"Everything we do is for the horse"
Our Friends ~ Equine Sponsor ~ In Loving Memory... ~ Ranch Gifts ~ Newsletter
1997
Spot was donated to SCR in April 2002. His history before that, as it was relayed to us when he was signed over, was one involving minimal training. The owner that was donating him to SCR said that when she got him, she spent a good part of their first year together teaching him to be caught and accept the halter. He was already a few years old, at that point.
When Spot was signed over to SCR, his owner explained that he had been started under saddle, but she could go no further with him. She was a working student and was only allowed one stall in her program. When she was given the opportunity to work with a fully trained horse, she decided to give Spot to the care of SCR.
Although Spot had begun his education, SCR volunteers quickly learned he had a long way to go. He did not trailer load, had poor ground manners, did not cross tie well, and did not stand well for the farrier or vet. Furthermore, he was very green under saddle, and so still needed a lot of work in that area as well. But, we were willing to work with him.
SCR volunteers put a lot of time into Spot, working to improve his manners and to continue his education under saddle. It seemed we working against big obstacles...Spot was nervous of things he did not understand, was stubborn when he did not like what was presented to him, and did not seem to recognize that he was over 17 hands and weighed about 1500 lbs!
But, Spot met his match in one of the SCR volunteers...she was willing to deal with his stubborn streak, and to help him learn...no matter how long it took. So, in October 2002 Spot was adopted and has been doing well with his new owner ever since. They have since gone to, and ribboned in, Spot's first Hunt Seat shows (at least as far as SCR knows). His new owner has also started him in the discipline of Dressage, and hopes to try him in some local shows.
SCR wishes Spot and his new owner luck and success in the future.