Rancho del Comienzo

Rancho del Comienzo Practicing the art and science of horsemanship, setting a strong foundation for a variety of disciplines. Established in 2020

Horse training, c**t starting, restarts/projects, problem-solving, and coaching. "El Comienzo": the start, or the beginning. At Rancho del Comienzo, we believe in starting from the beginning. The success of every horse, regardless of discipline, starts with careful management and the establishment of a strong foundation. Taylor specializes in starting and restarting horses under saddle, as well as

helping horses and their owners to find balance and communicate effectively - regardless of discipline. Her methods include elements of classic dressage, vaquero horsemanship, classic show jumping/gymnasticizing, and horse and rider biomechanics. This school of training and management allows for horses to be sure-footed, careful, and athletic to the best of their ability. They can handle varied environments and terrains while being focused and sound for work, competition, or recreation. At Rancho del Comienzo, we strive to bring out the best in every horse and horse and rider/handler pair. Horses (and humans!) learn how to learn, and how to use their bodies to the best of their abilities to succeed in any discipline of their choosing.

Some low-quality screen grabs of some high-quality young horses…I feel so lucky to have such wonderful horses (and peopl...
09/11/2024

Some low-quality screen grabs of some high-quality young horses…I feel so lucky to have such wonderful horses (and people) come through here. Not only do these horses have great minds and built-to-last conformations, but they are set up for success by their owners instilling good ground manners and the right attitudes - which makes my job so enjoyable!

These are just a few of the recent trainees we’ve had the pleasure of working with lately!

Happy horses on a late summer day… Feeling a touch like fall 🍃🍂🌾 Thank you Mom for the mowing today to help us keep thes...
09/06/2024

Happy horses on a late summer day… Feeling a touch like fall 🍃🍂🌾

Thank you Mom for the mowing today to help us keep these green pastures healthy!

It’s a sign of happy, healthy, good brained horses, to come back after time off and everyone is perfectly behaved and fe...
09/02/2024

It’s a sign of happy, healthy, good brained horses, to come back after time off and everyone is perfectly behaved and feeling great! From 3yos with only a few rides on them, all the way up 💫
Good training starts with good management - happy horses make us happy!

We had a fun excursion to WEC Ohio this weekend!  💚Impy and Maisie, though they are inexperienced, were calm, cool and p...
09/02/2024

We had a fun excursion to WEC Ohio this weekend!

💚Impy and Maisie, though they are inexperienced, were calm, cool and professional all weekend, showing off their great brains. Both took on everything that was asked of them - indoors, outdoors, jumper jumps, hunter fences…what a great experience!

💙Whitney with Loki and Jacquie with Heimdall and Dobby, laid down some beautiful rounds in the jumper and the hunter rings, and even brought home some ribbons!

Thank you Jacquie and Whitney for asking me along, and for making showing and coaching such an enjoyable experience! I’m also grateful to Cindy and Laura for being the best horse show support crew! 💙💚

And a big thank you to World Equestrian Center for hosting such a friendly and well-run show - we’ll be back!

So proud of these gals!  Jackie and Shooter and Jamie and Enzo took on their first mini event, and it was a huge success...
08/26/2024

So proud of these gals! Jackie and Shooter and Jamie and Enzo took on their first mini event, and it was a huge success! It was awesome to see their hard work and progressive training really pay off. Enzo came out more confident than ever, and really stepped up to all the questions asked. Jackie and Shooter tackled all the phases with relaxation and bravery. And we got to take home some nice ribbons!


Thank you to the Fox Valley Saddle Association for hosting such an awesome, affordable, and enjoyable event!

🦊🐴First fox hunt in the books for Clay and May and Elaina and April! We are very grateful to Mill Creek Hunt Club for or...
08/18/2024

🦊🐴First fox hunt in the books for Clay and May and Elaina and April!

We are very grateful to Mill Creek Hunt Club for organizing such a wonderful weekend of learning the history and how-to’s of fox hunting - thank you for allowing us to join you!

