Finnegan is a 15.2hh paintaloosa gelding, born March 8, 2012, with a kind soul, big personality, and a unique blend of experience. In some ways he is still green, while in others he is very knowledgeable, making him a rewarding partner for the right person.
He appears to have a western-based foundation and goes nicely in a Happy Mouth loose ring snaffle. After discussing him with my cousin who rides western, it is strongly suspected that Finnegan has experience working cattle, based on how he moves, reads situations, and responds under saddle.
Finnegan would make a great project for someone wanting to further his English, arena-based work, as he has basic Training Level dressage skills. However, he is not an arena-only horse. He loves trail riding and thrives with variety, consistent work, and mental engagement.
For three years, Finnegan lived out with a run-in shed and did very well in that environment. His ideal routine included regular trail rides, riding around a 50-acre property, 30–45 minutes of arena work, and hacking out again to cool down. This balance of arena time and outside riding is where he truly excelled.
Finnegan is happiest when he has a routine and a job. Consistent, purposeful work is important to him, as he can become a bit moody if bored or inconsistently ridden.
He bonds deeply with his person, knows his name and will respond to it, and is very people-oriented. He has taught a friend with no prior horse experience how to ride and would be suitable for a confident, knowledgeable amateur, provided they can offer consistency and clear leadership.
Temperament & handling:
• Excellent for farrier, vet, and dentist
• Ships well and bathes easily
• Has not been body clipped, but handled soaking and wrapping calmly during a past abscess
• Ground ties and will also follow you if turned loose in the arena
• In the pasture, he will come right up to you and enjoys interaction, but does best with a confident handler on the lead
Pasture & feeding notes:
• Very low in the herd hierarchy and does best with only one pasture buddy
• A bit of a weenie and not competitive over food
• Used to round bales and will often wait until other horses move away before eating
• Not suitable for a “throw a flake over the fence” setup—he does best when his intake is monitored to ensure he’s getting enough
On the ground, he is easy to manage and uncomplicated. He is in regular front shoes and is barefoot behind. He is up to date on all care.
Personality & quirks:
• Gives kisses and loves attention
• Enjoys playing with jacket zippers
• Somewhat messy in the stall but does well with a hay net
Care notes:
• Requires sunblock on his nose in warmer months
• Likes to be blanketed in cooler weather and wears a size 76 blanket
• Vaccines must be administered in lower injection sites only
Finnegan is offered to a knowledgeable, consistent home that values routine, trail riding, and thoughtful care. T