Oakley aka “Rinaldi Park Oakley” is an absolutely adorable 16.2hh approx rising 9yo (8/12/12) bay Clydie X Stock Horse.
Type
Oakley is a super cute type, he is chunky and very well put together and very eye-catching with his dark coat and bling!
Prior Experience and Temperament
Oakley has extensive dressage experience having competed to elementary with a junior rider. He has competed extensively at EA, HRCAV and Interschool dressage competitions. His current owner purchased him as a 5yo when she was only 14yo and has produced him herself under the regular guidance of excellent coaches since then. Over the past 6 months he has been on lease with a dressage rider. Oakley loves going on trail rides and is very friendly around other horses. He loves being groomed and spoilt by humans, and is loving and affectionate. Both his current owners and us have found him to have no kick, bite, rear, bolt, buck etc. He generally has good ground manners and will tie up and be beautiful and still to tack up, and easy to lead but can be a little cautious, or timid on the ground when you he is getting to know you. Nothing really difficult but he would do best with someone who is patient and kind and will spend time pampering him to build his trust. The only time we have noticed this is when we go to put his heavy rug back on at night time, he moves away sometimes and we just put a halter on to keep him still. We have not found this cautious trait to be unusual for Clydie X’s as they can take some time to fully trust new people and just need a competent handler to give them reassurance. His owners found him easy to do everything with. The only thing that they have found needs some work is that he can be stubborn to load onto the float but travels well and with more consistent outings now COVID is over he will get back into the swing of frequent loading. He loaded in 5 minutes to come here, and we will do some float training with him as well for his new owners to continue on with.
Paces
Oakley has 3 lovely paces, he has a beautiful big walk with clear 4 beat rhythm and overtrack. He has a really cute trot with a super active hind leg that will be useful if someone wants to continue with him further up the dressage levels. Oakley also has a scopey canter with great ground-cover. He is super comfortable to ride and easy to sit on in all paces with a soft back.
Dressage Training
Rhythm - Oakley can be a little lazy at times if you let him, but will easily respond and go forward when asked. He is consistent in his rhythm and will maintain his rhythm is you soften the reins. He has nice swing in his paces which he maintains through transitions within the pace.
Suppleness - Oakley has no significant suppleness issues and is bending well in his basics and lateral work ready to step up for some harder laterals. He has a good understanding of inside leg to outside rein connection.
Contact - Oakley comes into the contact very easily and is steady and secure in the hand. Changes of flexion help him to become more elastic over the back and more engaged from the hind end into the hand.
Laterals - Established the elementary work - shoulder-in, leg yield, travers etc. With his current owner he has been training some of the medium work including half-passes etc. He is not yet established in his flying changes. .
Level - Competed elementary
Rider Suitability
Oakley is a well educated, sensible and enjoyable mount with a lot to offer a rider looking for a fun and competitive dressage and pleasure mount. He doesn’t need an especially experienced rider as he would be happy to teach you along the way but he does need someone who won’t be discouraged by his occasional cautiousness. We haven’t found him spooky under saddle but he can be looky at times although it doesn’t tend to distract him from his job. He is not the bravest jumper so we are looking for a predominately dressage focused and/or pleasure riding home for him at this stage although we can see him building confidence with his jumping if a rider was willing to put the time in. Although we are looking for a patient and kind rider/handler for Oakley, he also needs someone who can be firm when necessary to ensure he doesn’t take advantage when he is being stubborn, like with the float loading. Oakley truly is a unique opportunity to purchase a beautiful, educated, experienced, highly sought after type who will bring you endless fun and success and is only available to the best of homes.
Located Nyora, VIC.
0 Comments