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!
For more details on Octavian and Huxley's journey, visit Huxley's blog:
The 2008 Season (The Road to Morven)
The 2009 Season (520mpm)
Vesuvian is a 6yr.old, 15.3hh Thoroughbred gelding that came off the track in December of 2008. Vesuvian is currently competing at beginnner novice with plans of moving up to novice in the spring of 2011. Vesuvian is a very athletic guy with a wonderful work ethic. We are very excited about the future with him!
Coming soon!
Alessandro RL
Tecerio
"TC" is a 5 yr.old Andalusian gelding. TC is currently showing at training level, but school first level well. He's extremely athletic and has a very bright future ahead of him. He's a joy to ride and takes his job very seriously. TC is the kind of horse that strives to do his best with every step. The rider who gets TC as their dressage partner will be extremely lucky. He's currently offered for sale. Contact me for more information.
Pictures and video coming soon.
"Little Man"
Iliada
Iliada is a 6yr.old Andalusian/Percheron cross mare who is currently being started under saddle. This little mare has a wonderful personality and we're very excited to see how she progresses with her training!
Pictures and video coming soon!
