Padraig, 18.3 hand Belgian Gelding

Padraig (traditional Gaelic spelling of "Patrick") has been with Gentle Giants as a lesson and trail horse for about a year. This huge boy always does a wonderful job and has been ridden by children and beginners. Padraig used to be a primary lesson horse, patiently trotting his riders round and round in the arena as they practiced posting and half seat. Lately he's taken to getting grumpy in the ring, cutting corners and not wanting to keep trotting easily. He's just bored of his job, and he's not enjoying it anymore. His eyes light up for a trail ride, on or off the farm! Trails are what he loves to do best! Padraig also drives, and has experience as a show driving horse.

Padraig has some special needs, but his use is not limited by his condition. He has a mild case of Shivers, which is a muscle condition related to EPSM. He has to eat the EPSM diet, which is a high fat diet. His Shivers make it very difficult for him to support his own weight when having his rear hooves trimmed, so his rear feet only have to be trimmed in shoeing stocks. Padraig's adoption fee INCLUDES a set of shoeing stocks to come with him. Padraig not being able to stand is not a behavioral or training issue, he physically can not hold his massive weight on his own. He has no trouble with the front feet, and stands like a gentleman. His Shivers is not severe, and it does not affect his riding. While there is a slight possibility Shivers can worsen with age, Padraig has remained stable for over a year with no change. Managed correctly with diet, his Shivers should not advance.

Adoption Fee of $1000 includes Shoeing Stocks