Sky, affectionately known as Puppy, is a six year old registered American Saddlebred gelding. He has already been started under saddle but much of the basics of ground work were left out. He came to us as a very nervous and very thin horse in need of time to be a horse out in pasture with other horses he can trust and play with. Sky is just over 15.2H and has gained some good weight. He is being handled by one of our volunteers who is dedicating her time to letting him explore and move in an environment that builds his confidence. He is coming along nicely. We have not saddled him but will do so in another month or two when he tells us that he is ready. He is one of the most sensitive horses we have had the pleasure of playing with. In fact, he hooks on just like a puppy! Watch for updates as this young talented horse regains his confidence.
Update: Sky is progressing well with his confidence building, but it is apparent that he was not treated very well in the tacking up and riding process. He now accepts a saddle, gets just a little concerned with tightening the girth, but with patience and kindness is becoming calm and accepting.
Update: Sky is going well under saddle. He is a curious and sensitive horse and needs his human to understand his temperament. He listens to rein, leg and voice commands, has a nice whoa and needs more saddle time to bring him along to his full potential. His weight is currently about 1000 lbs and he looks good!
Update: Sky attended a horsemanship clinic and did very well with obstacles in the arena which included crossing a tarp, logs, cavaletti and a wooden bridge. He stood well in the box, maneuvered the cones and circled the barrels with no hesitation. He is gaining confidence and is showing us just how willing he can be.
Update: Sky went on his first trail ride at the Air Force Academy. It was a long ride for intermediate level horses and Puppy did just fine. We walked, trotted, cantered, lots of uphill work, crossing water, meeting bicycles and the like. Puppy has truly become a different horse in the year that we have been training and working with him.
Adoption donation: $700