One of my favorite things about working with Mustangs, or any horse really, is watching their personalities start to shi...
08/16/2024

One of my favorite things about working with Mustangs, or any horse really, is watching their personalities start to shine through. Watching them come out of their shells. It is often more pronounced in the mustangs, as they come having been through a lot to get here, and they are encountering such a large amount of change all at once. I remember when Tally first arrived, she just looked weary. Like she had seen the entire world, and was just tired. And I remember when the light came into her eyes and she started to show some personality, and start to enjoy herself. You can see the change in photos of her throughout her journey. And Billy, he arrived with that thousand mile stare. Perfectly still, staring off into the distance. He was far far away in his mind. And slowly, through his training and management , he has started to open up. He shows curiosity about new things. There’s a warmness to his expression. And honestly, he’s turned into kind of a goofy guy, with a playful side.

On their training journeys, it’s not the big obvious accomplishments that stick with me. Not their first time cantering under saddle, not their first time jumping. Not their first blue ribbon. Of course those are exciting, but the moments that hit me the most are the moments when they first walk up to you in the pasture instead of staying in their corner. The moments when you see them playing with their newly made herd friends. The moments when they express curiosity about a new stimulus, instead of fear. They lean into your neck scratches for the first time. The moments they seek the contact with the bridle because it feels good, they get some life in their step because they’re having a bit of fun.

Sending a horse off to its new home is always emotional. I am excited for their new futures, proud of what they’ve accomplished so far and what they will do. I’m also nervous for them to settle in and understand their new routine, people and jobs. Hopeful that their new people will love them and treat them with respect, listen to them, and do their best to meet all of their needs and keep that sparkle in their eyes. And there is always a wound, a hole in my chest, watching them haul away; knowing I’ll miss seeing their bright eyes every day, getting to work with them on our partnership.

Many of you have followed Billy’s journey - and I am *insert any above emotion here* to announce that he has found a new home 💛 Cheers to new adventures, Billy. A new partnership. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for him and Katie. 💛

Feeling extra grateful today, after getting to spend the day with the incredible community we have here at RdC 💙 We host...
08/12/2024

Feeling extra grateful today, after getting to spend the day with the incredible community we have here at RdC 💙 We hosted a fun faux show at home, and couldn’t have asked for a better day. I am blown away by the love and support we all have for each other, the commitment to horsemanship and learning and trying new things, and the generosity everyone shows from helping hands to sharing horses. It is pretty special!

Crazy to think that less than 4 years ago, we started out with an empty ex-airport, a few horses, a curveball or two, and the first inklings of a vision… and we now have 20 something horses and their people out here, living the dream. Endless thank you’s to all the RdC clients and crew, past present and future, for the continued support. 💚

Long summer evenings and happy horses
07/29/2024

Long summer evenings and happy horses

07/28/2024
Happy to announce we have a confirmed pregnancy! 💙 Our broodmare, Lilly Pulitzer (Rodrigoo VDL x Feliciano) is in foal t...
07/19/2024

Happy to announce we have a confirmed pregnancy! 💙 Our broodmare, Lilly Pulitzer (Rodrigoo VDL x Feliciano) is in foal to the impressive Iceman De Muze (Erco Van’t Roosakker x For Pleasure)!

Both sides of this foal’s pedigree are full of horses that not only have impressive competition records, but are also very rideable - a trait we very much value in choosing breeding stock.

Iceman has an extensive FEI performance record under multiple riders through 1.60m, including success at the Grand Prix and U25 Grand Prix level with a young rider. Iceman’s sire, Erco Van’t Roosakker, is an accomplished Grand Prix competitor, with top finishes at the CSI5* level, Nations Cup Teams, European Championships, and World Cup qualifiers.

Lilly’s dam, Donna Karan, competed successfully up to 1.45m, and produced a 1.60m jumper who competed on the Nation’s Cup team for Canada with Jonathan Millar. Lilly’s damsire, Feliciano, had an impressive Grand Prix career, and competed at the Sydney Olympic Games.

