| Not the best decision ever made. Red was just a little too much for a 8 year old to handle. Our trainer told us to never turn Red out side because he wouldn't be as pretty with his coat bleached, she did horrible things to get him to stop, and was almost cruel when telling us she was just trying to get him to submit by tying his hind leg to his ear. We quickly relieved Red of this situation and found a lady with alot of kindness and patients to teach Red to behave like a gentleman. This is when I fell in love with him. People told my parents time and time again that this was no horse for such a small inexperienced girl but in the months and years to come Red and I would prove their theory very incorrect. Red's first winter with us he suffered a near death colic because his water was not checked frequently enough at the boarding facility. He was tubed a total of 6 times and the vet came out to the barn that fateful afternoon to put him to sleep. The Dr. did a quick examination then looked up and said "why don't we give him just one more day." I will never forget those encouraging words. I spent night after night walking him around the arena until he got well. Red and I had wonderful times that spring riding bareback and playing cowboys and indians with other young horse riders. We soon moved to yet another boarding facility where Red and I finally found our knack. Jumping. We would go out and jump and jump until I was to tired to hang on as he plunged through in and outs and oxers. We stayed at this boarding place until my dad built us a barn of our own. By this time I had three horses, a POA, and 2 quarter horses. Red had become very well known around the area as he had proven so many sceptics wrong. It took me a long time to bulid up enough trust after some of his terrible trailer loading experiences but about two years ago I was able to get him loading better than anyother horse we own. Red and I now trail ride everywhere, barrel race at local shows, and do some jumping on the side just for fun. Red has taught me how to ride and I have taught him how to trust. Now my only hope is this wonderful horse can fulfill another young riders dreams as he has done mine. I am now 15 and my interests have changed. I now show draft horses and am the youth leader of the North American Spotted Draft Horse Association. Red deserves much more time than I can give him as I am no longer homeschool and can not dedicate enough time to giving lessons, training horses, and keeping up 4 horses of my own. If you are interested in Red please contact me by phone or e-mail. |
