Monday, August 8, 2011

Meet "Joey"



This is Journey's End, or Joey as is his pet name. Joey is the name of the horse in the book and play "War Horse". I feel like I've been on a similar journey that the boy in the story was on to find his beloved horse. I've been through an emotional and physical battle of sorts and I finally found my horse.

He's a gelding just shy of 16.2 hands tall. He's somewhere around 6-7 years old. He's an interesting looking bay paint, and part of the fun of looking at him is trying to figure out what breeds he's made from. There's some Quarter Horse in there, maybe some Thoroughbred or Warmblood or even some kind of Draft. I don't really care, as I am fond of grade horses. Many of them have the best personalities.

What matters most is so far he's consistent. Every ride so far has been comparable to those before it. He's kind and patient, even though he is still green. If he gets confused or you lose focus when you ride he just slows down and tries to come back to the walk. He always seems to give me a chance to regroup and then ask again and then he moves on without hesitation. He will lower his head as you halter or bridle him and has lovely ground manners. Whoever started this horse did right by him.

And riding is getting better with him. I'm still encumbered with the knee brace and will be as long as I put off surgery but there is no pain, even when taking a 2-point position in the saddle at the canter. So I'll ride with the stiffness and adapt. The best thing is the tension is gone and that's good since I didn't want him to think my nerves had anything to do with his behavior.

So, though his name is Journey's End, I know it's also a beginning. And this time it feels like it is the right path.

23 comments:

English Rider said...

I'm so happy for you. Joey is a great and unique looking horse.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations - I love the look in his eye!

K.K. said...

I'm so glad you found yourself a good one! He is beautiful!

Net said...

I think it's a sign of how worried you are that it took so long to say yes to him. What a hunk who just SCREAMS "buy me!" Congratulations, and I wish you many, many years of joy together!

Unknown said...

What a cutie! Love that pink nose! Congratulations!!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Aww! So happy for ya!
And he's a cutie!

~Lisa

Kate said...

He's gorgeous! I love his colouring. Definately some WB in that body, but I still can't get over the colouring! Spectacular. Where can I get one? ;)

Lisa said...

Hi Joey!! :D

Braymere said...

Congratulations!!

Mikey said...

Yes!! I like him. I'm so glad you've found an honest horse. You two are going to have the best time together :)

Grey Horse Matters said...

Congratulations on finding "Mr. Right". He's gorgeous, but then I'm partial to paints. I think he looks very calm and kind. Good luck with your new boy.

Calm, Forward, Straight said...

He's lovely! So happy to read these last few posts - YAY :)

Once Upon an Equine said...

Wow! Joey is a very handsome guy. And his personality sounds wonderful; he's the total package. Congratulations!!!

SunnySD said...

What a lovely kind eye he has - congratulations!

Jean said...

What a beautiful, beautiful boy!! My Chance has paint breeding but doesn't show any "color." He too has a lovely disposition...wonder if it's coincidence?

Joey may have a little Clydesdale? I love his substance. He looks like such a good solid fellow and he has a really kind expression.

Glad to to hear that despite your knee and the brace, you are able to ride fairly comfortably. It bodes well for the future as I am convinced you will be able to get your knee fixed and then go on to enjoy many happy years with Joey.

Dreaming said...

Congrats! What a sweetie! I can't wait to hear more about your journey with him! It'll be a great trip!!

Unknown said...

SO handsome! love his size! love his color! yay, oh this is SO much more exciting than new clothes or a new car, because he will be your partner and your friend. Congratulations, and happy riding! Corinna

Kelly said...

What a beautiful boy! So thrilled for you and the many, many rides to follow :)

Wendy said...

He's beautiful! Inside and out. Congrats!

Cousin B said...

I'm so happy you finally found your trusty mount! I'm tearful reading this as I've been searching also...and thought I'd found him this week. I've been so excited but as it turned out, he didn't pass his vet check. Oh the pain! I'm having to return him, because he has hind end issues and could go lame on the extreme trails we ride. So, I know how satisfying it must be to finally be done with that search. Much happiness to you two.

Tammy Vasa said...

Very nice. One of his markings looks like a sideways dove.

I see thoroughbred and draft - perhaps shire to get that unique markings? Yes, fun to wonder, isn't it. So you don't know much of his history?

I'll enjoy following your new "journey".

trump said...

Greetings folks from the Amish community of Lebanon county. Richard from Amish Stories.

allhorsestuff said...

He is something so special...you can see it in his eye! Wow what a looker. His lines are nice and he sounds pretty delightful. Gosh..love.his name too.
Yea...your GOOD HORSE had come !!