Dusty Roads
Breed: Quarter Horse
Sex: Gelding
DOB: 1991
Height: 14.3 hh
Color: Bay
Markings: Star
Arrival Date: October , 2007
Location: Magnolia, TX
Adoption Fee: $500
 

Temperament: “Dusty” is a gentle horse, he’s not a love, but he will politely allow you to do what needs to be done with him. He was reportedly a family horse who got him from someone who ran barrels on him, but he doesn’t seem like a retired barrel horse to me. He’s very tolerant, but doesn’t really seek out human affection, he seems to prefer to be left to graze, except of course when you come out of the barn with his feed, then he comes a runnin’, literally. He was very malnourished when he came to us and suffered from a severe abscess; the vet had taken out a good portion of sole at the abscess site and Dusty was in a great deal of pain and could barely walk. He recovered quickly, he’s very sound with no more signs of abscessing so far. (one month into rehab). He’s easy to trim and is going nicely barefoot.

Physical problems / health issues: Needs to gain a little more weight at this time, but he’s doing great with his rehab.

Interaction with horses: He gets along fine with both mares and other geldings. He’s not herd leader here, but not bottom of the herd, either. He shows some dominant behavior and will square off with another horse if challenged. He recently got into a scuffle with my older gelding (28 years old and a BIG boy) and Dusty went a few rounds, kicking the whole time, then he finally gave up and walked off. He’s got some spunk, that’s for sure.

Interaction with people: He’s quiet and gentle, will let you do whatever without any protest--when he’s haltered. If I try to groom or mess with him at liberty, he will walk off, so you do have to halter him to pick his hooves or groom him or whatever.

History: Donated in lieu of seizure.

Training / abilities: Dusty is reportedly a retired barrel horse, but doesn’t seem like it. He doesn’t seem to have the size or temperament for that. He seems well broke to ride, although he’s one of those smart ol’ boys that will test you from the start and then settles in when you persist. (He will waltz with you when you first begin to mount up, but then stands quietly once he knows you’re there to finish what you started). At this point, we’ve only walked out on a loose rein in the round pen, he’s just now got enough weight on him that I felt comfortable tacking him up and riding him. He needs a bit more weight, but I would venture to guess that based on his attitude he’ll perform walk/trot/canter transitions like an old pro. I did put a 10 year old little girl on him and lead him around, she took the reins while I walked along side and he was well-mannered, quiet and all that. She rode him for a bit in the round pen with no trouble. We will do more with him as his weight comes up, but so far he gets an “A-”.

Experience level required to work with this horse: Novice on up. Horses like Dusty don’t come along very often. He’s well-broke, sound, handsome, quiet, everything you want in a horse for pleasure riding. With some good care, he can probably be brought back into shape and make a fine 4-H horse for a youngster, or would be great for Open Shows classes. I will ride him some more over the next few weeks as he finishes gaining weight and report any changes if need be.

Has this horse ever:  Bucked? Not reported by previous owner and not in foster care. Reared? Not reported by previous owner and not in foster care. Kicked? Will kick out at another horse while he’s eating even though they’re all fed in separate stalls, but probably because he’s malnourished. I expect this will go away as he fleshes out. Bitten? Not reported and not in foster care. Other?  

Ground handling: Catch? Easy. Lead? Leads nicely. Tie? Stands quietly. Trailer? Loads beautifully. Clip? Stands quietly while you clip with electric clippers, no problem. Trim Feet? Stands quietly, very well behaved for the trimmer. Bathe? Hasn’t had a full bath yet, but I doubt this will be a problem.

Special needs: Needs a bit more weight on him to flesh him out. He will need to be on quality senior feed the rest of his life. Part of his neglect was that he went for quite some time without getting his teeth floated and they were really bad. His tongue was torn up on one side and his teeth were boring holes in the roof of his mouth. His teeth have been floated and he’s not dropping much feed anymore. At this time he’s on soaked beet pulp and ACCO Golden Age Senior Feed and he’s doing well with it. He was very wormy, but has been wormed and is doing fine.

Other comments: Dusty seems like a ‘been there and back many times’ type of horse; he seems well suited for someone with less experience to learn to ride on, or even as a lesson horse. I have yet to see him spook at anything. When I rode him today for the first time, nearby deer hunters were shooting their rifles and he didn’t even flinch. My dogs went running and barking, chasing some birds up out of the brush near us and he only looked in that direction. Really solid guy, beautiful bay coloring, however the previous owner clipped his mane and forelock off rather than comb out the tangles so it’s still growing out (actually kinda cute on him). Even though he’s quiet and gentle and probably anyone can ride him (once they get the waltz over with), he’s 16 and came from a very neglectful home so he deserves a loving home who will not take advantage of his calmness and attitude by over-using him. He deserves respect and loving kindness in exchange. 

More pictures:

Updated: November 17, 2007

Adopt: Please contact us regarding adoptions at adoptions@habitatforhorses.org or call 1.866.HFH.LSER(866.434.5737).

Are you unable to adopt but would still like to have Dusty Roads in your life? Sponsor him through our Virtual Foster program.

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