From trainer july 2025:
Standing 13.3 hands and still growing 4-year-old gelding Arlington is a beautiful chestnut gelding. Don’t let his small size deter you though – what he doesn’t have in size, he makes up for in heart. Arlington’s ideal rider would be someone that has a strong interest in doing obstacles and obstacle courses with their equine partner, though he is versatile enough to do any discipline. At the moment, I believe he would do well with a confident intermediate rider that works closely with a trainer, or any rider above intermediate level. He does require a confident handler that knows how to stay calm and move on if a horse gets reactive; Arlington has come a long way, but still can be wary of new things. If his person is confident, he feeds off of their confidence and won’t second guess himself (but I feel that this could go the other way too; if his handler is nervous, he will feed off of that, as well). His spooks are nothing serious – just a quick look and startle – but if that’s something that would make you nervous, he probably isn’t the horse for you. Arlington has a fantastic brain in between his ears, and often figures things out quickly if you give him the patience to do so. When he gets nervous, he looks to his handler for reassurance. Arlington is a horse that thrives off of connection and wants a human that truly wants a partner. Once you develop that mutual trust with Arlington, I truly believe that he is a horse that would willingly walk through fire for you. If you like having a bond with a horse, Arlington is the fella for you.
Arlington is green broke under saddle and understands the basics of walk/trot/stop/steer. The canter is still a work in progress, but is getting better every day. He has a beautiful forehand and haunch turn under saddle, as well as a lovely sidepass, and is learning leg yielding at a walk and trot. On the ground, Arlington can be lead from either side, and lunges both directions. He loads and unloads beautifully, and travels very politely. He’s been to multiple off-property events, and has been the same level-headed young man everywhere we’ve went. Arlington can cross-tie, single-tie or ground-tie, and stands nicely for the farrier. He is currently turned out in a mixed herd of mares and geldings with no issues, including with a miniature gelding. He’s been around miniature highland cattle and dogs with no issues.