Lilly herself unfortunately didn’t get the chance to compete due to a freak injury at a young age, but she is undeniably athletic, well-built, and kind. We will be getting her approved with KWPN this coming fall, when her foal will also be presented.

Thank you to Anna Hallene for breeding such a lovely mare and trusting us with her ☺️ We are so excited to have her at RdC and to see what she produces!

Shout out to Jackie Holub and her creative mind, coming up with these awesome jump ideas!  And thanks to Jackie and Kyli...
07/10/2024

Shout out to Jackie Holub and her creative mind, coming up with these awesome jump ideas! And thanks to Jackie and Kylie Welsh both for turning the ideas into reality!!

Let’s play a game! See if you can guess what discipline this clinic was for based on the following main themes we covere...
07/08/2024

Let’s play a game! See if you can guess what discipline this clinic was for based on the following main themes we covered: 🤔

• Forward first. ➡️ Forward is needed before working on anything else. You need forward to steer. You need forward for roundness. Forward fixes crookedness.
• Plan your track 📍and then your horse should be “willingly guided” - no nagging, let your horse carry you and teach him to maintain the track on his own.
• Be aware of where your horse’s feet are 👣 so you can effectively use timing of your aids to influence his feet.
• Design your exercises - activities - to fix the problems you’re having, rather than trying to fix them. 💡 Design exercises that make the horse want to arrange his body how you want him to, then assign a cue to that arrangement to train the result you want.
• The core of training is the basics getting better and better all the time. 📕 You don’t spend too much time training exactly what you’ll be doing in the competition. Train the basics and the skills for competition will follow.
• “I try not to pull and I try not to speed things up.”

Having a tough time deciding which discipline? 😀
Good horse people - we all need each other. Dressage, jumpers, cow horses, cutters… we all have such similar goals, and I love hearing all kinds of perspectives and ways to describe exercises and aims. It freshens up my riding every time.

I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to play in all kinds of arenas and learn from so many different horse people. A huge thank you to Karly Mccall at Honey Bridge Ranch for hosting us for a clinic with Jaton Lord Performance Horses this weekend! Impy and I had a blast! (My go-to cow pony decided to pull a shoe, so his big gigantor brother had to step in…)

06/29/2024

Pretend a trainer/instructor/clinician/horseman that you really respect is standing in the middle of your arena and watching you ride.

Explain to them what it is that you are trying to accomplish. Tell them out loud what you are doing to fix the problem. I describe in detail, in a professional way, what issues you’re having and what you would like to improve. Show it to them. Ride around and narrate your every move.

 I used to do this all the time and I made so much progress.  I have a few guesses as to why I got away from this practice. I’m older now (typical crotchety, 40+ year old), and my farm is just busier. As extroverted as I am, life is busy enough that I am in a constant state of peopled out, so why would I imagine even more people in my arena? Lol.

But today the real thing happened. I asked my husband to watch me on my Lusitano because an exercise that typically works just wasn’t really working for him. So I explained what exercise I wanted to do and I picked up a trot, and started narrating what I was feeling as it was happening. It took a little longer than I would like in an ideal world, but the truth is the exercise was working just fine. The process of me explaining it, plus having someone watch me, was just enough to put me in a better headspace, and it also made me patient enough to actually reap the reward. When I tried it earlier, it wasn’t working because I wasn’t hanging in there quite long enough, plus I kept focusing on everything that was going wrong instead of focusing on how I wanted it to feel in the end. 

The simple act of me narrating my ride to someone I respected put me in a better headspace. I was curious and searching for answers, rather than being frustrated and getting disciplinary with my aids, which, of course, only creates tension, and I knew better!!!

