Upper Level Prospect

Manhattan (Ten Bits 2021 16.2h OTTB gelding with Tale of Ekati lines) located in Lansing, NY

For the last three weeks we have been in negotiations with upper level riders and elite coaches about this horse. We respect the riders and coaches a ton, but all the run around hasn’t found Manhattan his home. So here we are again…

There’s no doubt that this horse has upper level potential and he would do best with a very capable rider to bring him along. We’re still hoping to find that needle in the haystack and to help that along, Manhattan’s owner is open to outright transfer of ownership or creative shared ownership deals to get him into the right hands.

I love Tale of Ekati kiddos and Manhattan is no exception. Just like his relatives (Koops, Fig, Ranger, Preston) he is kind, snuggly, polite, smart, and wants to work. Oh and he, like them, is crazy athletic with a big, fancy ground covering stride. His canter is simply out of this world.

Manhattan has been brave and game for everything we have thrown at him. He is learning to accept contact and fishing out his body but in the meantime he’s game for all of it: Hop over baby pools? Neat. Little xc logs, sure. Lunge quietly? Ok fine. Patiently work on his rhythm in all gaits? Yep. Hack out alone or in a group- no prob.

He comes over his back easily and gives 120 % everytime asked. He is green and needs an experienced rider to develop him without skipping steps, but like his siblings, he’s not particularly complicated and has shown no vices under saddle or in the barn.

If I was a betting woman, I’d put money on this horse being someone’s horse of a lifetime. He’s just that kind, capable and intelligent.