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"HORSE TALK"...OR "A BIT OF 'NEIGH-SAYING'"

Here at the ranch, we have a variety of horses--from Pony, to Paint, to Percheron, plus Quarter Horses and Arabians!   Nowadays, it seems, there are horses for cutting, racking, hunting, and jumping--but we kind of prefer horses for good ol' riding.  You know, the kind of horse that you can trust with your 5 year-old, or your 65 year-old,  or someone not quite so familiar with the equine world.  Usually you can tell quite a bit about the horse from his eyes.  (Sort of the same with people, too.)  And, if you come our way, we'll show you what we mean...

The first horse we acquired was a beautiful black Shetland Pony, "Shadow" by name. Being novice horse-people with seven young children at the time, we were unaware that Shetlands are supposed to be quite ornery. Well, Shadow has been wonderful throughout the years-- he has carried all nine of our children, pulled the cart, been ridden by numerous guests, and has been used for riding lessons--with never a problem!  Ponies are clever, and there seems to be a special bond between a young child and a pony!  

We currently have one stallion.  Handy is an AQHA Palomino, with an excellent bloodline--two of his ancestors are Hall of Fame Horses. The truly remarkable thing about Handy is his disposition! He is as gentle as can be, and it seems as though just about anyone can ride him! (That's him with the five children on his back, too!) We are hoping his colts will have their daddy's personality!  

Baron is pictured below. He's an APHA Paint, 16 hands tall. When Baron turned 2, our oldest son saddled him up, got on his back, and had the big guy gentled and ready to learn in no time!  (In fact, we have found that our young horses are very easy to work with, and our children have easily gentled and broke-to-ride them!  If you're looking for "kid's horse" help or advice, we may be able to help!)  

Arabians have the reputation for being high-strung, yet very loyal and personable companions. (Remember the chariot scene in "Ben Hur"?)  Additionally, they  have tremendous endurance, and are quite strong, though they are of slighter build than the Quarter Horse. We have two full-blooded, registered Arabian mares, and a few Arab crossbreds.  Arabians can  run like the wind, distinctively tossing their heads, "skipping" over the ground, with tail held high. 

What's a "Percheron"?  It's a large draft horse, with origins in France. (Other draft horses include Belgians, Clydesdales, and Shires.)  We purchased Gus as a yearling.  When he turned two, we put him in harness, and after about 30 days, he was ready to hitch up to the wagon!  We had some assistance from a friend, but for the most part, our two teenaged boys broke and trained Gus!  Gus pulls a carriage and a covered wagon.  In addition, he rides under saddle--nothing like a 17 hand, 1600+ pound trail horse!  Percherons are gentle, personable, and very strong!

Scout is a striking  tri-colored Paint gelding. He's got blue eyes, a long forelock, and personality. Rojo is a paint, also. (That's him pictured with Handy, above.)  We have a few other Paints, too, and found them to be good natured, and eye-catching. 

And, for "little horses", the colts and fillies... cute and friendly as can be. Horses do have unique personalities, and 'ways' about them! It is interesting to see their mama's and daddy's characteristics in the little ones--not just physically, but more significantly, in disposition. 

 An experienced horseman told us that 'knowing' horse people note the horse's appearance, but realize that a horse's disposition is actually  more important to really enjoy riding--and especially so for a child's horse.  We have found this to be true!  When a five year-old child can load a horse on the trailer by himself, an eight year-old can saddle up and lead other children on rides--or drive the pony cart--, a twelve year-old can drive the draft horse, or a stallion can be cared for by a young teen, it's disposition (or "character") that we are more grateful for--both in the horse, and the children!

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