 The fixes that I try might differentiate depending on whether I picture Karen Rohlf, or Walter Zettle, or Buck Brannaman watching me ride…. Because those people would probably all give me different ways of fixing the same thing. But as I allow my imagination to determine what advice they might give me, it keeps me in the position of a student.  The role I play is that of the learner, not the teacher. Of course, it is actually the horse, not my imaginary instructor, who is actually doing all the teaching!!!! As it should be.  But sometimes we need to trick our brain, and sometimes our ego.

Besides, just the act of putting our ride into words means we are focused and thinking.

06/28/2024
06/27/2024

One of the biggest misconceptions is that forwardness refers to speed, which leads novice riders to kick on and make their horses go faster. Sadly, all this does is push the horse out of a suitable rhythm and tempo, often causing him to lose his balance, fall onto the forehand, get tense and tight through his back, and/or come against the contact.

Another common misconception is that a fast-moving "hot" horse is also a forward horse; this is incorrect. A horse moving at speed can still be "behind the rider's leg," thus, not working forwards from the leg but rushing away from it.

Lastly, don't confuse "forwardness" and 'impulsion." From the first moment you sit on a newly-backed horse, he should be encouraged to work forwards and be forward-thinking, even though he will be unable to produce any meaningful impulsion at this early stage in his career.

Stock image from Shutterstock.
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06/23/2024

I thought I would talk a little bit today about the difference between using a lateral movement and performing it in a competition or in an exhibition. There is a general tendency among dressage riders to have a somewhat rigid view of lateral movements and to evaluate them only as a judge in a competition would do. There is also a tendency to ride lateral movements mostly down the long side of the arena, and to stay in the movement for the entire long side. And while there is nothing wrong with that, it is only scratching the surface of the gymnastic potential of lateral movements.

These movements were not (only) invented to evaluate a horse’s training, but they also have very valuable gymnastic properties that can be used to improve the horse’s balance, straightness, suppleness, and collectability.

In order to take full advantage of the gymnastic effects of the movements, it is often better to ride them only for a few strides as part of a compound exercise in order to engage or flex one hind leg.

And I have found that smaller angles are often perfectly sufficient, and sometimes even more effective than the familiar versions on 3 or 4 tracks.

Biomechanics background

The angle between the horse’s body and the line of travel depends on the horse’s ability to collect, because in a true lateral movement (i.e. excluding the leg yield) the horse needs to bend laterally to maintain his alignment. The steeper the angle, the more the horse has to bend and to collect.

The bend in a lateral movement is actually equivalent to the bend on a circle of a specific diameter. That’s why the Spanish Riding School in Vienna used to ride a volte in the first corner of the long side before a shoulder-in, haunches-in, or half pass. The volte helps to establish the bend, which facilitates the initiation of the lateral movement. As you transition from the volte into the lateral movement, you maintain the same bend.

If you look at a photograph of a horse in a shoulder-in with the hind legs on the first track and the front legs on an inside track, you can’t easily tell whether this is the beginning of a circle or whether the horse is in a shoulder-in. If the horse follows the direction of his front legs without changing the bend in his body, he will move onto a circle whose radius corresponds to the degree of his lateral bend.

If you look at a photograph of a horse in a haunches-in, it could be the last stride of a volte, with the front legs back on the first track, and the hind legs still on the line of the volte, or it could be a haunches-in (depending on the moment of the footfall sequence in which the picture was taken).

The steeper the angle of the horse in the lateral movement is, the smaller is the corresponding volte. The smaller the volte, the more collected the horse needs to be. This is perhaps the reason why lateral movements were not introduced in German competition tests until Medium level, because a 3-track shoulder-in or haunches-in with an angle of approximately 33 degrees is the equivalent of a volte that may require a higher degree of collection than a lower level horse is capable of.
If you ride a lateral movement with a steeper angle than the horse’s ability to collect allows, the horse won’t be able to bend in his body enough, which results in the haunches or shoulders leaving their line of travel. In other words, the horse gets crooked, and one of the hind legs no longer steps under the body, so that the movement loses its gymnastic value.

