"Red" is that go to guy that you want in the barn. He's simple, he's uncomplicated, he's no drama. He's proven himself the last three years bringing along a novice rider through trail rides and obstacle courses. He's allowed her to feel safe, in even the most precarious situations, has been tolerant in group settings and through rider learning curves. Favorite traits his current owner appreciates are his ability to stand for mounting, allowing her to learn how to open and shut a gate mounted, not being put off when other horses bump into him, and how quiet he is in the trailer.
In addition to being a good boy for inexperienced riders, Red does have some good formal training under his belt. He has been sitting some lately, while his owner has been busy. He's got the skills, but at this moment really could benefit from some fitness to allow those skills to shine. Red is very trustworthy on a long rein. He is confident in his lope off cue and takes both leads well and rhythmically. He has a nice loose rein stretchy trot. Putting him together at this time is a little harder for jog work because he isn't fit. He knows how to do it, but in fairness to him, a fitness program is in order. Red also has a nice, forward, swinging walk.
Red is pleasant to handle on the ground. He stands tied without complaint and is good for the farrier. He is currently half shod and prefers a little steel for flat feet on rocky terrain. The farrier was happy with his size and quality of hoof overall though. Red is good in a stall or turned out. He is higher on the pecking order in a group setting and may assert himself if challenged. Red has shown some low grade cribbing behavior. He doesn't suck on fencing or bars of his corral. Oddly enough, he may suck on a lead rope or hay bag. He doesn't seem to do it frequently as I have seen other horses do it.
Fun fact on Red, in his younger life he was a race horse on the Quarter Horse track! He's had five race starts under his belt from his younger life. He doesn't act like a race horse, he's quite pleasant, chill, and sound. We do have medical records on Red and he is on the Loomis Basin Equine Care program. Xrays and medical records are available for anyone interested in calling him theirs.