"Waffle" Black Gelding Happy Hacker

Waffle — 14.2hh, 6yo Cob

Waffle is a much-loved, brave and inquisitive 6-year-old cob, standing at approximately 14.2hh. I have owned him since he was two and am still in touch with his previous owner, so I know him very well and how his history.

He was traditionally backed two years ago, and since then I have taken a slower, relationship-led approach to his education, doing lots of groundwork, positive reinforcement training, some liberty work and some hacking. He has been ridden both bitless and also regularly worked in a bitted bridle. He has mainly done hacking and liberty with me but enjoys new challenges and will excel in whatever area he is educated.

Waffle is a real character and bonds well to his human. He can be incredibly engaging and affectionate with a playful personality that is impossible not to fall in love with. He is a genuinely curious horse who enjoys learning and investigating new things. He is brave and inquisitive and responds extremely well to positive reinforcement training. He loves learning new things and for a young horse never ceases to amaze me with how game he is to try new things and how much he loves being involved with his person. He always greets you at the gate and will follow you around the field like a puppy.

Waffle was given the winter off, and I began bringing him gently back into work in the spring. He has been ridden in recent weeks, progressing nicely and hacking out alone, but unfortunately I have since sustained an injury which currently means I am unable to ride. As a result, although he has had some recent ridden work, he is essentially being offered from the field rather than as a horse currently in full work.

I am a novice myself and, although I have genuinely loved every minute of our journey together, I have reached the limit of what I can offer him. This is not a decision I have made lightly. Waffle means an enormous amount to me and selling him is genuinely heartbreaking, but I also have to be honest about what he needs from his next person.

Waffle is barefoot and stands beautifully for the farrier. He has been brought on without rushing him, with an emphasis on building confidence, communication and a willingness to learn.

He is still a young, green horse with a strong native character and so would benefit from an experienced, confident owner who can continue to help him grow into the wonderful horse I believe he can become. Finding the right home is far more important to me than finding the quickest sale. I would much rather take my time and find Waffle’s person than see him passed from home to home.

He has been hugely loved since the day I bought him and I want his next home to be somewhere where he will continue to be valued. I am looking for someone who will see Waffle for the wonderfully quirky, clever, brave young horse that he is, and who will enjoy helping him become everything he has the potential to be.

Experienced home sought. No dealers, please.

Located in Herefordshire.

Genuine enquiries welcome.