About Hampton

Name: Hampton (Weekapaug Groove)
Breed: American Warmblood (TB/Hannovarian/Clydesdale)
Age: 2007 model
Color: Bay
Sex: Gelding, so no he doesn't get any
Favorite treat: Sugar cubes, apples, apple wafers, yams


How he came into my life:
In 2009, a long-time friend called me and said she had a 2 year old gelding she needed to sell/get rid of. She said he was bay and not really handled. I had just sold my Morgan, T-Bone, but said I would "come look."

The day we met. (just turned 2)

What I found was a tall, leggy bay guy who looked at me quietly in the stall. He let me scratch him all over, despite not having much handling at all. He was sort of halter broke - leading more like a drunk sailor. When we turned him loose in the indoor, he showed off his lovely trot, snorts, bucks and awkward canter. And then he marched right up to me and let me catch him. *sigh* I told his owner I would "sleep on it" and she looked at me with a smile. She knew better.



Etc.:
It wasn't until this year that I found out that he didn't get along with anyone at that barn. He was prone to kick and put up a fight. Funny, I had never had those problems with him even from the start. We trusted each other instantly. He had the normal, baby behaviors (skittish about baths and clippers, etc.) but with patience and kindness, those issues went away. He was one of the easiest horses I have started under saddle. I started him with very little help. What help I did have came in the form of a friend who knew zilch about horses.


He is one of the most patient, forgiving horses I have ever worked with. And he's always happy. When I go out to catch him in the field, he always comes right up to me - many times with a sweet nicker. Yes, I realize I am the food lady but I have NEVER had a horse do this before. It is a strange connection this horse and I have. I swear sometimes he can read my mind.

Goals:
Above all else, I want to be fair to my horse. He comes first. But as long as he's healthy and happy, my own personal goals include reaching PSG dressage with him. I also see us making it around a Novice horse trials at some point, too. I know HE can go up the levels, but that will depend on how big my balls are how brave I am.