A New Hope SHS

“Cashew” joined Safe Harbor in partnership with Ascada Arabians, who provides a long-term home.

Cashew is a beautiful 9 year old, registered half-Arabian gelding. For the Arabian aficionados, he is a grandson of Gazal Al Shaqab. His early life is unknown, but at some point he endured some abusive handling and a terrible start under saddle resulting in an injury which left him permanently unrideable.

Originally sent to Ascada to be restarted under saddle, he was worked and gentled on the ground but was explosive when saddled or asked to collect under tack. By comparison, he enjoys interaction, leads, lunges, and will go willingly work the obstacle course in-hand with a confident human - even experienced youth can work with him and he is a beautiful mover.

Later, upon a veterinary exam looking for reasons ‘why’ he was still so reactive when tacked, an old (healed) broken rib was found, right where a saddle sits high on his right side. He also shows some early signs of DSLD in his hind legs - which in fact, affects all the connective tissues in the body. Sadly, there’s no solution or work-around to ensure his comfort with a rider. He is a great reminder of the adage: There’s always a reason and cause for “bad” behavior.

On the ground he is incredibly intuitive and remains reactive to loud, overbearing personalities, so needless to say…he’s not for just anyone and he would not be safe out in the wide world.

He’s not a Standardbred but he’s bay ;) …and so, we stepped forward to offer him the protection of our safety net.

We are seeking sponsors for this gorgeous, sensitive boy, to cover his annual vetting ($225), farrier care ($50/trim), and monthly feed and hay costs (approx $120/month).