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"Neigh-Saying"...A Little Horse Talk

We have had a variety of horses--from Pony, to Paint, to Percheron, plus Quarter Horses and Arabians!   In our day it seems that there are horses for cutting, racking, hunting, and jumping--but we prefer horses for good old riding!  You know, the kind you can trust with your 5 year-old, or your 65 year-old, or with someone not too familiar with the equine world.  Generally, you can tell quite a bit about a horse by his eyes.  (And, actually, it's the same with people, too.)   If you're able to visit us, 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!  We have four ponies--there certainly seems to be a special bond between a young child and a pony!  

 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 on the previous page, too!) 

The picture below is Baron. He's an APHA Paint, and 16 hands high. 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" 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, plus some beautiful Arab cross-breds. 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 has pulled a carriage and a covered wagon.  In addition, he has ridden 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 rearing.) We have a few other Paints, too, and have found them to be good natured, and eye-catching.   

And, for "little horses", the colts and fillies...  We enjoy the babies, 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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