Life
Promise - "Keeper"
1999
16.1 hh Dark Bay Thoroughbred Gelding
Keeper
was rescued from the Sugarcreek Livestock Auction in late July 2005.
He was quite desirable to me (and to the killers) because he is
in such fantastic condition. His coat is rich and shiny, someone
clearly loved this horse and was forced to give him up for some
unknown reason - truly a rare find! Keeper is an exquisitly built
horse with a sloping shoulder, well-sprung ribs, a beautifully marked
and inquisitive face, and a kind eye. He has straight, sturdy legs
that are blemish free except for an old scar with white hair. I
have not seen a thoroughbred quite this exquisite in a long time.
Keeper
is accustomed to turn out with several other horses and is always
easy to catch in the field. He stands quietly for bathing, will
cross tie for mane pulling, braiding, clipping, and farrier work.
Keeper is comfortable in the barn and in the arena with and without
companions. He loads into and out of the trailer easily, hauls well,
and will tie to the side. He has no vices except that he is a slight
cribber; he cribbs while stalled and will require a collar. Keeper
has a friendly, curious personality; he loves the company and affection
of humans.
It
is clear to me that he has had some prior off-the-track training.
He is polite around the barn and stands quietly for mounting. Keeper
already has a lovely flat kneed trot. He loves to stretch out and
has a long, low neck and nearly flawless headset. Keeper needs a
quiet rider with soft hands at the canter. Since starting over fences,
during the first week of August, Keeper has already demonstrated
his inclination to be brave and honest. He is already jumping 3'3"
and has consistantly swapped his front lead but still needs work
getting the hind. He has a large stride and easily gets down the
lines. He will easily be in the ribbons over fences due to his quiet
rhythm and style. This horse is truly an wonderful ride due to his
quiet nature; I'm sure that nearly any rider would love him as he
has quickly become my own favorite.
Keeper
performed eagerly at his first show on September 3rd and 4th
after just 15 days of training. He was nervous and fidgetted
between classes but I was impressed with how poised and professional
he was in the arena. He did not refuse a show or practice fence
or miss a lead all weekend and was quiet and confident even in
the busy schooling arenas. On the flat he kept his cool even
when he was stuck in a pack of greener and hotter horses. When
on course he remained calm and collected up to the end and jumped
around with his ears forward the entire time. He competed in
Beginning Hunter and Very Green Hunter at The Showtime Series
Redtail Ridge Classic in September and placed 5th, 6th, and 6th
over fences among 16 other horses and even received 4th under
saddle. In October he placed well in the Junior Amateur Division;
receiving 3rd and 4ths over fences, and second on the flat. I
can see that Keeper will continue to make progress and perform
in the tougher classes over higher fences; continueing to place
well. Keeper has the looks, size, talent, courage, and personality
that make a fabulous hunter. Keeper seems grateful for his rescue
and loves his new job as evidenced by his performance in the
show arena, his honesty over fences, and his eager to please
attitude. This horse is truly a rare and fortunate rescue and
I am thankful that I was able to offer such a superior prospect
a second chance. Keeper would well suit a Walk,
Trot, Canter Level Rider
or better.
Keeper
shows potential in hunters, dressage, and equitation. He would be
an excellent children’s or amateur hunter, equitation show
horse, or pony club mount. He is a young, cute, and sound prospect
for a less expereinced rider to progress on and an advanced rider
to take in nearly any direction. I'm excited to see how quickly
Keeper will progress as time goes on.
Sold
- Congratulations to Malkah Fox-Epstein!!!
If
you currently have a DVD featuring Keepr please return it so
that I may forward extra copies on to his proud new owner.
If
you were interested in Keeper please feel free to check out Amherst
Wildcat and/or Timbergreen. |