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Breed: American Quarter Horse Gender: Gelding Age: 17 Height: 16.0hh Color: Bay Disciplines: Prospect for Any Discipline, Western Pleasure, Trail Riding, English Pleasure Adoption fee: $800 Location: Longmeadow Rescue Ranch — Union, MO Meet Major! Major is a tall, dark, and handsome Quarter Horse who is ready for his forever home! Upon evaluation, our trainers found that Major had some previous training before he found his way to Longmeadow. He knows basic groundwork skills but can easily become overwhelmed if too much is asked too quickly. When his brain gets flooded, our trainers found that he would tend to shut down or become reluctant to engage, especially during certain groundwork (like lunging). We don’t believe this is because he is defiant. This boy really does aim to please. Major just needs a patient handler who can work him through his confusion and sensitivity and build his confidence to make him the best boy he can be. When it comes to being ridden under saddle, Major will need additional training. His hind end needs strengthening and continued development, and while he showed some recognition of the girth upon evaluation, the rest of the tack (especially the saddle) seemed completely foreign and frightening to him. It's likely he’s been exposed to a bit of tack before, but during his evaluation, there was no indication that this big gelding was ever actually ridden. Because of this, we believe he has not yet been started under saddle and will need to be started under a professional trainer. Don’t let this sway your opinion of this beautiful bay boy! Major truly is like a sweet, giant puppy dog. One of his most endearing traits is how expressive he is. Whether it’s animated licking and chewing, long deep breaths, or subtle shifts in expression, he communicates openly and honestly with his handler. He’s also got a lovely tolerance for close contact with our staff and trainers. Major is comfortable being laid across and led around, which hints at a trusting nature that’s just waiting to be tapped into! This sweet boy would thrive with someone who can move slowly and steadily, offering the consistency and confidence he needs to expand his comfort zone. He will need an advanced intermediate rider who can give him the professional training, time, structure, and support he needs to succeed. Maximum Carrying Weight (includes tack and rider): 260lbs Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is a rescue; this horse is for adoption, not for sale. Rescue website: http://www.longmeadowrescueranch.org