Portland and Chance

Portland and Chance

If you have yet to meet this amazing gelding, I wanted to give you just a little taste of what it’s like to know this special horse.  I lovingly call him my “boyfriend” because he embodies a strong, caring gentleman who would undoubtedly take long walks on the beach and read poetry to you near the fire.  He is a real charmer!

In turnout, Portland plays kindheartedly with Chance and knickers in a soft low voice to the mares.  If you go to visit with him, he stands near you, even with all the grass at his feet, and lets you pet his forelock and love upon him.  To say this majestic gelding has been to war and back is an understatement. In his deep, dark eyes you can see the wisdom of an old soul.  I am truly honored to know him and astounded by his forgiveness; when some horrific man took him to the brink of death, this gentle horse can trust again and shows nothing but love and understanding.  

He has made exceptional progress gaining weight and has become quite handsome through his transformation.  His many years as a stud race horse are evident as we begin to see the definition return to his shoulders and neck.  When the mares are near him he often stands dignified and noble in an effort to show off for them.  He is downright stunning to watch passage along the fence to flirt with a passing mare.  However, at any moment when I ask him to pay attention to me or to calm down, he is very responsive and easily reconnects to what is being asked of him and relaxes to become his sweet gelding self.

I’m very happy to let everyone know that his weight and health are so well that he has been taken out to a foster home for a few months.  There he can enjoy lots of turnout and gain more weight and muscle.  I can’t wait to see how incredible he looks when he returns to Safe Harbor and is evaluated as a riding horse!  He is a gift and I am humbled to call him my friend.