Rooster

Rooster is a 20 year old gelding standing 14.1 hands and truly one of the sweetest, easiest guys you’ll ever meet. We sold Rooster to one of my students three years ago, and he did exactly the job we hoped he would built her confidence, took care of her, and helped her advance to her next horse. Now it’s Rooster’s turn to do the same for someone else. His owners absolutely love him, and he will always have a home with them. They are requesting first right of refusal and will be very particular about where he goes. The only reason we are looking for another home is because Rooster deserves to still be used, loved, and enjoyed rather than sitting around. Rooster is a true all-around horse with years of experience. He was a barrel and pole horse and won his share of money, buckles, and awards. He knew his job and did it well. The fast, speedy days are behind him now. He is perfectly happy walking, trotting, and cantering but he does NOT want to be pushed for speed anymore and at 20 years old, he’s earned that right! He is not being rehomed as a competitive speed horse, so please don’t ask if he can still be pushed to run, he gets grumpy when being asked for speed and does not want to! If that were the life he wanted, he’d still be doing it with my student. Rooster’s next chapter is about slow, easy, and enjoyable. And honestly, that’s where this guy shines. In the arena, he’s broke like one should be. He walks, trots, and canters, knows his leads, has a comfortable canter, nice stop and back, true one-hand neck rein, moves off leg, and gives to the bit. He’s also a great horse for teaching kids how to post because he’s one you actually need to post on! Rooster LOVES the trails. He’ll ride out alone or with a group, pony another horse, or happily be ponied himself. Traffic, dogs, quads, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, and general commotion don’t seem to bother him. He’ll carry a flag and go over or through just about anything you point him toward. He’s even been swimming, and standing in the water may be one of his favorite activities.

He generally gets along well with everyone and isn’t one looking to cause problems.

Rooster currently requires no special maintenance. When he was competing, he received routine hind-end maintenance more as preventative care. He has the typical age related changes you’d expect from a 20-year-old horse but currently does not require special shoeing, feed, or supplements. He is shod in front and has previously been shod all the way around.

One additional disclosure: Rooster does have an occasional dry, hay-type cough that tends to be more noticeable when he’s sitting and not being worked. He has been evaluated by a veterinarian with no current concerns. Living in Arizona with the dry conditions and dust doesn’t help, and he does benefit from soaked pellets and dampened hay. They also own a breathing machine and have used that on occasions as well. Does not need this but they own one, so why not use it. 

I personally know 6+ years of this horse’s history. There won’t be much guessing with this guy. Rooster could make an amazing trail partner or be exactly what another kid needs to gain confidence and advance in their riding. He’s already done that job beautifully a handful of times, and we’d love nothing more than to watch him do it again.

His owners will be selective, require first right of refusal, and will personally deliver Rooster to his new home. This isn’t about finding him just a home it’s about finding him the right one, again he will not be sold to a performance type home .Rooster is current on hoof care, teeth, shots, and deworming.