Contributed by Abby Sniegocki

Every once in a while, a horse with a personality that really stands out comes along. One of the many special horses at Windrush Farm with such a personality is Seth. I have been lucky enough to get to know Seth over my past six years volunteering and riding at Windrush.

Seth arrived at Windrush just before he turned four years old, and ever since then, people have been taking notice of his big heart. A sweet bay Thoroughbred-Clydesdale born in the year 2000, he was bred to be a driving horse in Maine. Seth’s breeder wanted a matching set of bay horses, but at 15.3 hands, Seth didn’t make the cut—he was too small to match the other horse. The driving farm’s loss was Windrush’s gain. Seth is patient, friendly, and has one of the most loving personalities I have ever seen in a horse. Seth will do absolutely anything you ask of him.

Through his years at Windrush, Seth has participated in many aspects of the farm’s activities, including therapeutic classes, recreational riding lessons, summer camps, unmounted programs, and more. Seth has also done eventing in his past (dressage, stadium jumping, and cross-country.) He has always worked hard at Windrush, and many volunteers, riders, and staff members have fallen in love with him in the process.

Seth can be ridden by children, teenagers, or adults, and no matter the job, he always gives it his all. He is very willing to go with the flow, which makes him a versatile asset to the many programs at Windrush. He can work in a therapeutic riding class in western tack, practice dressage, jump, and take someone trail riding all in the same week. Seth has a lot to teach riders of many different ages and skill levels, as he offers riders new challenges and a sense of security at the same time.

Seth is a gentleman and I always feel I am being taken care of when I ride him. Not only is he tons of fun to ride, but he is awesome to work with on the ground as well. Seth stands perfectly still to be groomed and tacked, and he is extremely tolerant of being fussed over by all the kids in the barn! Seth loves people, and if you give him a pat, kiss, or treat, he will happily be your best friend. Seth is often referred to as a “big teddy bear,” which is a fitting description for him. His sweet and loving nature makes him a fun horse to spend time with.

Seth will always greet you with his ears forward and a friendly expression, welcoming you into the barn. Anyone who has met Seth can attest to his huge heart, a special quality that cannot be trained into a horse. Seth has been a tremendous gift to Windrush Farm, his loving personality rubbing off a little on all of us.