Horses – Quest Farm

Charlie

Meet Charlie!

Charlie is a pony who likes to march to the beat of his own drummer! He likes to explore when he escapes from the paddock! Charlie was a former petting zoo pony, so you can trust that his good nature never fails! I have been working a lot with Charlie‘s manners. Because a lot of children fed him treats he tended to be a bit nippy! This is not something I want to encourage in a pony. But he really likes to be brushed, and is good to clean out his feet now. I am amazed how he stays so white, even in muddy conditions. He is learning to drive. I drive him without a bit right now as his forelock is too thick for the bridle. During the winter, he and I skijored…that means he pulled me while I was skiing. He was so patient when I fell! Just stood there as I struggled to my feet. I bought a cart for him and I know he is will enjoy being hitched exploring the country. He is so brave!

I took that as a sign from him that he was ready to retire. I was never quite happy with the care and Julien never seemed happy being a horse.

I found Kerstin Blaeske, a respected dressage coach who was experienced in working with older horses. She was also empathetic to treating Julien like the diva he likes to be. As Julien started to feel better, his soundness improved and I stopped riding him bareback in a halter and lead rope! Much too spunky now!

As on older horse over the winter, I have been working on gently increasing his fitness and returning to the basics of light aids, lots of transitions and correct paces. Julien has never gone better for me and he is sound. He seems to like this lifestyle.

This summer I plan to continue working with Kerstin to see if it is possible for me to catch up to Julien‘s training while he still likes to work. I may even catch a few shows!

Julien is available to half lease for the right rider. He is a love bug and the right person will want to continue a partnership based upon sound riding principles without drilling, commitment to working with Julien 3 times a week, lessons, and lots of rewards

(petting, brushing and some treats).

Tessa is the easiest to lead so she is always my chosen oneOne of the benefits to getting the goats was supposed to be their eating habits. I heard that they would eat a lot of the weeds. Unfortunately, my goats didn’t get that memo….weeds still abound at my place! I am planning to get a couple of pet sheep, cows and alpacas in the future, maybe even some chickens! The horses here are getting some professional development!