We have owned Cheeto since he was a weanling at which time he was raised in a pasture with mares and geldings. It was evident as a foal that he was going to be a substantial and tall horse so starting him under saddle was to be delayed to allow skeletal development.
He was started lightly under saddle as a 3 1/2 year old, then sent back to the pasture to mature for an additional 6 months. As he began more formal training in the snaffle bit and bosal he was worked to be light and responsive to the voice, seat, leg and rein aid. Training was focused on bending and strengthening through his body and finding mental focus, rhythm and balance.
Late summer into the fall of 2025 I worked to add trail miles where he was exposed to deer, antelope and cattle. Cheeto has been up, down hill, along roads and fence lines during the multi-hour solo rides. He has spent trail miles down forest roads and in burned forest lands.
His experiences on the trails and arenas have been positive but not without some challenges. He is an alert horse but not “busy” or “jumpy”. When he is challenged with something new that causes fear he will become alert and upright. Allowing him time to see, assess and requiring him to face the object will yield positive results, but he is still a young horse and is learning. For this reason he will require a knowledgable, patient rider able to help him to continue his education.
Cheeto is big, well gaited with sufficient over-stride and cadence to be smooth. At times he will slip into a pace if stressed. He will also trot if the rider posts in the saddle. His canter lacks rhythm but he does not run off during the canter.