Matteo is a 14.1hh Haflinger gelding broke to ride and drive. If you’re looking for a smooth, straightforward, easy ride, he’s your guy! Not fancy broke but safe “beer-drinking” ride. Lots of trail miles and experience in high-stress environments. Tons of character, first to the gate and in-your-pocket personality. Brave and outgoing with a big “trail horse” walk. Rides alone or in a group, front, middle, or back. Level-headed and easy to work around. Ties, hobbles, trailers, camps overnight, ponies, packs, shown locally, pony-ride professional. Three solid, smooth gaits, takes leads, moves off leg. Soft mouthed and responsive.

For the last 3 years, Matteo lived on a ranch in Montana and was used as a pack pony during pack trips and as a grandkid/spare horse. Throw-visitors-on type for nose-to-tail riding and something the kids could clamber on. Grandkids moved on to horses. Still working on the finer points such as neck reining and lead changes but smart and learns quickly. Has crossed anything he’s pointed at, thoughtful and careful when navigating tough terrain.

SMART, eager to please, not a deadhead so confident or advanced beginner and up is recommended under saddle. No bolt, just doesn’t act like a horse with one foot in the grave. Despite his forward walk, Matteo does tend more towards lazy with snacks, attention, and naps being his favorite things. Leave him out for a day or over the winter, same horse every time. Happy to work through a trail pattern or go over low fences. Stays quiet in crowded arenas, forgiving and takes a joke. Would make a great lesson or husband horse.

Matteo is in excellent shape, shod for the first time in about 3 years specifically for driving on pavement (if only riding, would’ve left him barefoot). No bad health history or injuries, no maintenance, never foundered and not currently a founder risk (presently on a diet to prevent him from becoming a founder risk). Hasn’t been overused, clean legged and sound. THICK mane and tail, healthy coat, easy keeper.