Meet Tahni, a 9-year-old, 16 hand Quarter Horse gelding and his trainer, Kaylee Peel of Lazy K Equine. #ShowdownTeamTahni is competing in the Showcase Division of the 2023 Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge
Tahni is a versatile and trustworthy horse that is perfect for the whole family! He loads and unloads from the trailer with ease and stands tied all day without any fuss. With his hobble training, he is calm and composed. When it comes to mounting and dismounting, Tahni patiently waits by the mounting block. He fearlessly crosses water, logs, and wooden bridges, showing no signs of hesitation. Saddle and bridle him? No problem, he takes it all in stride. Tahni has even been to youth play day events and successfully completed various patterns. He has been exposed to bull whips and ropes and has even helped drag logs. Tahni is a breeze to catch and craves attention. Riders of all ages and skill levels have enjoyed riding this gentle giant, and he has never shown any signs of being bothered.
Whether you ride Tahni every day or let him have a break, he remains calm and quiet every single time. Worried about hot wire fences? Not with Tahni, as he respects them. Have a large field where your horses roam? No worries, Tahni can be caught anywhere without any trouble. Even if you're on the shorter side and prefer a taller horse, Tahni is accommodating and will stand quietly by the mounting block for you to mount and dismount. This incredible gelding possesses the perfect combination of attitude and intelligence, making him a fantastic addition to any family. He truly deserves a loving forever home where he can be cherished for the rest of his life.
Kaylee Peel, the proud owner of Lazy K Equine, hails from the scenic landscapes of north central Missouri and now calls South Dakota her home. Depending on the season, you might find her in the charming towns of Nemo or Newell. Horses have been an integral part of Kaylee's life. Whether she was exploring picturesque trails, showcasing her equestrian skills in 4-H and FFA competitions, or participating in rodeos, there has always been a horse by her side. To further her knowledge and passion for these majestic creatures, Kaylee pursued a comprehensive Equine Riding and Training program, as well as an Equine Business Program, at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming. In the spring of 2020, she graduated and made her way to South Dakota, where she discovered T&M Trail Rides and her incredible boss. From May to October, you can find Kaylee guiding guests through the breathtaking Black Hills. In addition to her horse training and trail guiding endeavors, she is also a certified Equine Massage Therapist.
While Kaylee's roots lie in 4-H, FFA, and rodeo, her heart truly belongs to the everyday ranch and cowboy work. It is in these rugged and authentic experiences that her passion for horses thrives, and she feels most at home.
From His Trainer
This wonderful gelding has the attitude and brains to be an all around family, and deserves to have a loving family for the rest of his life!
Tahni's ideal adopter is just about anyone with any horse skills. He's mellow and easy to be around, and easy to have in pasture. He'd like an adopter who will give him plenty of attention and open to trying all sorts of discipline. He'd be an excellent 4H horse for a youth.
Tahni originally came to Gentle Spirit Horses as a lanky yearling from the Lower Brule reservation. His owner had recently lost his mother and was moving to Texas, but wanted to ensure his horses were somewhere safe. He contacted the veterinary clinic in Chamberlain who contacted us. We were happy to take Tahni in! We were told his name meant "skinny old man" in Lakota slang. He was adopted into a great home where he spent several years with good care, lots of attention and handling, and was started under saddle. He returned to GSH due to a medical crisis in his adoptive family just in time to join the Showdown for a refresher and chance at a great new home!
The Dakota Showdown horses will be available for adoption under the Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue contract (or Little Hooves Miniature Horse Rescue contract for ponies KC, Diamond Dave, Belle and Tinkerbelle) to approved adopters through an online bidding process on August 12-13, 2023. The starting bid is $1200. Appointments to meet the horses you are interested in on August 12 are greatly encouraged.
Photography provided by Open Spaces Photography