Winston

I purchased Winston in January of 2012 after Jackson's laminitis had progressed to the point where he could no longer tolerate being ridden.

Winston is a 2007 Appaloosa/Hanovarian cross.  When I found him near Fresno, CA, he was a 16h bay with a blanket of spots and racing flames on his butt.  He was forward, but also level headed.  He had great feet and didn't require shoes.   He could jump.  He learned to do trails.  And, most importantly for me, he had the potential to do dressage. 

This is Winston, age four, when I first met him at a barn near Fresno, California.

I contacted Winston's breeder shortly after I purchased him and she sent me pictures of his mama and papa and his baby pictures.  His sire is a gorgeous leoapard appy -- check out the pictures here.

When I changed jobs and we moved to Northern California, I no longer had time to ride Winston regularly.  Between the move, an unexpected surgery, and longer work hours, Winston went for about six months without regular work.  Once the move was complete and I was healed, I only had time to ride him on the weekends.  Winston needed regular work and I couldn't provide that for him.  He started bucking when he was unsure, or not confident, or not in the mood to work.  He tossed me a few times and after a few injuries, I completely lost my nerve.  I moved him into full time training with Sandy Savage and he did great.  She taught him to be successful and confident and, most importantly, obedient.  He was fun to ride in a lesson but I couldn't ride him on my own.  After a few months, I made the difficult decision to sell him so that he could have the regular work he loves and needs.  He moved to his new home at the beginning of June, 2014.  His new owner was young, brave, and competent.  She put him in full training and they did well at shows.  Unfortunately, he continued to rodeo buck with her and after a few bad falls, she decided to sell him.  Last I heard, he was doing well as an eventing horse back East.