Update on Riley: The scoop

Ri at six months, growing out of his halter...

I've owned Riley since he was three weeks old, and he has been a source of joy to me. He's sweet, and kind, and sensitive, and beautiful, and a clown. I've ridden him since he was about four, and we competed successfully at the lower levels.

Our riding partnership
I love watching my trainer ride Riley -- he's happy in his work, forward, lofty -- just gorgeous to watch, leggy and elegant. But it's really about Riley and me isn't it?

In the last year I've begun to realize that although we do okay together most of the time, we are not an especially good match as riding partners.  There are good rides, and I'm learning to ride better because of him; there is no doubt my riding has progressed. But we have not really progressed together as a team. Ri's big, and he's a big mover, but he's surprisingly sensitive. When he offers the energy and movement that we need, I have trouble staying balanced, and frankly I get in his way. Ri is a good boy -- he has been more than forgiving, but he can't do it alone. At the end of the day he needs a rider who can stay balanced and ride those gaits.

I've thought about this a lot, and after agonizing for months, Riley is for sale. I'm not in a hurry, and I waffle on this decision, especially after a good ride.  He'll go only to an awesome loving home. Please feel free to share with people who you think might be interested. He's a special horse and he has so much to offer. He's on dreamhorse.com, warmbloods-for-sale.com, and equine.com...