Gabriel is quite notorious around the farm. He's 19 hands of Dennis the Mennace, in horse form. A sweet little love bug one minute, a horned devil the next, you have to be up to speed to keep up with Gabe. Gabriel is not mean spirited, but if you aren't the kind of rider that can play as hard as he can, his antics are certainly not fun. And 19 hands is a LOOOOONG way down.
Gabe requires a handler who is thoughtful, affectionate, and yet very firm. He needs to understand the rules clearly; and his rules must be inflexible or he walks all over people. Gabe responds well to a kind but dominant leader, and returns in kind with a more affectionate and docile demeanor and a willingness to please. With a submissive handler, he thinks nothing of physically intimidating and ignoring.
Below is a video of Gabriel under saddle. Gabriel has Ringbone, which limits him to light use. You will notice that he comes up lame on the left front on tight turns. This will not go away and can not be treated. Gabriel is limited to lighter use pleasure riding and can not jump. Gabriel rides well in the arena, but is a ball of FIRE on the trail.
