Storm Ballad
2003 Chestnut Gelding

Storm Ballad came to us in August of 2008, the weekend that we were supposed to be moving into our new little mini-farm.  He and his travelling parnter, First Exchange, were our first equine residents, and our first stallions.

We called him Chip, and he was with us for about four months. Quiet, polite, and a pleasure to be around, that's how we described Chip.  He is a beautiful hunter mover with the perfect temperment to boot.

Chip went to Julia in December of 2008, and became Baron.  Julia and Baron are a great team, and are growing together.

Update February 11, 2008:

I am so glad I bought Baron. He is the perfect horse for me and we're developing a great relationship. I would definitely purchase another OTTB. He isn't spooky, he's smart and he knows how to go to work.

Update March 13, 2008:

Just wanted to give you an update on Baron, aka Chip. He is doing very well! He managed to get a pretty bad cut on his rear leg out in the pasture. Even the vet couldn't figure out how he did it. He's been on stall rest since then, with a few hours of individual turnout in the round pen every day. The good news is that he is finally starting to put on some weight! His ribs are still showing, but he's starting to fill out along the topline.
I have been doing light groundwork since I can't ride. I free lunge him at the trot and all I have to do is point in the direction I want him to go and he takes off. He's very smart! He will also walk over a big blue tarp with no hestitation. I've also been working on trailer loading. He doesn't like getting in the trailer and I don't like forcing him. I want him to be completely comfortable and relaxed, so we've been practicing almost every day.
I am still madly in love with him and so glad I bought him. I am completely sold on OTTB's. You can use me as a reference for potential buyers!
-Julia

Update May 28, 2009:

Just an update on Baron: He is finally starting to fill out through the middle and not look so ribby! We're still trailering down to Marietta for lessons and he's coming along nicely. I was having some trouble with him lifting his head and hollowing out his back, so I had him adjusted by the horse chiropractor and what a difference it made. The chiro said he was definitely out in the hind end, and he was probably sore when I rode him. Since the adjustment he has been a dream to ride. His trot has become more even and he has started to lower his head and get that nice curve in his neck. He has a little more spring in his step!
Hope you're doing well!
-Julia

Update June 15, 2009

I just wanted to send a picture of Baron from our last trail ride. He looks pretty good in his cowboy get-up!
-Julia

 

Update September 15, 2009

I wanted to give you an update on Baron. This summer has been insanely busy so I've been doing more trail riding than anything else. Baron has turned into a fantastic trail horse. He loads like a pro, isn't spooky on the trails, will lead or follow, and even crosses water and bridges.

He has really helped me to become a better rider too. I'm still taking lessons with Mary Hahn at Rebel Woods Ranch, although not as often as I wanted this summer. We've just started working him over ground poles in preparation for jumping. My time constraints have kept me from progressing as quickly as I would have liked, but I know he's a happy horse, so that's good enough for me.

I put in some pictures from our last trail ride.
Hope you're well!
-Julia