Chance is a double-dilute grade QH type gelding who’s been a summer camp horse at our small nonprofit for the past 10+ years. He’s a sweet, funny boy, and he’s done great in our program--he's patient with beginners and is just a stellar trail horse!

In June 2024, he received a kissing spine diagnosis, and so we didn’t ride him at all that summer. This past spring, we had a horse intern here and were able to implement a consistent groundwork rehab routine for him (just 10-20 mins 4-6 days/wk), which helped a lot, to the point that we started riding him again, exclusively in a saddle for his back (mostly we teach the kids bareback) and he was doing great. When summer camp started up again, we just didn’t have the time to keep up on the rehab work, and so we mostly stopped riding him, except for very light riders. As mentioned, he did very well with the rehab work when we had the time for it, and we're back to doing as much as we can fit in between now and when he finds his person. I believe with someone who had the time to do regular work on the ground to help him use his body in a way that would help his back (see Celeste Lazaris’ work), he would continue to improve and have more years to offer as a riding horse, either in the arena or on trails—he’s done both here.

The only reason he’s up for sale is that, from what I’ve learned about KS surgery, a big part of its success is in the quality & consistency of the rehab work post-surgery—and I can’t guarantee that we’ll have the staff time available to do that rehab work justice. I would hate to put him through something as stressful as surgery and then not have the time to devote to appropriate follow-up. It’s also possible that with enough consistency in rehab work, surgery would not be necessary, but I can’t specifically advise as I’m not a vet.

He’s currently barefoot. He goes well in a side pull and does not need a bit, and he’s also got a nice w/t/c when he’s physically up for it, including a lovely walk to canter transition. I do believe he can get back to that, we just don't have the extra staff time during our busiest season.

He would be best suited to live out in a group with space to move (because he’s a horse, not because he’s particular), and he does well in a herd setting.

We’re gonna miss this goofball, but I want him to have what he needs, and I can help him find someone who can give him that. Feel free to message with any questions, and I’m happy to set up a time to talk on the phone about him.