Quirks

Best Match

Sale Terms

X-Rays

VIDEOS: Get to know the Meatloaf . . .

Location & Contact Information

MILO

4 year old Draft Cross Gelding

About Milo

DOB: 7/6/2021

Breed: Percheron Cross

Height: 16/16.1 (currently rump high and actively growing), 81" blanket

Color/Markings: dark bay with light under belly and upper legs, maintains dapples year round, star, snip, left hind sock

Training: Green Broke (Lightly started undersaddle & extensive ground work)

Suitability: All-around, pleasure, trails, hunter pacing, fox hunting, hilltoppper, dressage, low-level eventing, trail obstacle, working equitation, liberty

Temperament: 5/10 (easy going but sensitive to handler's energy)

Nicknames: Meatloaf (for obvious reasons!), Loafers, Mi-Loof . . . if you look in his direction, he will answer to anything! His full name is Mind Over Matter.

If you like 'em thick, smart, and predictable, this is your guy!

Milo is brave, inquisitive, and easy to train with the hardy physical substance to match his sharp mind, sure to make him an excellent future adventure partner.

He is built like a tank, with thick bone, big solid feet, a broad chest, big shoulders, and a huge uphill neck. His build, dapples, and unique coloring are truly impressive; it is easy to see why he captures attention.

For a thick guy, he can really move out when he wants to, and is lovely to watch in the field. So far under saddle, his default is a steady, consistent pace while he is still learning to put these pieces of his growing body together. When he finishes growing, gets more fit, and figures out self-carriage as he gets older, he is going to be a highly adjustable, powerful, and fun ride that will be easy to package with a shorter back and uphill neck set.

Training

Milo was started slowly with a heavy focus on ground work. He has taken all training in stride and always shows up with the same workmanlike attitude, regardless of whether he is worked daily or it is the first time back after sitting over winter. He lunges and long lines easily with voice commands and will happily travel around the property solo without worry about where his friends may be. He will meet you at the gate or stall door to get to work, regardless of what is on the agenda.

After a solid groundwork foundation, Milo was lightly backed at 3 years old. His backing was totally uneventful (video included below), he even came to pick up his rider at the mounting block for his first backing, remembering what he had been quickly taught about the mounting block from the ground as a 2-year-old!

After his initial backing, he had a few short walk/trot rides in the ring and field to learn the go/turn/stop basics, and then was given six months off to grow over winter.

He returned to work in the spring, focusing on groundwork, working over poles, sharpening his response to queues, and working on his fitness while his human recovered from unrelated back issues. Due to his age and growth, his workload has been light but with a lot of variety to keep his mind engaged. This horse thrives with learning new things and basks in the praise when he gets the answers right.

He has gone off property to visit several new places recently and had his first off-property ride (just a chill walk about). In the 10 times he has had a rider up, he was unsure but calm and collected. He responds to voice commands and a light tap of a whip to reinforce the aids as he works to connect the verbal queues with the physical aids. He has had a great start and is now ready to find his person to help him grow into the best equine partner he can be. I wish I were that person because I have enjoyed how rewarding starting this smart guy has been, but life changes have forced me to think about what future will be best for him so that he does not waste in my backyard. He deserves a partner who will keep him engaged, continue to develop him, and who will enjoy experiencing adventures with him.

At this point, Milo is considered green broke as he is only lightly backed and being offered as a prospect. He needs miles under saddle with an experienced rider and a regular fitness program to trim down all of that excessive baby chunk! He has had extensive groundwork and knows queues to yield haunches and shoulders, as well as side pass, and back-up from the ground. He responds exceptionally well to verbal cues on the lunge and long lines, has been started over solid fences, and takes all new things in stride. At this age and stage of training, he is not suitable for beginners, husbands, guests, etc.

He is ready and willing to be led; he just needs someone capable of being that leader to continue to develop him.

Personality

Personality-wise, Milo loves attention!! He is curious and likes to be included in whatever you are doing; he will run over to you in the field or greet you at the gate if he sees you. If he does not see you, he comes to a whistle, even if he is down in the field, he will run up when called (makes turn-in really easy!). He will happily stand to be groomed or body clipped and soak up your attention, but he is not one who loves a lot of snuggly contact with his face. He tolerates some snuggles, but the attention he seeks leans more towards being told he is a good boy, has done well, and he loves a nice wither or belly scratch! That is the language he speaks, and he will usually return those scratches with a back/shoulder rub if you let him.

