- Thoroughbred
- Grey
- Gelding
- 17 years
- 16 hands
- Hacking
- Family Friendly
- Lives Out
Blue – Kind, Confident Hacking Horse for Full Permanent Loan / LWVTB Considered – 16hh, 16yo, gelding
– Has been much loved in current loan home since July 2024, but personal circumstances in this home have changed through no fault of his nor loaners, and therefore he’s sadly looking for a new match. He was with me prior to this, and owned by me since 2015.
– Blue is a kind, honest, and sweet boy looking for a loving hacking home. He offers affection, fun, adventures, and has a great temperament, especially with children. I am seeking a very specific, permanent home where he will be loved as their own and who are committed to wanting to offer a home for life.
– Experience Required: He needs an experienced, confident, and kind rider who is not easily put off when he gets occasionally worried/stressed. He relies on his person for confidence. Not suitable for novices.
Blue’s Ideal Job & Temperament
• Job: Light to medium hacking only, no schooling. He will happily go out on light walking rides, but will also be eager and happy to do more if wanted (walk, trot, canter, jumping the odd log), but isn’t to be hammered about
• Temperament (manners): Very affectionate people-horse, loves attention, loves children, is friendly and kind. Excellent ground manners. Though can suffer from separation anxiety and will be challenging when wound up by this, which requires managing him to avoid, and experience to be able to deal with and think about
• Temperament (hacking): Excellent in traffic (we lived in a London borough for a number of years), generally sane, sensible, and great with large vehicles. We’ve done lots of hacking in the past, include EGB rides, the beach, and more, so he’s seen a lot. Can go out alone or in company, in front/middle/behind; does greatly prefer company. Needs experienced rider particularly when alone in cases where he may get anxious about new things, or above mentioned separation anxiety, though greatly improves with frequency. Takes confidence from his rider, is not bombproof plod and would be too much for a beginner, but is not difficult to manage for someone who has lots of experience.
• Fitness: Is easily turned away and brought back into work, I would normally give him a few months off over winter and just get back on in spring and he’s not silly, will just be more looky after not being out for a while. Has currently been out of work for a year, will need time to settle in a new home and get to know someone, but shouldn’t be difficult to start doing things again gradually and will support with this if distance is doable
Requirements for Blue’s Forever Home
• Living Out: Must live out 24/7, would consider homes with some stabling through winter but this mustn’t be more than overnight. He is easily unhappy and stiff when stabled, and stressed by various other turnout/bring in routines with the other horses on the yard.
• Forage/Feeding: Must have constant access to forage (plenty of grazing, hay/haylage through winter). He is not the typical poor-doer thoroughbred, but he is still a thoroughbred and not a native pony, and he will suffer and lose condition if grazing/forage is limited.
• Companionship: Best suited to a gelding herd/buddy. He must never be left alone in the field or stable. Can be more on the dominant side, but is well socialised and settles well and quietly in a stable herd with the right herd combination and time.
• Land: Preferably own land because this ensures stability and the management he needs, but individual situations considered (flexible for the right match).
• Location: Preference within 2 hours of Northampton but very flexible for the right match
Additional Information
• Feet: Completely barefoot. Wears boots for hacking. Needs monitoring for thrush and mud fever and treating/bringing into dry ground if fields get boggy (as with any horse)
• Inclusions: Full wardrobe (tack/rugs etc) is included on loan.
• Permanent: You don’t need to worry about investing yourself in getting to know him, loving him etc. He needs a truly permanent home that loves and is committed to him. Basis of loan is for my peace of mind to always make sure he is happy and cared for and won’t be passed around, not because I would be asking for him back.