Beautiful Lusitano gelding imported from Portugal as a two year old and lovingly brought along by one owner (pro rider) since then. Maddie is a wonderful, forward-thinking ride, and he goes nicely into soft correct contact with either a simple snaffle or double bridle. Maddie is a sensitive, kind soul, but with a busy/active mind, so we were careful in his early development not to drill or over-school particular movements; we focused instead on building a good foundation and keeping his brain engaged with a variety of cross-training (jumping, trail riding, natural horsemanship etc.). In the last year especially, we’ve seen the proof in the pudding as Maddie has blossomed and matured, and he is now confidently ready to begin working towards the upper levels. He currently trains at 2nd/3rd level (including single changes), and without question, his natural talent and trainability will take him to the Grand Prix ring! Maddie has three exceptional gaits which showcase his power, elegance and elasticity, and he has the hallmark Lusitano strong croup/hind-leg which provides him great ability to sit and collect. Maddie also inherited the Lusitano natural rhythm and great joint articulation, which will one day lend to easy and fabulous piaffe/passage/pirouette work. Maddie is truly a great example of modern Lusitano breeding because in addition to this prowess for collection, he has a powerful extended trot and a big, swinging extended walk with ample over-track.

Maddie rides like a finely tuned sports car--as much as you can feel the power under the saddle, he is equally soft and responsive, so you feel very much in balance and control at all times (even out in a big open field!). Maddie is not overly hot, but he is also not a kick & pull or ‘schoolmaster’ ride. If Maddie were the one writing this "personal ad", I am sure he would write his preference for a kind and tactful rider with a confident yet soft energy, as well as someone who appreciates his melodic "voice", because Maddie is quite the talker, and he loves to nicker "sweet nothings" to his people all day! This charming, clever and engaging boy is single, fabulous and looking for love! If you like Pina coladas/ and getting caught in the rain/ pack your bags for FL/ find the horse of your dreams/ if he's the one you've been searching for/write to me and set a date!

(The deets!) Maddie stands 16.1/16.2 with a good girth that makes him suitable for almost any height of rider (rider in pics is 5’7”). He is extremely comfortable to sit and has a good engine, so although he can be ridden with whip/spur, we find that they are typically not necessary. He is healthy and an all-around easy keeper with no special maintenance. He is sound with clean legs and great feet that we’ve easily kept barefoot. He loves his time outside but has also been kept and (adapted well to) nearly every variation between 24/7 stall life to 24/7 outside life. He has no vices in the stable or under saddle. Text Emily at 4045508698 to arrange a test ride here in sunny Ocala FL! (TXT 730am-830pm EST only please and thank you! or email [email protected])