Victory Valley (“Nick”) is a 2001, 16h unraced Thoroughbred gelding looking to find a home with someone wanting to enjoy all he has to offer! Nick’s current owner has known him since the age of 4, but didn’t take ownership of him until roughly 7 years ago. In that time, she has done a lot of work with him to gain his confidence and he has turned into a lovely boy. He excels with a confident intermediate rider who rides more through their leg and seat than their hands. Nick would be best suited for someone wanting to challenge themselves with a slightly more sensitive horse, but is more in it for pleasure than competition. He has been trailered offsite for clinics, rides in an indoor and outdoor, and with some work may be good for trails.
When we visited with Nick, his overall kind demeanor was apparent. He was waiting patiently in his stall for our appointment to begin. He was quiet for haltering, cross-tying, grooming and tacking up. After a 10-minute walk around the indoor to warm him up, he stood quietly at the mounting block and waited to walk off until he was told to do so. We observed him walk/trot under saddle, for which he did very well. He was cantered on the lunge line per his rider’s preference and picked up both leads without issue. He did head-toss a little when asked to pick up the canter, which we were told he will sometimes do under saddle at the canter as well, but it improves with more conditioning. Nick was very quiet and calm the entire time he was ridden in the ring. So much so that we were pleasantly surprised to hear it has been 2 months since he was last ridden! What a good boy!
Nick can be sensitive to his surroundings and the person working with him. He thrives with a handler and rider who has enough confidence to lend to him when he’s feeling insecure. He responds well to pressure and release, and would benefit from someone who understands that concept when both handling and riding. Under saddle, he needs a confident and secure rider who communicates more through their seat and leg than hands. He’s been primarily ridden in an arena, but has taken solo walks around the property. He definitely has the potential to be a good trail horse, but will need a confident rider and calm horse to ride with until he gains a little more confidence in himself outside of the ring.
Overall, Nick is a healthy boy, but does have some maintenance needs that can be expected with any horse of his age. He does have Cushing’s, so he’s currently receiving 1 Prascend tablet daily. He can be stiff through his hocks, so his owner would prefer that he go to a home where jumping is not the intention. He receives 1/2-1 57mg Equioxx tablet as needed, as well as Adequan injections every three weeks to keep him comfortable. He does have slight fecal water syndrome that may pop up occasionally depending on the time of year and weather. For this, his owner feeds him alfalfa hay, which seems to help. Nick is maintaining his weight on one meal/day. He has shoes on all four, with pads on the front to help with stone bruising at this time of year. His owner does feel that with proper blanketing in the winter and shelter, he could do well living outside 24/7.
Nick is UTD on everything and ready to go! Nick’s price includes all of his medications. For an additional $900, his owner is also willing to send him to his new home with tack and supplies, including his saddle, bridle, blankets and alfalfa hay. Inquire about Nick today if you want to give this wonderful guy an amazing home!
