Finally - the search is over!!! :-D

So, I've kind of been holding out on you guys this past week.  I went to see a horse on Monday and I had a hunch he would be the one, but I decided not to say anything in case it didn't work out...

I found this horse online and emailed the owner within minutes of seeing the ad.  I have a list of standard questions I ask, as well as mentioning that I get a bit nervous in certain situations.  Her responses back were all positive and encouraging.  We exchanged a few emails and once I had enough information, I sent a big email with photos and videos to my two pseudo-coaches/advisors.

They liked him and one coach recognized the horse from some shows this summer. She also knew the owner's trainer very well and told me the lady was very well respected.  My coach called the owner's coach and they had a chat about the situation and I was given the green light to go try the horse.

I think I knew the minute I got on him that he was exactly what I was looking for.  Gelding, reg'd AQHA, 11yrs old, lots of western training, show experience, lots of trail experience, etc. etc. and the list keeps going.  He is just shy of 15.1hh and not a wide build. I was able to put my short legs to good use and we rode for about an hour, with some coaching.

I had a big smile on my face and knew this horse would be a good fit.  He was delivered to my house (yes, my house, not a boarding barn!!!!) this morning and I keep looking out the windows to see if it is real!  :-D

Spinner and his old owner at a show...

And here are a few photos from his first hour here. He is calm and just checking out his paddock. He is calling a bit, but he isn't nervous or panicked at all.  I'm not sure about a companion for him yet, I'm going to give it a couple of months and see how he does.  

not my trailer in the bg, sadly...

More posts to follow, as I get to know this new guy!