In order to determine the steepest angle the horse is capable of in a lateral movement, you could ride the smallest volte the horse can perform on a single track. If you stop with the hind legs on the first track, you get the steepest possible angle of the shoulder-in. If you stop with the front legs on the first track, you get the steepest possible angle of the haunches-in.

If you want to ride a lateral movement with a steeper angle, you can try to ride a volte whose diameter corresponds to the lateral bend of this angle, and it will become obvious very quickly whether your horse’s degree of collection is sufficient for a volte of this size, or whether it is still too early. For instance, if the angle of the shoulder-in you are trying to ride corresponds to a 6m volte, you will need an FEI level horse to be able to bend and to collect accordingly. But if your horse is only able to perform a 10m volte or a 12m volte, he won’t be able to bend as much as would be necessary to keep all four feet aligned in the lateral movement.

What to do with a lower level horse?

So where does that leave you with a lower level horse? You can either postpone introducing lateral movements altogether until the horse is able to collect enough to perform a “proper” 3-track shoulder-in or haunches-in, or you risk making your horse crooked if you insist on the 3-track angle anyway, even if he isn’t able to trot or canter on a volte of the corresponding size yet.

But how is the horse supposed to develop collection without being able to take advantage of the gymnastic effects of the lateral movements?

There is another option, and that is to ride lateral movements with the angle that corresponds to the diameter of the circle that the horse IS able to perform correctly - even if it’s only a 20m or 15m circle. I call these shallow angles homeopathic doses, and over the years I have started using them more and more, even with horses who were able to collect enough for a full-fledged lateral movement.

Using lateral movements, rather than performing them

I also moved away from “performing” lateral movements as an end in themselves, as if I were riding a competition test, a long time ago. Instead, I like to use them for gymnastic purposes, and depending on what I am trying to achieve, I don’t necessarily need a steep angle, and I don’t need to stay in the lateral movement for an entire long side. From a gymnastic point of view it’s often sufficient to move the front legs or hind legs only on hoof breadth or even half a hoof breadth sideways. The important thing is the correct alignment of the horse’s feet and the bend through the body.

Let’s take a look at what the individual lateral movements “do” for the gymnastic development of the horse.

- The shoulder-in can be used to bring the inside hind leg more under the body, i.e. closer to the outside hind leg and closer to the front legs. Hind legs that move close together are a prerequisite for collection, as the Duke of Newcastle discovered.

- The counter shoulder-in can be used to bring the outside hind leg (in terms of the arena) more under the body. It also draws the horse’s attention to the rider’s outside leg and rein, and it helps to control the outside shoulder better and to maintain a good connection between the shoulder and the base of the neck.

- The haunches-in and half pass can be used to flex the inside hind leg with the help of the combined body mass of the horse and rider. They also draw the horse’s attention to the rider’s outside leg.

- The renvers can be used to flex the outside hind leg (in terms of the arena) with the help of the combined body mass of the horse and rider. It also draws the horse’s attention to the rider’s outside rein (in terms of the arena).

All lateral movements mobilise the hind legs, and they bring them closer together as well as closer to the front legs. Lateral movements in which the horse is bending AGAINST the direction of travel (shoulder-in, counter shoulder-in) mobilise the hind legs mostly in a lateral direction. Lateral movements in which the horse is bending IN the direction of travel (haunches-in, half pass, renvers) mobilise the hind legs also in a vertical direction. They require greater flexion of the inside hind leg.

If you have never thought about lateral movements in those terms, try walking them on foot and observe how your “hind legs” are moving, which one has to support the body mass, and which one is advancing the body mass more. Then do the same thing in the saddle at the walk so that you have time to pay attention to the details.

Developing suppleness, straightness, and collection

From the theoretical background in the last segment you can extrapolate the gymnastic potential when you combine lateral movements with each other, or with voltes, corners, and turns on the haunches.

