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                HAGRID        

(click to enlarge pictures)

Hagrid came to Crosswinds in June 2003 along with Diego and Luke. Hagrid was a big, healthy looking mammoth of a draft. A call to his former owner was interesting, to say the least. The farmer said he'd had Hagrid since he was born (they called him Paul, but the big gelding had no idea that was his name), that he'd been a good plow horse but was simply too old to keep up any more. He asked what kind of equipment I planned to work him in, and I told him we intended to saddle train him.

"I don't think I'd want to get on his back. He's an ornery old coot. You be careful, little lady," was his response.

Hagrid's saddle training has gone off without a hitch. The big guy gradually warmed up to people, and is now nearly as much of a ham for attention as Sandy and the others. He is still out of shape and rather lazy, but in early October even made the 7 mile round trip ride to town and back!

March 04 update: Hagrid and Diego have enjoyed a leisurely winter at a foster farm, with no work, lots of grass, and wonderful spoiling! As the weather improves, we look forward to getting both boys back working and continuing improving their muscle condition.

June 04 update: Hagrid and Diego have returned home, rested and happy. Diego's leg appears to have resolved 100% and the big guy is riding happily. The two boys are a great pair to ride together -- Diego quite and easy for even a beginner with just the basics; Hagrid, more nervous, requires a more confident rider particularly while mounting, but is still sweet gentle and well mannered while riding.

August 04 Update: Hagrid had a really enjoyable 6 mile ride yesterday! This ride included several 1/2 mile canters, including a 1/2 mile or so at a hand gallops, lots of trots, interesting terrain, a visit from an unexpected pheasant during which Hagrid simply spooked in place, and more. (We rode to a friend's -- 3 miles -- and back.) Hagrid easily handled separating from Diego on this ride, taking a totally different course to get there. Even when Diego yelled for Hagrid, he did not respond, and did not fret at all about being separated. Hagrid's confidence-building and separation from Diego as a 'crutch' to keep him trusting of people is now complete, and the 2 boys can easily be adopted either together or separately.

Hagrid is truly a joy to ride, with a variety of trotting speeds for various situations, is exceptional at crossing ditches, very secure around traffic including tractors, big trucks, trailers, 18-wheelers, etc. His canter is comfortable, and he will now hand-gallop upon request, but he is never in a hurry to 'run out from under' his rider. He isn't laid back and borderline lazy like Diego, but neither is he a 'speed demon' trying to rush off with his rider. He is in reasonably fit condition - nothing of course like when he came fresh from plowing 8 hours a day -- but easily rode the 6 mile ride without significant sweating or heavy breathing.

October 04 Update: Hagrid and Diego are doing fantastic in their new home with the Campbell family, long term supporters of Crosswinds. We could not be happier than with this local placement with a loving family.

March 2006: Hagrid and Diego, together, were euthanized and laid to rest today. Both old men had heart trouble and numerous signs of their advanced age and the tough lives they lead before coming to CWER. Both had a wonderful 2 years with the Campbell family, and we could not have been happier with their placement there. Both will be sorely missed forever. Rest well, sweet friends. Rest well.