We were contacted by one of our supporters who had rescued a nine year-old buckskin Quarter Horse gelding from auction. He was shut down at first, but she has done quite a bit of work with him on the ground and he is starting to come around and be more sociable.
Sadly, Spirit has navicular, and while he is comfortable at liberty, he is not sound enough for riding. His owner has had financial difficulties and is no longer able to afford him, so she is looking for a good home for him. For more information, please fill out our horse inquiry form– we will forward all inquiries onto the owner.
Spirit displayed some trauma behavior when he was first rescued, but his owner has worked with him a lot and he enjoys being groomed and handled now. More from his owner:
He’s sweet. He acts like he’s not an affectionate guy, and he’s always in your space. He likes to be right next to you, wants to see what you’re doing. He plays with his lips and is pretty mouthy. Acts like a child haha. Picks up my shirt and tries to get away with nibbling me even though he knows he shouldn’t. He’s got a big personality and opinions!! He learned to trust. I’ve seen him get really playful when I turn him out, rear and buck on a good day. I’ve hand walked him on trail and he did great! He didn’t limp or seem to have any major issues. It’s only when I’ve tried to ride him that he shows obvious discomfort. I don’t think he should ever be ridden. His condition is moderate enough that I worry any weight on his back could cause it to progress more. I believe he’d be a great companion horse! I think he could even be a light packing or buddy trail horse, just can’t be ridden.
He’s more favorable towards mares. He’s been turned out with a gelding, but he’s not a fan. He’s next to a gelding and a mare and has no problems with that, but if he’s being turned out with another horse he prefers either being alone or a mare. Unless you can find a gelding be really likes.
He has shoes with leather pads at the moment. He doesn’t have any other medical issues. He’s had a full exam by the vet, lameness test, and X-rays. He’s been diagnosed with moderate navicular. He eats alfalfa twice a day. I give him grain with vitamins and electrolytes. He gets Equioxx once a day. He’s good with dogs as the owner of the ranch has 2 Rottweilers that run around with her at night. There are also cats and chickens that free range the place.
Overall, I really believe he’s an amazing horse. He deserves a calm lifestyle where he can be happy and loved. I just want him to be happy. I don’t have the finances to give him what he needs and I feel bad that he’s in a stall majority of the time. If I had my own ranch I’d keep him and give him the pasture life I believe he deserves. And I really hope he can find that.
If you are interested in helping Spirit, please fill out our horse inquiry form– we will forward all inquiries onto the owner.
