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When I bought Walter I was told he is a Haflinger/draft cross. It seems accurate based on his build, temperament and looks. Based on personality he might also be crossed with a golden retriever (Just a joke in case someone legitimately thought we could breed dogs and horses).
He is a SUPER easy guy to have around. Easily one that I could keep in my program forever if I didn't need the funds for our barn expansion. We have used him for lessons for WTC kids and up. He has been used quite a bit on the trails. He has done a dressage show bareback (just for fun). I even tried to take him swimming in the pond, turns out I was right all these years for not taking horses swimming in a mud bottom pond. He handled it like a champ and got us out of a pretty sticky situation.
Walter is super easy to catch (even when you are trying to catch someone else). He will stand tied or in the cross ties all day. He is easy to groom and tack up. He does lunge, the few times I have used him for a lunge lesson he was great. He has 3 fabulous gaits and definitely has more of a western jog type motor. My students LOVE riding him bareback because he is so smooth. He direct reins and is working on leg pressure.
Walter is great on the trails. He is used to the dogs racing in and out of the timber and grass. He is happy to lead or follow. The only time I've really had him move when spooked is when the other horse with him tried to take off. Walter LOVES water. He is very respectful and doesn't try to lay down but I think if given long enough he may consider it. He likes to paw and splash, when I ask him to move on he complies willingly. I decided to take Walter swimming in our pond because it was over 100* and he loves the water. Turns out I was right when I said the mud bottom would suck their legs in. He got us out without panicking and then was happy to trudge right back in (just the very edge to make sure I hadn't ruined his willingness in water).
Walter is lower in the pecking order. He had a little bit of a hard time finding his place when he came (was a bit on the timid side for my rowdy crew). My other draft cross taught him how to play and now he interacts with everyone in the herd well.
He is great for the vet and farrier. I've never had any soundness issues & have always kept him barefoot. He has a current coggins and is UTD on all cares including shots, farrier & dental. We think he is in the middle of a growth spurt and other than his little pot belly (his fecal was negative) he is in his gangly awkward stage right now. I think given some time and age he will be absolutely stunning. He is easy to load, haul and unload.
This is another horse that I had on my 'keeper' list. Unfortunately what is best for my business (expanding the barn) doesn't line up with keeping so many projects. If he doesn't find the right match he will stay with us. Search #kyhlwoodwalter on FB & IG for vid
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