LINGUINI

Meet Linguini! Linguini came to Longmeadow as part of an investigation. He was malnourished and looked like a shaggy, dull mess. He was afraid of humans – we’re not sure if he experienced much positive human interaction in his past life. We started working with Linguini on the ground and eventually he learned that humans weren’t so bad. While is still takes him time to warm up to new people, Linguini has come such a far way from the timid horse he was upon arrival. Upon evaluation, our trainers noted that Linguini was a very obviously trained horse who had learned to shut down when he felt worried or overwhelmed. Rather than immediately expressing that something is bothering him, he often holds everything in until he reaches his tolerance level. When he finally does react, it can seem much more dramatic than the situation warrants. He is a sensitive, thoughtful horse who seems to need time and consistency to feel safe enough to let his guard down, both on the ground and under saddle.His history shows up most noticeably around bridling and haltering. He has some worried reactions to the bridle, and the overdevelopment of the underside of his neck makes us suspect that a tie-down may have been part of his previous riding setup. Our trainers have ridden him in both a halter and a bridle, and he is noticeably more relaxed and comfortable in a halter. It took him some time to accept having a rider, but once he decided he was okay with it, he felt like an experienced, trained horse. He knows much more than he initially lets on.Linguini absolutely shines when he gets to ride with other horses. Having a buddy alongside him helps him get out of his head about the rider on his back, and he settles into a much more relaxed mindset. He will match the pace of the horses around him and gives some of the biggest licks and chews when he starts to truly relax. His personality is very endearing. He is animated in his facial expressions, and his big, deep breaths when he finally lets go of his tension are especially sweet. He genuinely tries to be a good boy, both on the ground and under saddle.We have had older horses with this sort of history before, and we suspect Linguini may simply need a chance to reset. Not necessarily a `refresher` in the traditional sense, but time to learn that life is different now and that he doesn't have to anticipate the same pressures he may have experienced in the past. He needs a confident, capable adopter who won't get rattled by his quirks and, just as importantly, someone patient enough to build a relationship with him rather than expecting instant trust.For now, we would recommend a confident intermediate rider or handler, particularly because he still takes time to catch and halter in a pasture. We see him as best suited for light riding, walk/trot work, trail riding, and other low-impact activities. He is comfortable on the straightaways and is not looking for a career of `turning and burning.` His ideal home is one that appreciates a quieter, sensitive horse and is willing to give him the time and consistency to blossom. Linguini is the kind of horse who may not immediately show you everything he has to offer. But once he decides you're okay, you can see the sweet, willing horse underneath the worry. He is a very good boy who just needs someone willing to help him discover that he is safe, understood, and allowed to relax.Linguini has learned to stand for our farrier but still needs minor corrections from time to time. He gets nervous for vet appointments but with a confident, gentle handler, he does well. Adoption Fee: $500Height: 15.1hhMaximum Carrying Weight (including tack and rider): 225lbs