John Hugh “Big John”

Description:

Say hello to John Hugh, better known to us as Big John! John is a family favorite. He’ll put a smile on the face of any level rider. He’s been ridden by young beginners, the elderly, and lots of first-time riders. He’s a good, solid feeling horse to ride, and he has a way of boosting people’s confidence.

We consider him a seasoned horse who has experienced many scenic trails in Eminence, Black, and Republic, Missouri; Falling Water; and Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the MFTHBA showgrounds in Ava, MO., to name a few, including many overnight camping trips. Everybody loves his attitude.

Like most Missouri Foxtrotters I ride, he’s proved himself to be a reliable, well-rounded horse. His personality is often compared to a big, friendly golden retriever— loyal, with a soft eye, a great babysitter, and a Joy to ride—making him an ideal long-term, family-friendly trail partner.

If John had a résumé, he’d be qualified for just about any job—he has a wide range of skills, including

Gaited ​Ranch-​Type ​Horse: John fits the bill. ​He’s cowy, loves what he does, and when given the reins, he really knows how to work.​ John also enjoys cutting, roping, working gates, ponying other horses, and has checked cattle for our neighbors several times. Need help on the farm? Well, just call John in from the field, and he will come to you ready to work. Farm machines and equipment don’t bother him at all.

Hunting​ Horse: John can do this as well. Shooting while mounted is not a problem at all. He has been desensitized to whips, guns, and loud noise objects. He can also drag objects with no fuss.

Driving ​Horse: John has pulled carts and wagons, along with many other objects we come across. He’s stout and can pull a lot of weight.​

Trail Riding: ​John’s always ready to go, even on long, extended rides, covering miles with confidence, endurance, and a sure-footed stride. He makes every ride enjoyable and relaxing while confidently crossing bridges, water, and mud, and riding over steep inclines, through rough terrain, and in heavy traffic. John has experienced much of the wildlife we have here in Missouri, and he handles it perfectly each time. When riding alone or with a group, John is always dependable. In group rides, John will ride at the front, in the middle, or at the back of the group on a loose rein. If you run into stormy weather while riding on the trail, no need to be concerned; John is desensitized to raincoats and tarps.
John is also our guest horse for those who don’t have a horse to ride when visiting. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced rider, John will take good care of you.

Parade Horse: Another perfect job to add to his impressive resume! John is a seasoned parade horse who knows how to capture the crowd’s attention. With his gentle eyes, calm demeanor, and patient nature, he seems to genuinely enjoy all the excitement—especially the children. John has participated in several large parades in our area and has confidently handled large crowds, loud noises, floats, vendors, bicycles, strollers, flashing lights, and both large and small vehicles. He is comfortable around other horses and takes everything in stride, making him a dependable and enjoyable partner for any parade setting.

​Riding Skills: John is easy to ride; the family enjoys him so much that it becomes a fight between the kiddos on who will ride him today, because his gait is smooth, his mind is on his job, and his rider, and all you have to do is just cluck, and he will go…You can ride one-handed. He can neck rein!! He is soft in the mouth, responsive to leg cues, side passes, backs up like a champ, picks up correct leads, stops on command, spins, lies down, and sits down on command. Fetch your hat and stand quietly for mounting and dismounting. If there’s anything you want him to do, just ask, and he will get it done.

Ground Manners: This is a knack for Big John. He will come to you when called from the field, he will load and unload, bathe, stand quietly for the farrier and vet, and tie quietly. John is an easy keeper all around, which is why it is difficult for the family to let him go. However, John is ready to embark on his next journey with his new family and to bring smiles and enjoyment, as he did to mine.

I encourage everyone to watch all of his videos. Give me a call if you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit.