Well, Jmackk corresponded with me about giving my Apaloosa, Buck, a fair chance and I felt like I did. (Thank you Jmackk) But he just wasn't right for what I wanted to do with him, and wasn't fun or comfortable to ride outside of the ring. Allergies and sensitivity to bugs kept his head shaking and flinging constantly on the trail. We found him a good home and recently found Thomas, a draft cross with much trail experience and a great temperament. He's ten years old and a real sweetheart. I've already enjoyed some time with him on the trails and he takes good care of me. Up and down hills, creek crossings and wooden bridges. Three of us were riding side by side and one of the thoroughbreds spooked at nothing and spun around in a split second. My wife's TB followed suit, spinning around. She said as soon as the spinning stopped she looked to see what condition I was in on the ground, but there I was, sittin' on Thomas who never even flinched. Two horses right next to him bolt around in a 180 degree spin within feet of him and he was like, "Um, I don't see anything. Settle down, freaks." Another time a deer darted from the corn right in front of us and he did that thing where he just stops suddenly, but was very stable.
So I think he'll be a really nice trail horse for me. Super quiet, nice and stocky (actually getting a little fat in his new home), excellent feet (no shoes), and gets along well with our others.
