Warrior
16-year-old Grade Paint Gelding | Approx. 15.1hh | Located in Bend, Oregon
Warrior is a steady, sweet, safe, and been there, done that kind of gelding with a heart of gold and a strong foundation.
He is a 16-year-old grade Paint gelding who has been used for trail riding, camping, groundwork, light arena work, and in a part-time lesson program.
He has a solid foundation, is generally not spooky, and is accustomed to being ridden by multiple riders. Warrior is naturally more “whoa than go” and is most comfortably ridden at the walk and trot. Loping requires consistent conditioning and a rider able to apply clear, steady leg and seat aids, and is not the primary focus with what we use him for.
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Since arriving at Groundwork Collective, Warrior has demonstrated a solid foundation from his previous training. He loads and unloads willingly, travels quietly, and is comfortable on the trail.
Over the past two years, he has completed several 5–12 mile rides. He is naturally more “whoa than go” and may need encouragement to maintain pace, as he prefers the back of the group, but he adjusts well to different positions and will take the lead on the return.
Warrior does not prefer unfamiliar horses riding closely behind him but has not offered to kick under saddle and regularly ponies younger horses.
When he first arrived, he was unsure about water crossings and riding alone. With consistent exposure, he has made steady progress in both areas. He may test a new rider at water crossings or when grazing, but responds well to patient guidance.
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Warrior came to me with a solid foundation and excellent ground manners. He is soft on the halter, easy to handle, and responds appropriately to pressure and release. Prior to coming to Groundwork Collective, he worked as a resort trail horse. This experience made him confident and calm with many riders and new environments, but he had not been taught to carry himself properly or respond softly under saddle, so much of our work has focused on developing strength, flexibility, balance, and responsiveness.
Under saddle, he is calm and steady with a reliable stop and no buck. He knows basic flatwork at the walk and trot and does know the canter. Canter work is successful with intermediate or experienced riders and consistent guidance, but it is important to maintain his fitness and routine; asking him to canter when out of shape or without proper conditioning is not recommended.
After any breaks from work, Warrior is gradually reintroduced into a solid routine before being asked to perform more challenging tasks. Regular conditioning is important due to mild arthritis in his hocks. Consistent exercise helps maintain his soundness, responsiveness, and overall fitness. With proper conditioning, he can comfortably complete trail rides, arena work, and lesson activities.
In our lesson program her has been a dependable partner for beginner riders building confidence. He is suitable for low-pressure arena work and trail riding, including longer outings or camping rides with guidance.
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Warrior had a pre-purchase exam in 2024 that revealed arthritis in his left hock and a mild lameness (graded 1.5/5). Since then, with consistent movement and light riding, he is currently sound and performing well.
In July 2025, he was re-evaluated at Bend Equine Medical Center by Dr. Sabrina Cooper for a full soundness check. The exam included a lameness evaluation, vaccines, a dental float, and radiographs of both hocks and stifles. Imaging confirmed moderate to significant arthritis in both hocks, more advanced on the right. His stifles were x-rayed and found to be normal.
The affected hocks are in the process of natural fusion, which can improve long-term comfort and soundness. Joint injections were not recommended at this time. Warrior received a full Osphos injection in July 2025, and his dental float is current through mid-2026. He has a prescription for Equioxx if needed that is utilized when on camping trips specifically and sometimes during winter months. He also he receives CBD, which has been effective in supporting his comfort without daily NSAID use.
Warrior is currently sound for riding and trail use with consistent exercise. He stands quietly for the farrier and has good handling manners. He is shod in the front during winter months and receives hind shoes in the summer when riding on rocky terrain. He was barefoot during the winter of 2024 and did well since he was not heavily worked, but overall he is most comfortable with front shoes.
Radiographs and veterinary records are available in the gallery. Buyers should be prepared to continue his ongoing care, including regular exercise, farrier maintenance, and arthritis management, to support his long-term soundness and well-being.
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Warrior is the leader of my herd and is accustomed to living in a large group. He has strong social instincts and is dominant, particularly around food, and may push, bite, or kick when first introduced to new horses. For this reason, he should be integrated into unfamiliar groups gradually and with intention. Once settled, he is thoughtful, confident, and understands herd dynamics, often maintaining order without unnecessary reactivity.
For daily management, Warrior is typically separated during morning and evening feedings and is out with the herd at lunchtime. He is an easy keeper and gains weight easily when fed regularly with other horses.
He thrives with routine and companionship and does best in a home that provides a structured and respectful environment.
He should not be thrown into a group of unfamiliar horses without a proper introduction, but once he has time to settle, he becomes a thoughtful and confident leader. He understands herd dynamics well and tends to maintain order without being unnecessarily reactive after integration.
Warrior thrives with routine and companionship and would do best in a home that understands herd behavior and can offer him a structured, respectful environment.
