3 Diamonds Farm is proud to present for a client: Hank, registered name Menagerie Family Tradition! Hank is a 15 year old, 12.3hh, impeccably bred Caspian cross. He’s a beautiful dark bay gelding with perfect confirmation, bone structure, and presence! Bred in Virginia by Menagerie Farm, Hank’s sire is Menagerie Ziba, a purebred Caspian stallion. His dam is Menagerie Tipsy, a half Caspian/half Quarter Horse cross. His entire line is incredibly impressive, going all the way back to Jehan, the first Caspian exported from Iran in 1966. Technically, Hank is 5/8ths Caspian, with the remaining 3/8ths being split between Welsh and Quarter Horse. Caspians are a rare breed that is severely in danger of becoming extinct. There are currently only about 1200 purebred Caspians globally and roughly only about 500 in the United States. Genetically, they are horses, but they are the size of ponies.

Hank is the definition of bombproof. His current farm is quite a busy, exciting location, but nothing fazes him. Loud noises, screaming kids, machinery, you name it, Hank never puts a foot wrong. No buck. No spook. No bolt. No funny business. One of the safest ponies ever, he loves his current job as trail riding schoolmaster. Happy to head out on adventures, steady and confident, for even the most timid of riders. He doesn’t mind any challenge out on the trails, happily jumping logs too! With such a safe and happy personality out trail riding, Hank could easily be converted to foxhunting and would probably even love to do some low level cross country! Currently, Hank is also a lesson horse extraordinaire, teaching young riders and small adults the very basics of steering, walking, and trotting. In a previous job, he also served as camp pony, the best ambassador for many children first learning about horses.

During his sales evaluation with us, our petite hunter/jumper working student had a blast checking all of Hank’s buttons. He has three beautiful, flowy gaits. Tons of over track at the walk, a smooth forward trot, and the most fantastic canter. Hank is very deserving of the dressage court or equitation ring, even though we don’t really know if he has ever officially competed. While Hank is definitely more of a push ride, he is very willing and happy. Jumping, Hank is happy to hop over logs out on trail rides. In the ring, he definitely has less experience jumping, if any. But even during his sales evaluation, he happily went over some cross rails simply by walking over them, very unimpressed and clearly understanding it was an obstacle he needed to cross over. With more time and added fitness, Hank could easily become a low level or child’s jumper too, as Caspians in general are known for extraordinary jumping ability.

In the barn, Hank has an adorable, pet personality. He absolutely loves attention and being groomed. He loves hanging his head out over his stall guard in the barn aisle, always socializing with people. Just easy and safe. Trailers nicely. Happy to stand for tacking, grooming, baths, and clipping. His only vice is that he isn’t a fan of mane pulls. Perfect for the vet and farrier. Stands nicely at the mounting block, on the cross ties, tied anywhere, and even ground ties. Flawless ground manners and a very easy keeper. Great in any turnout group. No maintenance. No prep. The same pony, whether in work every single day or after several days off. Hank does sometimes requires a grazing muzzle when the grass is really lush, as most ponies do, but he happily keeps it on!

While Hank is a master at his current job, and one of the most popular ponies in the program, he is only for sale because he would really like his own person. A child, a small adult, or even a family with several little riders would absolutely love Hank. He is looking to have more adventures in his life, a fun change of pace, and do more than just the pony ride loop. Hank could continue on in a trail riding home with ring work mixed in, step into the dressage court, become a steady foxhunter, or wow the judges in the equitation ring. A loveable, talented pet that would be perfect for any young or small rider! For more information and videos, and to set up a time to meet Hank, please contact 3 Diamonds Farm at [email protected].