It was nice to be looking through some chestnut ears for a change. Now that he’s recovered from his abscess, Freedom needs a job. He’s still a little hitchy behind, but he’s a horse that like have something to think about — and not just worrying about when Zelda will come back (he runs the fence line calling for her).
Having ridden Zelda all summer, getting on Freedom is like riding a different animal altogether. For one thing, he feels small. He’s not. He’s a solid 16 hands or so, but he’s not nearly as wide as Zelda, or as long. The difference is that his length is in front of the saddle and hers is behind. He has a wonderful long neck that comes out of his withers in way that makes you feel balanced.
Of course riding him in the sunshine makes him glow like a copper penny. I’ve never understood why people avoid chestnut thoroughbreds. They may be sensitive, but they are so beautiful.
The other huge difference is that while Zelda is content to mosey along, Freedom is happiest when he’s cantering. I didn’t let him do too much, because he’s been off for the summer, but he’s fitter and more eager than most horses half his age — and he still has the most delightful rocking horse canter. At least, he does on the right lead. His left lead? Still not too comfortable on it. However, my left ankle isn’t what it used to be either. I’m beginning to accept that some things may never be quite the same so it’s important to enjoy what you have.
We had a nice time in the afternoon sun. I think he’s ready to be put back into rotation.
I have a chestnut Thoroughbred and couldn’t agree with you more. They are the most beautiful creatures!
I think people avoid chestnut TB’s due to the reputation they have of being hot…like wacko hot. Especially mares. I remember the saying that chestnut horses were like red headed people, temperamental. I can’t say if it’s true because I’ve never ridden a chestnut mare, with one exception. But the chestnut TB’s I’ve met have all been fairly even tempered. The one exception was the chestnut TB/Hungarian warmblood mare who was owned by the same woman whom I leased a bay Arab from. That mare was so hot she was crazy-and dangerous. She would attack any mare that dared to enter her space. She had her owner’s number, big time. But I think it was more due to the Hungarian in her than the TB…her sire whom I shall not name out of fear of litigation..I never saw a foal of his that wasn’t crazy and hard to handle.