15.2 cob x tb gelding

Killian is 17 years young but very low milage with no known health issues. He is very handsome, loves life, loves his work and would suit a confident kind rider who wants to go out and have loads of fast paced fun.

He has a lovely nature, is super friendly and always pleased to see you, the first to say hello when you go to the shed, he always comes over in the field and is very offended if you don’t catch him! He has been out with mares and geldings but does have a tendency to get over attached to one in particular (although which one he is in love with at the time changes with the weather!).

We bought him in the Autumn for my 15-year-old daughter to bring back into work, as he had been out of work since covid. He’s very low mileage having had a relatively easy life in his previous home of nearly ten years, although he did do a little bit of show jumping, fun rides, hunting, arena eventing and flat work lessons. He is now back in regular work having done lots of hacking over the winter and regular schooling/pole work lessons. He knows his job in an arena and responds well on the flat and over poles. Josie hasn’t yet done more than pop him in trot over a small jump in the field and small logs on hacks as she doesn’t feel confident enough to jump any faster. He has a scopey forward going jump out of canter but will pop a small jump out of trot.

To hack he is very forward going but safe, and loves being out and about and looking at the scenery ????. He’s brilliant with all traffic, doesn’t blink at farm machinery and will hack alone or in company (although is more forward going on his own). We have ridden across a few fields, and he can get excitable in open spaces, jogging rather than pulling, but Josie doesn’t feel confident enough to do lots of riding through open fields with him. He has three lovely paces, with powerful big strides and is very well schooled. He doesn’t pull or take off but he’s strong and sometimes needs reminding his rider is there. He’d benefit from a bigger rider or someone who’s happy and confident to go at his speed.

He did play with his bit a lot and was very sensitive in his mouth when we first had him but having swapped to a less harsh bit this has improved massively, and he seems a lot more content although he does still have a habit of mouthing a lot when he’s schooling. He is energetic, very forward going, and loves to be out about, he can get a bit excitable at times, nothing nasty just very enthusiastic and he needs someone who is confident and will enjoy this. He’s the same whether he’s ridden every day, or not ridden for a couple of weeks, if he’s going to have a particularly excitable day, he will either way, although this only happens occasionally.

Having been out of work for a while, when we first had Killian he didn’t want to stand to be mounted, but he now waits patiently. We were told he can be a bit funny with his bridle going over his ears and his girth, however we take our time tacking him up and now have no issues.

He can be a bit rude and strong on the ground if you let him, pulling you where he’d like to go, but if you are firm and remind him of his manners he will lead nicely. This has definitely improved the more we’ve done with him. He is good to catch, shoe, clip, bath and generally handle, although can occasionally need reminding of his manners. He travels in a lorry or trailer, although does prefer company when loading.

We love Killian to bits (he’s a real sweetie) and Josie enjoys riding him, but because she’s only small and quite nervous he’s just too big and forward going for her to do all that she wants to do. Sadly, he isn’t going to work out with us which is a real shame as we were really hoping it would. If Josie had more time to work on building her confidence with him and wasn’t busy with her schoolwork, work and doing her exams next year we would definitely carry on with him, however we don’t want him to be wasted and he deserves to be out having fun because he loves to have a job. He really needs someone who is wanting to go and have loads of fun now. He is such a lovely boy, and really thrives off attention. Although he was bolshy when he first came, and took a while to settle, he has clearly benefited from six months of regular work and lots of one-to-one attention and is more trusting and content now he has got to know us.

He deserves a loving home that will take him out and enjoy doing loads of different things with him. He wouldn’t suit a home where he’ll be a field ornament as he loves to have a job to do and thrives on work.Will come with a full wardrobe, including bridle, custom fitted saddle and a range of rugs. Up to date with all vaccinations. Only the very best of homes will be considered. Please PM for further info.