Strut under saddle!

Saturday was a big day for our foster kid. His winter coat is gone and he is now a beautiful, shiny, liver chestnut color.  We already knew that he stood patiently for the farrier and for grooming.  He was responsive in the round pen.  It was time for somebody to get in the saddle.

Strut stood quietly when I tacked him up. He didn't flinch at the pad or the girth.

When I bridled him, he had no objections to the eggbutt snaffle bit and held it quietly in his mouth. We did have to let the bridle out a total of 4 holes. He has a large head.
We took him into the round pen and after a little lounging and flexing, it was time to leg up.

Initially, Strut was a little apprehensive. But he soon relaxed.

  

CJ, the young trainer that evaluated Strut for us, felt that he may have had some training in the past. He "sort of" knows how to neck rein and he "sort of" knows how to move off leg pressure. He does have a lovely, big trot and he carries himself very well. He did not ask him to canter that day. We're saving the canter for next time, when he graduates to the big arena.


Below is a picture of Strut when he was picked up by Horse Haven after receiving a call from the Oliver Springs Police Department. This is what he looked like four short months ago. And while his training still needs improvement, this wonderful gelding has come a long way already.

If you would like to support Horse Haven's mission of helping horses like Strut by donating or adopting, please visit our website horsehaventn.org as well as our Face Book page.
And stay tuned to "As the Barn turns ...." to find out where Strut's journey leads him.