Deuce
Breed: Possibly QH
Sex: Gelding
DOB: 2004
Height: 14.0
Color: Red Dun
Markings: Blaze, left hind sock.
Arrival Date: May 9, 2007
Location: Dayton, TX
Adoption Fee: $250
 

Temperament: Very sweet with good manners for a horse his age and having not been handled much for a year. He absolutely loves attention and comes to the fence when ever he sees people.

Physical problems / health issues: None known.

Interaction with horses: Deuce was just recently introduced to a pasture with one other gelding. He is very submissive to this gelding and has to be separated to eat as he will not stand his ground to get his fair share of grain. He does share hay with the other gelding with no issues. This other gelding is not extremely aggressive but Deuce will back down at the most subtle intimidation. It's only been a week since he was introduced to this other horse. We have observed that he is now starting to try to share the run in shed and appears to be coming more comfortable asserting himself a bit.

Interaction with people: Seems to really like attention and is pretty well behaved. He's not had much handling for the last year and his history is not known prior to that.

History: He was donated when his owners could no longer care for him. He was purchased at an auction in the Spring of 2006 and was largely unhandled for the last year.

Training / abilities: In his prior home a teenager sat on him bareback. He seems to have the temperament to be easily trained, he learns quickly and seems to really think about what is being asked of him.

Deuce was evaluated under saddle on September 8, 2007. He accepted the pad and saddle with no protest and no protest when cinched up. He lunged with the saddle with absolutely no buck and accepted a bit with no problem. He did not play with the bit or act like it was the first time he'd had one in his mouth. The trainer stood in the stirrup a couple times with no reaction; and still no reaction when he got all the way on. At this point it was clear that Deuce is not broke to ride, he didn't have any idea what to do with someone on his back but, again, he did not act out in any way. He pretty much just stood still and did not appear stressed or fearful, just didn't know what he should do next. With some consistent bumps to his sides he would eventually take a step forward or with some consistent requests to turn he would take a step to the side but that was pretty much it.

This horse is just super sweet and very smart. I have been very pleased with his attitude since we've had him and was not at all surprised to see how well he tolerated everything today. Odds are, someone spent some time working with him at some point earlier in his life. My trainer REALLY likes him and said that as smart and easy going as he is that with 30 days work he could be going nicely under saddle.

Experience level required to work with this horse: Not quite a beginner but somewhere between beginner and intermediate. He is a young horse and will occasionally try something he knows he's not supposed to do just to see if he can get away with it (like "can I shake my head out of my halter while you're taking it off so I can rush to my food"? NO or "can I stop and yank up this tuft of grass while you're leading me to the barn"? NO). Provided a handler knows how to gently remind him of what is and is not permitted he would be fine, otherwise he could become an ill mannered bully. With a bit of training and maturity he could easily be suitable for a beginner.

Has this horse ever:  Bucked? No. Reared? No. Kicked? Yes, he threatened on a few occasions when he first came in but has not attempted since. See "other comments". Bitten? No, but can be a bit mouthy. Other?  

Ground handling: Catch? Yes. Lead? Yes. Tie? Yes Trailer? Yes. Clip? Unknown. Trim Feet? Yes. Bathe? Doesn't love water but getting much better about it.

Special needs:

Other comments: Deuce threatened to kick on several occasions when he first came in, all in situations where he was scared or unsure. He was easily corrected and with just a few minutes of work he was standing quietly. He has not attempted or threatened to kick since those first couple instances. He's very smart and wants to cooperate and do what is asked of him.

More pictures:

Updated: September 9, 2007

Adopt: Please contact us regarding adoptions at adoptions@habitatforhorses.org or call 1.866.HFH.LSER(866.434.5737).

Are you unable to adopt but would still like to have Deuce in your life? Sponsor him through our Virtual Foster program.

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