I’ve had a number of rather dramatic days in a row (the details or which really aren’t worth blogging about) but the most exciting element of the upheaval is we have finally managed to find a replacement for Sham:
This is Bear. Yes, he’s another bay quarterhorse gelding. But he’s quite different. He is older and more experienced. He’s also quieter and sweeter. We’re hoping he’s going to be a better match for Brian. He arrived yesterday (after we drove up north a couple of times to ride him and get him checked out by a vet). He is such a relaxed guy. He likes people. He’s happy to just hang around. He’s also surprisingly responsive and supple under saddle. So, updates to follow!
More photos and info can be found on Brian’s new horse blog.
Yeah, it is funny how much you can tell from a photo. 🙂 You're not the first person who's said that. And he really is a whole lot more mellow.
And yes, he's also a good deal shorter than Sham. Sham was 15.3. This guy is only about 15 hands. Which is fine – particularly since he's in his teens and shorter horses tend to stay sound longer.
Congrats on the new horse. He definitely looks a lot mellower (as much as one can tell these things from photos). Is he a bit shorter than Sham as well?