* PLACEMENT PENDING *

DISCLAIMER: The information presented for this horse was provided by its owner. An in-person assessment by DEFHR has not been completed to confirm that all information presented is accurate and true.

Dougie is a striking 2015, 16.3h registered Hanoverian gelding with a playful personality and a heart that truly shines in the right environment. Bred and started with a dressage foundation, he was purchased as a sport prospect and proved to be a lovely ride—willing, comfortable, and dependable under saddle.

Over time, it became clear that Dougie prefers a more relaxed lifestyle rather than the demands of consistent training. The stress of ring work caused him to develop gastric ulcers, which caused his behavior to decline into being simply grumpy and not really enjoying life. His owner made the thoughtful and compassionate decision to retire him, prioritizing his happiness and overall well-being.

Since retiring in October 2024, Dougie has truly flourished. Living out in a herd environment, he is comfortable, relaxed, and content. He is currently barefoot and doing well, though he previously went in shoes while in work. He enjoys turnout with pasture mates and has settled beautifully into a low-stress routine.

On the ground, Dougie has a fun and expressive personality. He’s known for sticking his tongue out and “licking” his people when he’s feeling happy, and he will often come running when called from the field. He enjoys attention and forms a special bond with his person. He stands nicely for grooming and, with a patient and consistent handler, does well with routine handling.

In addition to being a wonderful companion horse, Dougie could be a great candidate for groundwork or liberty-based training. He is a smart, inquisitive young horse who may truly flourish with this type of interactive, low-pressure engagement. He has enjoyed hacking out in the past, so his owner feels he may also enjoy light, easy trail riding with an experienced rider who understands his preference for a relaxed program. He has not been ridden in over a year, so he will require evaluated and potentially some degree of a refresher/retraining.

He gets along well with other horses and is a kind, easy member of the herd. Overall, he is happiest living a simple life—grazing, socializing, and enjoying the company of both horses and humans.

This is a horse who has so much to offer the right home that will appreciate him for who he is. He is still relatively young, very handsome, and ready to find his perfect match.

The right fit is the top priority for this special gelding. Let us know if you feel you're the one!