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SD STERLING TMR AKA “Sterling”
2018 | GVHS | Gelding • 14.0 HH
If you’re searching for a true family horse, trustworthy trail partner, or a Gypsy Vanner with the trainability and responsiveness of a well-broke Quarter Horse, Sterling is the horse you’ve been waiting for.
Prior to joining our program, Sterling was primarily used as a children’s and beginner-friendly family horse. His kind disposition, exceptional ground manners, and dependable nature make him stand out from the crowd. Unlike many draft-type horses, Sterling is respectful, light on the ground, and incredibly easy to handle. He ground ties for grooming, tacking, and the farrier, and is the same gentle horse every day you take him out.
Sterling has been extensively exposed to a wide variety of environments and obstacles. He confidently navigates obstacle courses, water crossings, logs, bridges, and rough terrain. Whether riding alone or with a group, he remains steady and reliable. He is desensitized to tarps, flags, machinery, blowers, and everyday ranch activity. Sterling can be ponied from a buggy, and you can confidently hop on bareback with a halter and ride off down the trail.
Under saddle, Sterling is willing, soft, and eager to please. He rides collected into the bridle, backs willingly, side passes, pivots, and transitions smoothly with voice commands. He has a dependable and a solid “whoa.” button. Sterling picks up both leads and is continuing to develop his canter work. We believe he would easily excel in Western Dressage, Dressage, Ranch Riding, or as an all-around pleasure mount. He has also recently begun learning to neck rein and has progressed exceptionally well.
Sterling is naturally more “whoa” than “go,” making him a confidence-building partner, yet he willingly moves forward without requiring constant leg pressure. One of his most unique qualities is his awareness of his rider—if he feels a rider become unbalanced, he will naturally slow down or stop, allowing them to regain their position.
Perhaps Sterling’s greatest attribute is his love for children. Our four-year-old son rides him independently, and Sterling truly understands how to take care of his little riders. He patiently stands for hours while being loved on, played with, climbed around, and lead around. His gentle nature and tolerance make him the kind of horse families dream of finding.
Sterling has shown us no vices, is not buddy sour or barn sour, and is always eager to meet you at the gate. He has remained the same dependable horse even after extended periods of time off. We have routinely left him for weeks and then climbed on bareback in a halter without issues.
Additional Information
● GVHS Registered (papers in hand)
● PSSM1 N/N
● Up-to-date on dental care, vaccinations, and Coggins
● Excellent feet; maintained barefoot on a 6–7 week trim schedule
● PPEs welcome at buyer’s expense
Sterling is the kind of horse that is difficult to find and even harder to replace—a safe, trus
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