Safe Harbor Success Story – 2019
Checkers is 30 going on 15. This big guy was adopted out in 2015, but ended up returning to us after his adoptive family went through a divorce and their life situation changed dramatically. Checkers is advanced beginner level, and was frequently ridden by beginner kids in his adoptive home. He was also trail ridden and used for camp prior to adoption. Frankly, when Checkers came back to us, we planned on keeping him in our sanctuary program, but he is so healthy and sound and broke, that we feel he can still thrive with a loving family who needs a rideable senior.
Checkers is sound for flat work or small jumps (in his prime he could jump 4 feet, but that would be too much to ask of him at his current age), but he’d still be a great schooling horse for a little one who needs a been there done that horse.
Checkers is a bit of a casanova in the herd, so his ideal fit is an all gelding environment. He can be in a herd where he is the only gelding with mares, but he’ll pick a girlfriend, and he tends to be buddy sour when separated from his lady friends. An all gelding environment mitigates these behaviors. Checkers does like to use his charm to get his way, and will get in your space and hug you. As with all horses, he needs good leadership to be his best self. Don’t let his age scare you. This senior is a young man at heart and his body is not showing signs of age either. He’s a great first horse for a wonderful family!