In turnout, he is young and playful. For the past two years, he has been turned out with two mares, one older and one the same age as him. He is the middle man in the pecking order. Though his alpha Mare rarely bothers to actually put him in time out, he respects her when she does. He is very social and loves to groom/be groomed by his herd mates. He can be a punk and chase the young mare off of whatever grass patch or hay pile he deems to look the most delicious, just because he can, despite there obviously (he hasn't missed a single meal!) always being ample access to hay or grazing. I think he would do best turned out with a group that has a leader who isn't afraid to insist he mind his manners if needed.

His ideal lifestyle is turnout time with friends and an in/out stall overnight, but he has also been stalled and lived in a field with a run-in as well.

He responds best to calm, consistent leadership. With a firm but fair approach, Milo will give you his all. He can become unsure if handled aggressively or if he doesn't understand something, and his handler gives a rough response, it will frighten him. Therefore, he’s best suited to someone who leads with calm energy to continue building his confidence.

Quirks

He has a couple of easily managed quirks.

EARS: He doesn't love a lot of ear touching. You can halter and bridle him without any problem, and he will let you touch his ears to put a fly mask on if you are gentle about it. But he is probably not going to keep that mask on ;) His only hard no with ears is clipping - you can clip his entire body with zero sedation, except for his ears. With time, patience, and a careful approach, I believe he will allow it, but he is not there yet, so I currently trim his ear fluff with bandage scissors while he is distracted with food ;)

MOUTH: Milo can be mouthy in the sense that if you put something near his mouth, he is probably going to try to chew on it or play with it - it makes giving meds super easy (he will walk right up to you and stick a dewormer in his own mouth, or eat meds out of your hand), but does require awareness with regard to what is within his reach. For example, he is not one you trust with mounting a fan or extension cord somewhere that he can reach - he would likely see those things as toys to play with and thank you for his new chew toys! Same for buckets, he has been known to turn a bucket or two into boredom busters. He will also nudge you with his big, smooshy lips when seeking your attention - for example, when hosing him off, he will nudge you to be able to put the hose in his mouth for a drink (see 8/16 Groundwork & hose down video below for the nudge in action).

FEEDING: He was purchased as a pushy 18-month-old with limited handling. Upon arrival, he was protective of his space while eating. We established a routine where he is told "back" whenever we are dropping feed, adding hay, or bringing him into his stall to eat - whenever handling food is involved, we control where his feet go. He knows what he is supposed to do, and he respects it. Even if told to back mid-meal, he will back away from his feed dish until you leave the space. He rarely shows any disrespectful behavior now, but we continue this practice of controlling his feet everyday to establish very clear boundaries, because Milo thrives with structure.

See the "Feeding Milo" video below that demonstrates how we interact with him when feed is involved, controlling his feet and the space he is allowed to occupy. When you give his mind something to think about, he always makes good choices.

Best Match

Milo's ideal person is assertive but kind, comfortable setting boundaries, and capable of continuing to mold this young sponge of a horse. He tends to be more at ease with females, though I think he would adjust to a male with the right approach too.

He is incredibly smart and trainable, and does really well when given direction/his mind is engaged. A person who understands this is a young and physically strong horse that should continue to be taught the boundaries in which he can be most successful in life as he develops, is important for mutual success in his future partnership.

He is only lightly started and too green to be appropriate as a kid, husband, or guest horse, but would be perfect for someone who enjoys a mix of ring work, trails, hacking, pole/gymnastic exercises, liberty work, and ground work. He is a smart guy who enjoys learning new things and needs a partner to take him on adventures and show him the world!

Sale Terms

Milo is current on: vaccines, coggins, body clipping, mane pulling, and hoof care (front shoes - no stocks required)

SOLD

Included tack: 17.5" 2020 Loxley Bliss Dual Flap Eventer Jump Saddle, black with long billets, Adjustable Combi tree (excellent condition), 36" Girth, Non-Slip Pad, leather bridle, Custom breastplate, rubber bit(s), various sheets/blankets/boots

Pricing consideration: Milo has an old splint that was identified during his PPE when purchased at 18 months old. It was already old and cold at that time, and he has never shown discomfort since I have had him. His asking price reflects the fact that he is not completely blemish-free. Had vet reassess in July 2025 to make sure there had been no changes before being offered for sale. Vet confirmed there were no identified limitations. The X-rays taken at the appointment are provided below.

Sale terms: Sold as-is, no off-site trials, no trades, no payment plans. PPE welcome at buyer's expense.

Remote buyers: Happy to provide additional photos, videos, do FaceTime calls, and assist with arranging transport

Trials: Due to Milo’s age and limited experience under saddle, he is being sold as a green broke prospect.