If you want to supple and strengthen a hind leg you need to bring it underneath the body first so that you can flex it with the help of the body mass. Looking at the information of what the individual lateral movements “do”, you can quickly see that combinations of shoulder-in and haunches-in, shoulder-in and half pass, or counter shoulder-in and renvers are quite useful, because the shoulder-in and counter shoulder-in bring the hind leg that is on the inside of the bend more under the body, and the haunches-in, half pass, or renvers flex it.

Combinations of shoulder-in and volte or shoulder-in and turn on the haunches are also valuable for the same reason, because the volte as well as the turn on the haunches flex the inside hind leg too.

These combinations are often most effective if you stay in each lateral movement only for a short distance (3-6 strides) and alternate between the engaging lateral movement (shoulder-in, counter shoulder-in) and the flexing lateral movement (haunches-in, half pass, renvers). This is much more effective than staying in any one lateral movement for a very long time.

As I mentioned above, it’s not necessary to ride the lateral movements with a steep angle. Sometimes the shallow angles actually seem to be more effective to me than the steeper ones. You can feel the effects of the lateral movements even if an observer can’t see that you’re riding a lateral movement, but you and your horse can feel the bend and the increased engagement in your body.

Conclusion

While there is nothing wrong with practicing lateral movements on 3 or 4 tracks, if the horse is able to collect to the necessary degree, you can expand your gymnastic toolkit by exploring the entire range of angles between the horse’s body and the line of travel from 0 degrees to 45 degrees (4 tracks). Try to find the angle that seems to have most beneficial effect on your horse’s balance, suppleness, and straightness. Experiment with riding lateral movements on a variety of different round lines and straight lines. Feel the effects of a lateral movement in which the hind legs have to cover a longer distance than the front legs because they are on a slightly larger circle than the front legs. And explore the effects of lateral movements in which the hind legs have to cover a shorter distance than the front legs because they are on a slightly smaller circle.

Try “stacking” different lateral movements and observe if there is a cumulative effect in terms of balance, straightness, lightness, and permeability for the aids.

Dr. Thomas Ritter
www.artisticdressage.com

You can also read or share this article from our website here - https://www.artisticdressage.com/blog-content/using-a-lateral-movement-vs-performing-it

06/22/2024

To replace a good horse!
The best horses are built over years of hauling, hard work, tough times, good times, bad times, big spooks, little spooks, their mistakes, our mistakes and continual love and care.

No, your breaker can not turn your young prospect into your old faithful in 30, 60, 90, or even 365 days. It takes years.

I’m plagued with the problem of trying to impress on people how long it truly takes to build that dream partner. There’s not a smooth paved path. Your green horse will embarrass you, frustrate you, and maybe even hurt you. For some of you, buying a $20,000-$30,000 horse is going to be worth it and SAVE you money. Even that more finished horse will take a year or more to sync up with.

Cheap rate for horse training is $1,000 a month.
1 year of training: $12,000
2 years of training: $24,000

Many of you won’t believe this but your dream horse is on the other side of two years of training. In reality, it’s likely around two years of training and two years of seasoning (hauling them to town). Will that horse still make mistakes? Yes, they all make mistakes until the day they die. But that horses mistakes probably won’t put you in serious danger and that horse will probably pack your grandkids around.

If you’re trying to decide between a $3,500 prospect or a $15,000 proven horse. My advice is to do an internal inventory and figure out what you want. Buying that prospect is like the first roll on the Jumanji board. You’re entered up, get ready for a journey of ups and downs (possibly quite literally!) If you’re buying that finished horse decide what you really want, get ready for a lot of shopping and painfully overpriced sh💩tters. Take a friend or a trainer on this journey with you and try to double your budget (that’s right, 30k). Be smart and buy something OVER 8 years old. Don’t buy that pretty 5 year old they only want 20k for. He isn’t old enough to be proven for you. Lots of horse traders are trying to flip horses, anything under 8 is likely twice as green as he looks in the video. Maturity, both mental and physical will be key when looking for a safe horse.

