Companion, horsemanship partner, possible riding mate

Friendly Standardbred gelding looking for an loving, 'forever' home. 13 years old, been around the traps and unfazed by most things. A real quirky character, who will soak up hours of being pampered and showered in the attention he craves. Standing around the 15.2hh range, solid build (great doer). Would make the perfect horse for someone looking to enjoy the simple pleasures of horsemanship – doting on a friendly horse, brushing, doing groundwork and generally spending time with an equine friend. Intelligent boy who would make a fabulous natural horsemanship partner. Extensive history under saddle, however out of work for some years now. History of chiropractic care and very recent reports indicate he has a propensity to get tight across his sacroiliac muscles and so would need a solid, long-term plan if he was ever to be brought back into work, paired with routine bodywork to ensure his ongoing comfort as a riding horse. Best suited with an ultimate goal of pleasure riding, as he may become sour with heavy work (will pop the odd pigroot in at canter). Suit lightweight rider. Horse’s only ‘vice’ is that he does not enjoy working alone and so best suits someone who typically rides in company. Absolutely superb leadline horse. Can see him teaching novice riders the ropes in the roundyard - lunges well off verbal commands, at liberty and with a rider on line. Horse currently has no topline and so is not currently being sold as a riding horse, nor to someone who intends on riding within the next 3 months – it will take this long, at least, to build his muscles up with a good supportive platform. Price reflects this. Extremely good doer (cost-friendly to maintain), throw rugs on him and trim his feet without a halter in the paddock, opens his mouth and drools all over the wormer, self-loads onto the float, catches you etc. Up to date with all his health care needs, including a recent report from Spinal Vet Dr Ian Bidstrup and dentist tended to him a month ago. Re-homing as a companion, with potential for more with time and care, at $400. Only being re-homed as we feel his desire for attention exceeds what we are able to offer him here (he's such a smooch and we're very time poor). We’d like to know a bit about the people applying for this special boy, so please email a little about your history with horses, current interests and intentions for this special man to: raisingthestandards@hotmail.com