Hendrix
Breed: Perch x
Sex: gelding
Age: 2020
Height: 16h
Pedigree:
Price: $20000 subject to change
Link to lots of photos:https://www.flickr.com/photos/11833417@N05/albums/72177720330386526
Link to videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt-dzmhstvn0Xz7sijLGfA6U-DhLJoaXE
Hendrix is a stunning 5yr 16h percheron x. Sometimes I know that I talk people out of a nice horse but I would rather be honest about my horses. Hendrix is the draft x that I think so many of my eventer friends absolutely want! He can move and he can really jump! He eats up the cross country course. Loves jumping around. Has scope to at least do a 1* and I know he looks a bit chunky but I promise he rides so athletic. He just isn't the type for the casual trail rider or someone who wants a super duper quiet type.
He came to us with good mileage on him but was out of shape and hadn't done a lot prior to arrival. I was told he wasn't "sensitive" but not sure I would agree. I find describing these types complicated because he is QUIET to ride meaning more of a push type. Brave. Nothing silly. Clearly well schooled. Loves to jump. Nice flatwork. Will do his lead changes. Fun! Uncomplicated for someone who has experience. He just isn't the type that would love a beginner rider. He likes a more clearly defined ride in terms of the leg/hand/seat. You can't get mad at him because he thinks you are mad and he will sulk about it. If you tell him he is awesome and he can do it then he is like yes I can absolutely do it but I think if a rider was a timid rider he wouldn't be as confident as he is with us if that makes any sense?
He is another "draft type" that I find you can't just throw things around him in terms of the ground stuff. Again, he doesn't do anything wrong. They are always the type that respect your space maybe a bit too much. I don't know who makes them like this....I am sure this was some former training but they are scared to do anything wrong which make them a bit jumpy because they are like OMG what will happen to me. I find with these types you have to be more purposeful in your actions like hey I am about to throw this blanket on you ok? You don't just throw something at him and think he will not move. He will be like OMG you didn't tell me. If you tell him he is like yeah whatever. He was kinda squirrely with mounting but again not in a going to do anything kind of way just more of a tense type. You have to tell him what you are going to do. You don't just fly on him from the mounting block or he will just tense his neck up and shuffle off. If you tell him then he is like cool whatever.
I tell people these things because it matters. He is actually a snuggly type of horse but when you give him a second to approach. He loves people/treats/etc but when he has a minute to process. I honestly have found all these things to be more common than not in my draft x's which is why I think people can have bad experiences because they just assume oh it's a draft x and it must be a beginner type. Some are but lots are just not. It doesn't mean they aren't absolutely awesome but it does mean making sure they get the right matches. They can give off weird energy. That sounds nutty to say that but I don't know how else to describe them. Once you learn them, you realize it is just them but they can really intimidate people who are not familiar them.
We have done a ton of stuff with this horse and we think he is so cool but he is just attracting the wrong types and I have steered them away. He rides western/english, trail rides, goes xc, travels off the farm, jumps in the ring, jumps around xc and is just cool as they get. He is a stocky sturdy type but is also very athletic. Uphill, balanced, light and a really nice ride. I think he will continue to become more "normal" because he is much improved since we got him but it would be unfair for me to not give a thorough description. We do a ton and ton of work with him weekly just really doing all the things to make him figure out life as a riding horse.
He is sound, barefoot, no injuries and no vices. Obvious easy keeper. Excellent to handle. One I have felt very comfortable handling with broken ribs because he is so respectful on the ground.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt-dzmhstvn0Xz7sijLGfA6U-DhLJoaXE