Sleepy Joe

When we first met "Sleepy Joe," we actually had a different name in mind: Vance. It was an election year, lol. We figured he would grow up and be a handsome one, and we were right, but what we didn't realize was that he would also turn out to be one of the calmest, most laid-back horess we've ever had!

Within a week of him being in the barn, Mark went to bring hiim out and found him flat-out asleep in his stall. He looked so peaceful that Mark didn't have the heart to bother him, so he just left the stall door open and figured Sleepy would wander out when he got around to it. 

A few nights later, we drove out to check horses in the pasture . Every head popped up when theh lights hit except Sleepy's. He was laid out,  with no cares in the world. Mark finally said, "Honk your horn," and only then did he slowly lift his head, completely unbothered. That is Sleepy Joe in a nutshell! 

He is the definition of quiet. Even when he does get a little energy or thinks he may be affraid of something, he reacts in slow motion. It is unlike anything we've ever experienced. Chunky is the only other gelding that has come close, and for reference, Chunky is the gelding our kids ride. 

Another thing to note on Sleepy is that while he is technically a 2022 model, he must have been born late in the year, so we are treating him as if he is a 2023 model. We are not interesetd in pushing his training until we feel he is physically ready to handle it. 

He was started under saddle for two weeks in the fall of 2025 and has been turned out to pasture to continue eating and growing. He will start up again in summer of 2026.