Meet the 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞. He is talented enough to give an adult amateur (or professional) something to be excited about, yet kind, willing, and exceptionally broke enough to make you feel comfortable learning and growing together. He is the type of horse you can build a real partnership with—and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
Arizona is an exceptionally well-broke 4-year-old Percheron x Quarter Horse gelding standing 16.1 hands high. He is one of the best broke young draft crosses I have ever had the privilege of riding. His gaits are smooth, balanced, and easy to adjust. He truly is just a fun horse to ride. The dressage trainers love him, your hunting buddies will be jealous of how he moves and jumps, and you will have a blast with every new thing you accomplish together. My adult ammy best friends and I have trail ridden Arizona all over Arizona for the past couple of months, and they have nothing but great things to say! He definitely passes the AA test 😉
In the ring, Arizona shines. Finding a draft cross with his lightness and balance, especially at a young age, is hard. I never dread getting on this horse. Whether it’s a dressage lesson, jump school, or even western dressage, Arizona is always an easy, attentive, and smart partner. He has three quality gaits that are easy to sit. He has the best brakes around and is broke in both English and Western. He will neck rein, slide stop, pivot, side pass, leg yield, and more. You will think you’re on a 14-year-old when you have him in the ring. He is soft in the bridle and is happy to ride on the bit collected, or on a loose rein. He has great transitions and will center off from the walk on both leads with ease. I cannot stress the quality of this horse in the arena enough! He has been started over small courses of fences, and has schooled up to a meter, with plenty of scope for the big stuff as he grows. He’s adjustable and forgiving.
Arizona loves a hack out around the farm with friends. He has been swimming, trailered off property for rides, and even gone through town. He has seen and experienced lots of different equipment, livestock, and scenarios! Arizona probably isn’t cut out for the mounted patrol unit, as he does like to take his time and carefully navigate “spooky” situations. But he has never acted unsafe, bolted, bucked, etc. Arizona is a very smart horse, and with that comes a horse that is thoughtful about tricky footing and would rather slow down, stop, and think rather than react when things get spooky. He is fantastic in a group, and is happy to lead, follow, or go in the middle of a pack. He sees large farm equipment, airplanes, helicopters, bikes, and dogs daily and handles it all well.
In the barn, Arizona knows his person. He’ll be the first to the gate to greet you and loves someone that he can bond with. The more time you spend in the barn with him, the happier he’ll be. He may perk his head up the first time in a new place, but he’s always been safe and smart, even when nervous. Give him a few moments and a scratch on the head, and he’s ready to go to work. He lives outside 24/7 with his pasture mates (mares, foals, and other geldings). He is the same horse whether ridden every day or every other week, and he’s a good boy for all the usual barn activities.
I have a full vetting with rads on file; Arizona is up to date with no vices or maintenance required- and ready to be your new partner.