Mighty Tony

Mighty Tony:1989 Morgan stallion.  Bay with large star.  15.3hh  Sire:Mind Your Manners  Dam:Here We Go Dressage (3rd/4th level) and halter
Former:Shower, Jumper, and English Pleasure horse

Mighty Tony, or Tony as everyone calls him at home, isn't your typical Morgan. Sure he's extraordinarily smart and has the all around athleticness of a Morgan, but he's also creating big waves. His big build (typical of older Morgans) and large gaits have set a new standard. His gentle ways and pony attitude has proven to the world that size does matter.

Tony hasn't had such a good life, though. Raised to be a police mount, by age four he was on the streets. For 3 years, under the saddle of former Dressage rider Kurt Gibbons, Tony wandered the streets preventing, and sometimes chasing crime. Unfortunately, the hard pavement paid its price and by age eight Tony's legs couldn't stand it any longer. He was forced to leave the force, and his beloved rider.

But Tony's kind and gentle rider was the reason Tony is so great today. In his spare time, Gibbons worked with Tony on Dressage, training him in the basics and moving his way up. Tony proved to be a worthy mount. And Kurt felt that with the right training, although rare to his breed, Tony might make it to the top.

It was then, that I saw Tony, on the auction block, head held high although obviously in pain. I set out to make him mine, and he became one of our foundation studs. I also found Tony's first son, a massive Morgan correctly named, Genuine Masterpiece, who I brought home as well, at this auction.

Gibbons informed us of Tony's Dressage background, but we went for a different path, jumping. Unfortunately, after a highly successful, but short career, Tony's legs couldn't stand the heat any longer. So to Dressage we went.

Tony's troubles were not over yet, though. By age 8 Tony was in 2nd Level Dressage, when he suddenly started falling back. He basically gave up and didn't attempt to win anymore with that heart we knew he had. After many months of searching, we found the source of the problem.

Tony had always been a highly sensitive horse. Because of his loving nature, Tony required much attention and nothing but kindness. Our new trainer didn't agree. He felt that if a horse didn't understand, the truth could be beat into it. Tony had been punished every time he made a wrong step, or move in the incorrect way. A mistake that could have been easily fixed by gentle words and trying again. Losing his spirit, Tony fell into just doing what was asked by him.

On the spot we fired the trainer and from then on spent our time babying Tony back into his former self. And little by little it worked.

Tony, now eleven, is in third level form and almost up to fourth. He's got a colourful background and a strong heart. He'll try anything you ask of him, as long as you ask in a nice manner. He's just as loving as ever and is perfectly capable of giving a child his/her first ride.

Our trainer Adriene ([email protected]) says, "Tony is a joy to ride. He almost gets frustrated when his body can't do the moves required in higher levels. He's learning bit by bit and I'm more and more impressed with him every day. I know he can make it to the top some day."

Tony, in his off season, has been bred for 4 years now. His foals take on his character and big build. They also have a tendency to be extra hard workers and extremely pleasing. His bay colour can be dominant.

Stud Fee:$750

To acquire a breeding to Tony, contact, [email protected]
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