As a prospect, trial rides will be extremely limited and at the seller’s discretion. This is not meant to offend—it's simply a matter of not always being able to evaluate a stranger’s experience and protecting a young horse at a formative stage. I’m prioritizing his continued positive development and ensuring he’s handled appropriately by those familiar with starting and producing young horses. If this approach feels restrictive, I kindly suggest that a very lightly started 4-year-old—still growing and learning to find his balance—may not be the best match at this time.

LIFETIME SANCTUARY: Milo is sold with a lifetime sanctuary clause that conveys with him to his new owners. If at any point in his lifetime, he needs a soft landing, he will be given sanctuary and care for the remainder of his life at Elysian Meadows in Glenmoore, PA. Sanctuary contact: Candace Scheirer / 610-733-4175 / cms7286@aol.com or elysianmeadowsllc@gmail.com

X-Rays

Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital - 7/23/25

VIDEOS: Get to know the Meatloaf . . .

Of course it is common to share polished professional photos and edited videos when selling horses - I get it, show the horse in the best possible light. But, I believe you should also be able to see a horse in various states, get a glimpse into their personality, and what everyday life with that horse may be like. This collection of photos and unedited videos provides that. There is some training, some fun, some quirky, some over time as he has grown - all a glimpse into the Meatloaf, the real Milo :)

Milo - Groundwork 9/29

Milo's last groundwork session with me here before he leaves for his next chapter in life. He was fantastic! He did turn on forehand and haunches both directions, he moved laterally sidepassing over 16ft of ground poles, he practiced "mount up" with a random object mounting block like a pro, and he ground drove through complex patterns, full of tight turns, weaving in and out like he had done it a million times. He gifted me a moment of genuine connection when he buried his head in my stomach and allowed me to lay my head between his ears and hug him. So sweet. Go do big things, buddy. You are so loved.

Milo - 9/8 - visit to Frazier Farm to see his first XC course. He was a rockstar! Trotted right to anything he was pointed towards including several Novice elements. He hiked through the trails to reach the farthest xc field on the property and work over the ditch and banks with zero drama even thought he was by himself with no other horses in sight. So brave and willing to try whatever!

Milo - 9/5 - 1st fieldtrip to local facility! He was a level headed and brave boy, working calmly in a new setting for first time, even sharing ring with a gentleman powerwashing the fence right next to him. Milo saw an indoor for the first time and didn't even peek at all of the new sights and shadows. He ground drove around the property bravely marching into all new to him territory with very little reassurance needed. He shared a ring with another horse for first time and had no issue when that horse left the ring later. He loaded and travelled like a champ.

Milo - 9/4 - Finding his feet with different distances and starting to go forward , seeking out the jump on his own.

Milo - 9/2 - Noodles, Tarps, & Balls, Oh My!

Milo - being clipped - can body clip with no sedation, he will stand for hours and especially enjoys the belly clip! (had to use Wahl KM10 with 10W blade for this clipping due to other clippers breaking so it took forever and he couldn't have cared less.

This is Milo's second time "jumping"Is it perfect - nope. Does it scream that he is so athletic that he will jump a huge fence in the future? Also, no.
What it does show is Willingness, Calmness, and Consistency . . . three key pieces to build a foundation on! He will get more fit, he will become more athletic in time, but most importantly, he has the brain to build upon and become a stellar partner, game for whatever comes his way.

Milo - Free lunging 8/16

Milo - First time seeing/carrying a flag - couldn't care less!

Milo - First time seeing a trailer in almost 2 years - walked right on!

Milo - 8/16 Ground work and hose down

Milo - 4 yr - working on transitions off voice commands & canter leads

Milo - 4 yr - Ground Poles

Milo - Handling in the barn for grooming, picking feet (lifts all four with the word "lift" and a tap on the leg, fly spray, boots

How is he with new things? Brave? You tell me. . .

Milo - 4 yr - Groundwork: turn on forehand/haunches, backing, side pass to mounting block to pick rider up

Milo - 8th Ride: Working on steering through ground poles, maintaining a trot & changing direction

Milo - 7th Ride: Working on Trotting for more than a few steps at a time

Milo - 6th Ride: Hacking through field and tree line solo, first trot under saddle

Milo - 5th Ride: Riding at night working on Halt & Walk Voice commands to reinforce the rider aids, all on the buckle

Milo - 3rd Ride: fist time bareback and nearly pitch black. Working on learning to move front and hind ends, and to continue forward motion while steering through obstacles