Domino - 13 yr old grade paint black overo gelding This guy LOVES trails! I was planning to do endurance riding with him, he's very athletic though out of shape currently. I believe him to be a solid 15.2hh, but haven't had a good measuring tool to check. I've been having some medical issues, so haven't been able to ride much over the last year. He still rides great even if he's sat a while. He is NOT a beginner mount! He is pretty sensitive, and smart. Usually just stop & snort reaction when spooking though. We've done lots of groundwork desensitization stuff and if given a chance to sniff and check something out, he's rarely fazed by much. Great with traffic/farm equipment/4-wheelers/etc. We qualified as a working team for Search and Rescue, but I just don't have the bond with him I did with my previous (heart)horse. Arena work is not his thing! He'll ride in them, but he's not a show pony. I don't game, so can't say if he'd be good at barrels/etc. I was told he moved stock at the Ellensburg rodeo, and I have pics of him moving cattle. He can be herd-bound on trails, rides out alone fine, but will want to join them if he sees other horses. In a group he can go lead, middle or follow. Does well with buddies at his butt, and horses passing, but tenses up if in the back and strange horses come up the trail behind him, until he can see them. I held him back while riding fast behind a friend who couldn't slow her horse down. I was afraid of him bucking if I let him keep up that pace, but instead he got frustrated at being held back, and ended up bucking anyway. I almost stuck it, but ended up sliding off. The whole situation could have gone better, and I'm a big gal so my balance isn't the best. Currently barefoot, using hoof boots to ride. Usually I do at least front shoes, or all 4 if riding long or rocky trails. He doesn't like the hammer, but is otherwise good with his feet. Good ground manners, ties, cross-ties, and high-lines well.
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