About eight or so years ago I acquired a "Kentucky Walking" horse mare. She had been giving her owner a bit of difficulty and the owner was fed up. She said "if you want this mare take her" so the next day I came back with my trailer and surprisingly she loaded up easily.
This mare did throw some temper tantrums, but we worked them out and we really got along. Two years into our relationship, I bred her to Morgan stallion that I really loved. I know crossing breeds, especially a gated horse and a trotter might give me something weird. But Belle and Scotland were two beauties that I knew would make a great horse.
Due to financial reasons, I had to part with Belle shortly after "Midas" was weaned. Belle went to a wonderful family that still adores her and her smooth gaits. As "Midas" got older he changed from bright chestnut, to liver and back again. At one and a half I sold him to a family in New York that had a second home nearby. They kept him at my house until he was three. At three I saddle broke him but they decided they didn't have time for him, so back on the market he went. This was difficult for me because he was with me for so long.
One of my clients whom I have become great friends with wanted Midas. I was very excited, but terrified when she fell off of him during our test trail ride. This didn't deter her and she brought him home. Candi continued with his driving training and before long had him hitched to her Meadow-brook. Now I get to continue helping Candi and Midas hone in on their driving skills and experiences. On the road, I am Candi's ears. The more I am with the two of them, the more I think Midas knows that Candi can't hear, he is always keeping Candi secure.