Midland County 4-H Exceptional Riders Program

TALL IN THE SADDLE

Horse Biographies

Becky is owned by Kay.  She is a 19 year old Arabian mare.  Becky has been participating in Tall in the Saddle for several years.  She likes her “space” and does not like to be crowded – especially by the geldings!  She is a great mount for our more independent riders who do not require side-walkers.  She has great manners and a very sweet disposition.  She is also Spree’s favorite friend.

Betty is owned by Chip.  She is a Draft / Quarter Horse cross.  Chip is not certain exactly how old Betty is but thinks she is probably 31 or 32 years old!  She has been coming to Tall in the Saddle for many years.  She is a reliable and sturdy mount who is very calm and not easily excited.  When curious about Betty’s weight, Chip rode her to the grain elevator and weighed her on the truck scale!  She came in just under 1,800 pounds!!!  Chip & Betty are a TON of fun!!!

Bubba is a 12 year old gelding and is owned by Tall in the Saddle.  His registered name is GFA Oreo Double Stuff.  He is a Spotted Saddlebred / Arabian cross, otherwise know as an American Show Horse.  He was a favorite of Mrs. Bennett who owns Greystone Farm Arabians and has supported Tall in the Saddle for over 30 years!  Bubba’s mother, Fabia, was special to us as well because she holds the record of the longest serving Tall in the Saddle mount.  She was a beautiful princess at our 2006 Halloween Party.  Bubba is a favorite because he has such a wonderful temperament and is EXTREMELY HANDSOME!

Bugsy is owned by Maureen and is a 9 year old Welsh pony gelding.  He joined our Tall in the Saddle team for the Fall session in 2007.  He is very comfortable to ride because has a longer stride than most ponies.  He is a sweet boy who is also very resourceful.  One day after returning home from a trail ride he spied a tiny little water dish for the barn kitty and puckered his lips to get a drink!

Casey is owned by The Johnson Family and is a 24 year old American Quarter Horse gelding who stands 16.2 hands tall.  Casey is a very gentle giant and likes to test his riders to see how serious they are about trotting (he prefers walking).  He was shown 4-H for many years and is an old pro at obstacle/trail classes, as well as eating. 

Lea is owned by Alyssa and is a 16 year old Oldenburg / Quarter Horse cross who stands at 16hh.  She joined the Tall in the Saddle team for our Spring 2008 session and also participated in our horse show.  She is a versatile mare with a laid back disposition.  She has won Dressage Championships in both training and first level dressage.  Alyssa says that Lea makes funny faces, acts like a puppy, (that would be a really BIG puppy!) and is always “everyone’s favorite pony.” 

Nash is owned by Tall in the Saddle and is a Haflinger gelding.  He was a millennium baby which makes him 8 years old.  Tall in the Saddle purchased him in June 2006 because of the size and disposition of his breed.  Nash had very little training and experience. Kay worked with him throughout the summer and he started in the Fall 2006 Session.  He even survived the Halloween class dressed up like Mickey Mouse!!  What a trooper!!  Best of all, he loves kids! 

Shaq is a 15 year old gelding who is owned by Tall in the Saddle.  His registered name is Greystone Shaquel.  He is a grey Arabian who has a unique sense of humor and outlook on life.  He often disrupts classes by flapping his lips – which he also uses to torment his pasture mates.  A few years ago he was bobbing for apples at our Halloween party and stuck his whole head in the water!!  He really wanted that apple!  Also, his riders sometimes get a special treat that we call the “Shaq Shake!"

Spree was donated to the Tall in the Saddle program 10 years ago.  She is a 21 year old mare and is a  Morgan / Welsh pony cross.  Spree loves to lie in the sun and roll in the dirt!  She is patient, reliable, and tolerant with our riders, which is why she has been a favorite of so many.  Spree has a special sense and can understand when and how to challenge riders according to their capabilities.  Becky is her best equine friend.  She is happiest when she is at Tall in the Saddle surrounded by humans - especially kids.