about Sunny

This is my own special outlet, so I figure I can brag as much as I want(even if I am the only one to read it ;-)
Sunny is a registered American Bashkir Curly. His registered name is Black Son Rising, which really confuses me as he doesn't have too much black on him! He is listed as a dun on his papers, but I prefer to call him a buttermilk buckskin even if it isn't totally correct. He is a golden color on his body, with 4 white socks and a big blaze. He has the characteristic curly mane, which is black with white stripes. His tail is a mix of black and brown. He also has a dorsal stripe and his right eye is partially blue. I'm going to post a picture (or lot's of pictures!) of him, but since I am at the library now I don't have access to my photos.
He is four years old, and has an intermediate gait other than the trot- he has some Missouri Foxtrotters in his background, and he inherited a foxtrot gait. He also has a nice regular trot, though I am trying to discourage that for now so that he really learns how to use his foxtrot.
I bought him last September, and he has been my saving grace in the horse world. After buying a off-track Thoroughbred, my confidence plummeted as he ran away with me several times. It really shook my confidence. Before, I had been one of those crazy kids who would ride anything, and loved speed. Danny was a sweet horse, but his temperment just could not handle being in the open on trails- which I love. I found him an excellent home as a college team horse for dressage, and they are even training him to jump, though he is blind in one eye! It is amazing what horses can be trained to do.
I am still sometimes less than confident when things get fast. Fortunately, I own one of the sweetest horses ever. Yesterday we went for a gallop, our first for the year. When I had had enough, I gently pulled back and settled down in the saddle. He was back to a gentle swinging walk within five strides, and there was none of the jigging or prancing that some horses do after a run. (though he did try to see if I would let him have some grass)
Some more facts about Sunny: he is about 14.2 hands tall, and has the cutest eyelashes made on a horse- they curl up instead of sticking straight out (it's not unique to him, it's a breed trait)
He hasn't been ridden for very long, this is only the beginning of his second year of saddle work. So I like to think that I am training him as much as he is teaching me. I don't know though... he is wise beyond his experience.
May every rider have a chance to ride a special Curly at least once in their life.
:)