If you want a project and a challenge I’m not hating, that’s what I want in a horse too, so I buy young ones. If you need a safe one, bring lots of money and quit thinking you need a 6 year old. You probably don’t have what it takes to mentally support that 6 year old through new situations.

The biggest reason I bring this up is because as folks retire their old faithful they are so far removed from when that horse was green and did dumb stuff. They forgot how tough those two years were back when he was 4-6. They only remember the amazing horse he was when he matured. The 3 year old they just bought is YEARS from filling that horses shoes when it comes to training level and safety level. I see people hate on trainers because the trainer couldn’t make their young horse, “finished” in 90 days. It’s honestly the biggest reason I like taking c**ts for 30 or 60 days. The expectation is shockingly lower than when I take one for 90 days. It’s weird what people expect from a 90 day start. Most people should commit to sending their young horse out for a full year. Two years would be even better.

Green horses do green horse things, don’t blame others for the challenge you bought yourself. Accept the challenge or pay the price for one further along. No matter which path you choose with horses, it’s going to cost you.

(I didn’t write this one I’m not sure who did, however every word of it rings true)

Edit, author Craig Moore

It was a few weeks ago now, but we got these lovely photos from the Cross Winds show - courtesy of Swan Studios LLC!  Ja...
06/20/2024

It was a few weeks ago now, but we got these lovely photos from the Cross Winds show - courtesy of Swan Studios LLC! Jacquie Boyle and her gorgeous young horses, and Megan Saar and her super pony, Jam!

💙Proudly offered for your consideration: 2016 Onaqui Mustang Gelding14.3hh Billy is a horseman’s horse. If you want to ...
06/12/2024

💙Proudly offered for your consideration:
2016 Onaqui Mustang Gelding
14.3hh

Billy is a horseman’s horse. If you want to hone your craft and build a lifelong, purposeful relationship with a horse - this may be your horse. If you are new to horses, a novice rider, or just want something fun to ride every once in a while, please pass on this one. Billy wants a partner for life. Someone skilled, someone who will give him purpose and meaning in his interactions. Someone in tune to the way he thinks and to his needs. I have no doubt he’ll give that someone all he has in return.

If he is checking your boxes so far - here are some more details:

He was gathered and gelded in late fall of 2021, and arrived at RdC in March of 2022 to begin the process of gentling and training under saddle. He quickly showed himself to be a kind soul, and a deep thinker. He takes his time to process information, and can’t be rushed. He is an introverted horse, and deliberate in his actions - not one to be “in your pocket,” or always walk right up to you. You know you’ve earned his trust when he chooses to approach you or chooses to stay with you.

He is generally brave and quiet around potentially spooky stimuli - he has impressed us with his ability to stay level-headed in the face of construction noises, traffic passing, and other potentially worrying situations.

If I had to pick a horse to take me on a ride across the country, through whatever terrain, this is the guy I would choose. He is wise. He is aware. He thinks about his every act and step. He can show a goofy side, and he sometimes has opinions about the best course of action. He is often my favorite ride of the day.

His skills so far include:
* Being caught in a large field
* Leading from both sides
* Being ponied, both in the arena and on the trails
* Standing tied and cross tied
* Standing to be groomed - comfortable being touched all over
* Loading and unloading the trailer
* Standing to be fly sprayed, standing to be bathed
* Standing for the farrier, handling all 4 feet
* Lunging, and lunging over poles
* Ground driving
* Being saddled - both tied and at liberty
* Being bridled
* Being mounted from both sides
* Ridden work WTC - including disengaging his hindquarters, moving his shoulders, halting, backing, and starting on basic lateral movements
* Started over fences
* Trail rides on and off property

He has competed in a working equitation show - his first show, and he handled it with his signature thoughtfulness.

I have loads of video available, chronicling his entire training process so far.

If you’ve made it this far, and would like to talk more about if you would be a good match for Billy, please feel free to reach out. This is a special one.

Located in Sheridan, IL. Asking mid-high 4s.

Address

2508 N 42nd Road
Sheridan, IL

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