17hh dark bay TB (never raced), sad sale of much loved friend

This is a very sad sale of a much loved friend. Never raced TB, I have had him since he was 18 months old. Due to my own health issues which I had hoped would improve but haven’t, I am unable to give him the time and commitment that he deserves. He has been schooled in basic dressage and would do well with someone who knows more than me (I came to horses late and haven’t the knowledge to do more than the basics with him). He has a calm head in local competition conditions. Not much spooks him, although he can be shy of traffic. Will hack alone, although I’d avoid busy roads if alone. He’s fine in any company to hack and again, whilst not keen on traffic, will take confidence from his rider and companions.

He has fully recovered from kissing spine surgery 2 years ago and is regularly seen by the vet, physio, Chiro, farrier and saddler and all proclaim him sound and confirm he’d pass a vetting. Because of this though, I wouldn’t advise jumping him to avoid undue stress on his back. Despite this though, he does however love jumping, so we will do gridwork, raised poles, some small jumps for variety and a log or two if out hacking.

He is generally a healthy, happy, loveable and affectionate horse. I am devastated to let him down and to have reached this decision. I have fought it for some time, but I feel I have no choice and it is fairest to him to find him a good home where he’ll have a new best friend to give him the time and attention he deserves.