I adopted Checkers a couple years ago and love having this little guy. He’s got big pony personality that got under my skin. And he’s best-buds with my Arab mare.
The first year I took him to our church’s fun day and “Blessing of the Animals” event, Checkers untied his lead rope and headed down the road. A kind person caught him, and put him in a big pasture with other horses. If you’ve ever introduced a new horse to a herd, you know suddenly none of them were easy to catch. It took a while, but we made it back in time for him to be blessed, and to provide a photo opportunity for lots of children. At events now, he gets double tied when I’m not holding him. He’s been blessed every year, and seems to love the kids & excitement.
At the BEHS Expo when we adopted Checkers, he was ridden hunter style, but with a bit-less bridle. That gave me courage to attach reins to the sides of his halter, and climb on bareback. He’s a gentleman when I do that, and it’s my favorite way to ride him.