BEHS 801 – Eli – BluebonnetEquine

BEHS 801 – Eli

Name: Eli	Status: Adopted Rainbow Bridge
Adoption Fee:	Arrived At Rescue: January 9, 2016
Location: Wallis, TX	Adoption Date: April 22, 2019
Registered:	Breed: American Saddlebred Grade
Date of Birth: January 1, 2004	Color: Chestnut / Sorrel
Gender: Gelding Male	Height: 15.3
Rainbow Bridge: November 2020

About Eli

Eli came to Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society in 2016 from a neglect case. He rehabilitated well and attended the Bluebonnet Horse Expo. He went home with a new foster home who adopted him a few weeks later. She returned him in 2018 as he was really too much horse for her. Eli took some time to find the right home, but we think we got it this time. He was adopted to be part of a therapy program, working with both kids and adults. We're not sure who will benefit more here - the therapy clients or Eli!

We were sad to hear that Eli's adopters found him deceased in his pasture in November 2020. Our hearts go out to Eli's adopters and all his Bluebonnet connections.

Evaluation and Training

Eli is very friendly and likes people. He is easy to catch, saddle, and bridle. He stands tied quietly to be bathed and groomed. He was with a trainer who rode him at the walk, jog, and lope. He will also gait if ridden by someone who understands how to collect him and move him into a gait.

In 2018, Eli was enrolled in the Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge with youth rider Alayna Fuller. The pair rode on the trails and over obstacles. Alayna also started jumping Eli. Alayna has ridden Eli in an arena with over 20 horses and he did well.

Alayna says, "He rides bitless or bited. I’ve also carried a flag on him and he doesn’t mind. He sidepasses to the mounting block or a fence so you can easily get on. He’s not a spooky horse at all. He lunges both directs w/t/c. He side passes both directions as well. He walks, trots, gaits, canters. He’ll also park out on command and he is super easy to catch in our 10 acre pasture. "

He has great potential as a trail, pleasure, or dressage horse.

Due to his ringbone, he should not be used for endurance riding, jumping, play days/gaming/barrel racing, or strenuous trail riding (such as riding in mountains or for multiple days at a time).