camps in Washington and in the Interior of B.C. He loads and hauls well even on ferry rides. He stands tied or in cross ties for grooming, bathing, blanketing, fly spray, worming etc. He has great round bare feet but is used to wearing boots on rough terrain and has been shod in the past with no issues. He is a good boy with the Vet and the Farrier. He has never bit, kicked, reared, bolted, been lame, sick or injured in the 8 years I have owned him. He is a confident, willing trail partner and can be ridden alone or in a group. He crosses mud, puddles, creeks & has endurance. Rico is curious, friendly, easy to catch and will leave his buddy to greet you. If you are looking for a gorgeous, fun, versatile partner to team up with, Rico will fill your heart and tick all of the boxes. He is a really special horse.