Warrior
15-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’s a 15 year old grade Paint gelding who has been used primarily for trail riding, groundwork, and casual arena work. Owned and loved here at Groundwork Collective, Warrior is the kind of horse that builds confidence in his people because he is patient, responsive, and kind.
He was recently seen at Bend Equine for a full soundness evaluation, including radiographs, dental work, and vaccines. While he has some arthritic changes in his hocks, he is currently cleared for riding and trail use, and is moving comfortably under saddle.
Warrior is an extroverted & very friendly, people loving horse. He was going to be a part of my future equine-assisted counseling herd, but I am not pursuing at at this point in time, which is part of the reason for his sale.
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Since arriving at Groundwork Collective, it’s been clear that Warrior was given an excellent foundation by his previous owners. He loads and unloads willingly, travels quietly, and genuinely enjoys heading out on the trail.
Although he had several months off, Warrior has recently come back into light work and is settling back in beautifully. Over the past month, I’ve taken him on several 5 to 8 mile rides, and he’s proving that he is ready for the rest of the trail season here in Central Oregon.
He’s more woah than go, especially when heading out, and prefers to ride at the back of the group, though he’s comfortable in any position and adjusts easily. On the way home, he’s happy to take the lead. He doesn’t love to have horses he doesn’t know up on his rump, but hasn’t offered to kick with a rider on his back.
When he first arrived, Warrior was unsure about water crossings and reluctant to ride out alone. With patient, consistent exposure, he’s made great progress in both areas and continues to grow more confident each ride.
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Warrior came to me with a solid foundation and excellent ground manners. He’s soft on the halter, easy to handle on the ground, and has clearly been taught to respect space and respond to pressure and release.
Under saddle, he’s a calm and steady ride with a good stop — woah is his favorite word — and no buck.
While he’s not fancy or polished in the arena, he knows the basics and goes willingly at the walk, trot, and canter. His time off didn’t set him back, he’s the same dependable gelding he was before the break and continues to get more tuned up and in shape with each ride.
Warrior recently re-entered our lesson program and has been a reliable partner for beginner riders learning to build confidence and feel. He truly is the perfect beginner’s horse. He is kind, forgiving, and steady. He’d be an ideal match for someone who wants to go trail riding or camping with friends and know their horse is going to help take care of them along the way.
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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 out of 5. Since then, with consistent movement and light riding, he is currently sound and doing well.
In early July 2025, Warrior 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.
These joints are actively in the process of fusing, which, while it may sound concerning, is actually a good thing. Once fully fused, the affected joints typically no longer cause pain, often resulting in improved soundness and long-term comfort.
His stifles were also x-rayed and came back clean, with no abnormalities. Based on imaging and exam, Dr. Cooper does not recommend joint injections at this time, as the fusion process is progressing naturally. Continued light riding and regular movement were both encouraged.
Warrior received a full Osphos injection in July 2025 and is currently sound for light riding and trail use. He is not on any daily medication, but does have a prescription for Equioxx, which we use sparingly before longer or more demanding rides. His dental float is current through mid-2026, and recent bloodwork came back within normal limits.
Warrior stands quietly for the farrier and has good manners for handling. While he is currently barefoot, our farrier has discussed several supportive options to try before considering hind shoes. We may pursue those in the future depending on how his work level progresses.
Radiographs are included in the gallery below.
It is disappointing how often the horse world undervalues horses who require a bit of maintenance, especially when they offer so much in return. Warrior is everything you could ask for in a safe, steady, and honest partner. The fact that he is not a candidate for injections does not make him unsound. His body is taking care of itself through the natural fusion process, and he is currently sound, rideable, and happy in his work.
He is truly worth his weight in gold. Warrior would be the perfect first horse for someone who is learning, a reliable partner for an older rider, or a kind companion for someone who wants to enjoy trail rides and quiet time with a well-broke gelding.
Like an older but dependable vehicle, he may require some regular upkeep, but he will get you there safely every time.
Only homes that are prepared to continue his care and can comfortably afford his maintenance will be considered. Warrior deserves a future where he is valued and supported for exactly who he is.
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Warrior is used to living in a large herd and has strong social instincts, but he does best when introduced to new horses slowly and with intention. He is dominant, especially around food, and will push, bite, or kick to assert himself in a new group. Because of this, I typically separate him for most meals, though I can and do feed all the horses together for lunch when the situation allows.
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.
See Warrior in Action
Rider desired: Warrior is the kind of horse who makes people feel safe the moment they swing a leg over. He is calm, steady, and more woah than go. He is the kind of partner who helps you relax and enjoy the ride, whether you are a beginner or someone just looking for something quiet and trustworthy.
When I picture the perfect home for Warrior, it is with a family with kids or teen who is learning to ride, or an adult rider who wants to hit the trail with friends, pop open a beer at the top of a ridge, and know their horse will get them home safely.
He is not a match for 4H or gymkhana. That is just not his pace. But he shines as a safe, reliable trail partner and a confidence builder in the arena. He would also do well in a small lesson program or as a family horse with light, regular use.
Above all, Warrior deserves someone who values what he truly offers: a gentle, steady presence and a whole lot of heart.
Reason for Lease/Sale:
Warrior has been an incredible part of my program. He is dependable, safe, and consistent. I trust him enough to put just about anyone on his back, knowing he will look to me for support if needed and do his best to take care of his rider.
He is also the most friendly and extroverted horse in the barn. He truly loves people. When I am not teaching as many lessons, I know he misses the connection and attention that comes with that role. He lights up when someone new walks into the barn and is always the first to the gate looking for interaction.
Now that I have completed my graduate program, I know I will not be taking on as many lesson clients as I once thought. With that shift, it no longer makes sense to keep as many horses in my personal string. Warrior deserves more than occasional rides. He deserves to be loved on and appreciated by a special person or family. That is where he truly shines.
Because of that, I am offering Warrior for lease or potential sale, hoping to find him a great home where he can continue doing what he does best: trail riding and being the steady, confident partner he is. Whether leased or sold, I know he will bring joy, safety, and connection to his next rider.
If he is leased, please note that this does not guarantee the opportunity to purchase him. The right long-term match matters most.
This is also the horse business, and it is simply time to sell.
Priced at $12,500 $10,000
Warrior is priced to reflect what he truly offers — a safe, people-loving gelding with years of trail experience, beginner-friendly temperament, and a solid foundation. Horses like him are rare. While he does require some maintenance, he is currently sound, in work, and brings a level of peace of mind that is hard to find.
The horse world often expects a unicorn, young, flashy, sound, broke, and maintenance-free. That is not reality. If you want a seasoned, safe partner who has seen the miles and will take care of you or your loved one, that comes with the responsibility of providing him the thoughtful care he deserves.
If I do not get what I am hoping for — which is a firm bottom line of $10,000 — I will keep him. I am not in a rush, and he continues to earn his place here every day. That said, I do believe Warrior deserves his own person or family. Someone who will love him, ride him, and appreciate everything he brings to the table.
Warrior will not be sold sight unseen, and he will only be placed in a home that feels like the right match.