About this item

Breed: Thoroughbred Gender: Gelding Age: 9 Height: 16.0hh Color: Dark Bay Disciplines: Companion, Other, Trail Riding, English Pleasure, Therapy - Non-Riding Adoption fee: $1 Location: Owner to Owner Program — Woodbine, MD DISCLAIMER: The information presented for this horse was provided by its owner. An in-person assessment by DEFHR has not been completed to confirm that all information presented is accurate and true. Tito has been approved by DEFHR to receive a $500 stipend toward corrective kissing spine surgery, to be paid directly to the veterinarian performing the procedure. Inquire about Tito and we'd be happy to discuss further. Aperitivo, lovingly called Tito, is a 2017, 16h registered Thoroughbred gelding. He raced only one year, in 2021, and was retired after 8 starts and over $42,000 earnings. His current owner purchased him a couple of years ago, intending for him to be their next eventing horse. As Tito started into training, it was clear to his owner that he was uncomfortable. After various diagnostics and treatments for his stifle and SI, it was finally discovered that Tito had kissing spine. Tito's owner has recently updated us that she feels he has been doing very well with some time off and is going to be slowly starting him back into light work this summer to see how he does. She feels he may be able to handle light pleasure/trail riding without corrective surgery for his kissing spine. With surgery, however, he may even be able to handle some low level dressage for a wide range of riders. If riding with other horses or just going for an easy ride where he won't be asked to do much, his owner feels he is suitable for an advanced beginner rider. If ridden alone or asking more of him, he does benefit from a more experienced and confident rider who can offer him a bit more support. As you can see from his video, Tito does move very nicely. Tito could also make a wonderful non-riding companion horse. He is busting at the seams with personality and is quite the goofball. His owner says he is very playful, both with people and other horses. He loves to work and interact with those around him, so he'd probably be a great candidate for liberty groundwork or trick training. Tito is careful around children and really enjoys attention, so he'd be a great family horse to simply love on and pamper. Tito is UTD on everything. He is currently barefoot, but may need front shoes if put back into work. He is currently living out 24/7 without issue. Tito's owner has only kept him with geldings, but he has trailered and worked around mares without an issue. He can get in your space at times and be a bit mouthy, so establishing consistent boundaries with him will be important. Tito can also be playful in the herd, so would do best with other horses who can stand their ground and keep his shenanigans in check. This boy is a clown and sure to bring a smile to your face on a daily basis! If you feel he could be the right horse for you, inquire about him and let's chat! Owner to Owner Program (O2O) is a rescue; this horse is for adoption, not for sale. Message Owner to Owner Program (O2O) here on tacktack to ask about Aperitivo and the adoption process. Rescue website: https://defhr.org/owner-assistance/ Original listing on My Right Horse: https://www.myrighthorse.org/available-horses/gelding-thoroughbred-from-woodbine-aperitivo