Octavian is the light of Huxley's life. He is Huxley's best friend. He has taught her an infinite amount about riding, training, and about patience.

Octavian is an 19 year old, 16.1hh Thoroughbred/Clydesdale cross gelding, who was purchased as a two year old in Scottsville, Virginia. Huxley's mother, Juel, spotted Octavian from across the field and made an offer on him. He was a rowdy 2 year old at the time who had injured his left eye on a barbed wire fence. Christy eyed him with suspicion and couldn't imagine that the guy who arrived as a gangly, unsightly 2 year old would grow into a talented and capable jumper. Juel, though, just told them to wait and see. "He has tremendous potential!"

Octavian was first started under saddle by Juel and Christy when he was a six year old. He was cooperative and witty and seemed to enjoy the interaction. Octavian was a fast learner and in very short order was jumping cross rails with ease. He showed a lot of scope! He appeared to play with the jumps a bit, overjumping out of more than just inexperience. He did something very odd the first time he jumped a set of barrels positioned between two standards. He trotted up to the barrels, stopped, looked, and launched into the air, nearly clearing the standards instead of the barrels. Obviously, he wasn't sure how to judge the barrels and the standards, but he was going to be certain he cleared them! Moments like that - which illustrated Octavian's attitude, ability, and insight - frequently gave his people the giggles.

Octavian worked with Christy, Huxley's sister, for a few years until she went off to college. After that, he spent around 6 years sipping water from springs and hunting for the green grass on the other side of the fence. Huxley watched Octavian for years and begged to ride him, but she was not allowed to until she showed she had the seat, hands and strength to handle a very strong, green horse. Huxley's mother finally relented when Huxley and Octavian were 12. Thus began their journey together. In addition to being older and having to learn new things, Octavian is also blind in his left eye. His left eye has been examined by several vets who have determined that he has very limited vision, and sees very faint shadows, if anything at all out of that eye. However, Octavian does not seem at all affected by his blindness. If anything, it appears to make him more careful.

While Octavian was once very fond of Christy, he now has eyes only for Huxley. He nickers when he sees her coming. At shows, when she is not around, he gets antsy and calms down (well, calm for Octavian!) when she gets back to him. Who could ask for a better friend!

Vesuvian

Vesuvian is a 6yr.old, 15.3hh Thoroughbred gelding that came off the track in December of 2008. Vesuvian is currently showing lots of potential and hopes to make his beginner novice debut in 2010. "Ian", as he is known around the barn, is a big sweetheart and really enjoys socializing with people and horses. He always tries his best to please. Pictures coming soon!

"Emmy"

Emmy was given to Huxley by Rebel's Rest Farm (Marjy Chamberlin) and Shirley Phipps in the summer of 2009. Emmy is a 4yr.old, 16.1hh Hanoverian mare by GQ Romeo out of W. Ostern Stern . Emmy is quite the character and loves to be an escape artist! Emmy has been started under saddle this fall and is doing very well. She's a joy to have in the barn. Pictures coming soon!

For more details on Octavian and Huxley's journey, visit Huxley's blog:
The 2008 Season (The Road to Morven)
The 2009 Season (520mpm)