In the At Home With segments we meet the horses behind the blog. Read below to meet Lindsay’s horse, Dexter.
“Is he a draft cross?” “What color is he?” “Can I clone him?”
Valid questions. The answers though, are perhaps key as to why so many approach Dexter and I on our adventures, and more importantly, provide reason for my crazy addiction to this silly horse.
Believe it or not, Dex is a registered (with papers) American Paint Horse. BUT WHERE ARE THE SPOTS? Under his belly, of course!
As a dedicated Hunter rider, I thought my saddle would always live on the back of a thoroughbred or warmblood. Paints were never on my radar based on built up stereotypes from past trainers and judges. So, after suffering a major unexpected loss of my 16.2h red dinosaur, I decided to take a different approach on my search for a new partner.
I entered horse shopping with an open mind and it led me to Flower Farm. Dexter was a rare sight there, a Paint living amongst a sea of homebred larger-than-life Dutch Warmbloods. I took a chance, fell off (that’s another story!), came back for more and soon after made that Paint horse mine.
Just look at his sale video, how could I say “no” to this?!
Quickly I became obsessed with anything paint pony related, with the exception of his name. ’Spot,’ as he was affectionately called, had to go. Although it disregards the superstition about changing a horse’s name, I don’t think ‘Spot’ adequately reflected the personality of the horse I just acquired. It was only logical to name him after a fictional serial killer. This horse is a killer in his own right, but only of young girls’ hearts.
Okay okay, so he’s not actually a pony, but he looks more like one than a horse. And if we’re being totally honest here, he’s probably more closely related to a dog than an equine. Inquisitive and smells EVERYTHING! …if he doesn’t lick it first.
Dexter’s coat continues to baffle those around us. His papers call for brown and he’s often mistaken for black. Nope annnnnd nope. His coat does change drastically from season to season; however, I think his coggins is the most accurate: dark bay. He’s a salt and pepper kind of man though, with roaning throughout. His most distinguishable feature above all is his white face. That chinny chin chin!
The willingness and drive of a Paint is unparalleled. And Dexter embodies both the good and bad of the breed. He’s built for battle, but can sometimes be stubborn as a mule. That athleticism though—he could easily out jump and out move many of the horses on the local rated circuit. Unfortunately he’s not daisy cutter or rocking horse smooth, so judges look the other way. Sometimes Hunterland can be so political!
I’ve considered making the jump (literally) to the Paint Horse Show Circuit. We’ll see what the future holds. For now we’ll continue enjoying the occasional hunter show, jumper debut, combined training event, hunter trials, paces, chases and so much more. Versatility is on our side and we’re dominating!
In essence, Dexter is irreplaceable. His kind and gentle soul is what attracts so many, closely followed by his under-stated fanciness. He may look like your average school horse in person, but push the right buttons and you’re headed to the winner’s circle.
Let’s hear it from my fellow paint horse owners!
