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.

Show-Worthy Course

January 2006 (5.20MB)

Keeper on the Flat at Home

September 2005 (1.48MB)

Keeper Warming-Up at Home

September 2005 (923 KB)

Keeper Over Fences at Home

September 2005 (1.43 MB)

Please be patient as the video segments may take a
moment to download, especially with older computers and
dial-up connections. Fast, free download for Quicktime
video player.

Keeper's Pedigree