Cricket is a 6 year old (coming 7 in March) TB/Selle Francais cross. She is a big-bodied and very gentle mare that I got as a yearling. When she was 4, she was diagnosed with OCD. She had surgery on her right stifle at Leesburg shortly after the diagnosis, and they removed large chunks of cartilage from the joint.

Unfortunately, this wasn't really enough to make her sound for more than basic trail riding and very light arena work. She did not enjoy being laid up (wanted to be out with her friends), and I decided that it didn't make sense to pursue further surgeries. I've used her as a "guest horse" for the last two years since the diagnosis. She is a very safe horse, and absolutely loves attention (she adores being brushed--often curls her nose and acts like she is in heaven when being curried).

Here are other basic stats about Cricket:
- 16.3 hands and can comfortably carry heavy riders.
- VERY easy keeper (she eats about a handful of grain just because the others in her field get grain, and she wears a muzzle in fall/spring).
- Can walk, trot, and canter on the trail; no jumping; most comfortable just walking and trotting in the arena (tight turns at speed can be difficult for her).
- Lunges very well (I began her training with lots of free lunging progressing to regular lunging), but she would have difficulty cantering on the lunge line due to her OCD issues.
- She is very tolerant of large but unsteady riders.
- Does not really like having her mane pulled--I just let it grow. She'll let you pull it if you go slow/do it in multiple sessions, though.
- Cricket is fine going barefoot in the arena and on trail (I've never put shoes on her). She would be more comfortable with boots on her front feet (e.g. Cavallo boots or similar) if she has to cover long stretches of gravel or rocks.
- Can be a bit girthy if you crank the girth too fast.
- Not spooky (e.g. doesn't care if you sweep around her feet, drop things, wave saddle pads around, walk near traffic, etc.).
- Because of being stiff in her hind end, she does not like to pick her hind feet up really high; this might make it a bit difficult for a beginner to pick her hind feet. She's very good about her front feet, though.
- 2+ years of English Training (very soft mouth, responsive to the aids but very tolerant of beginners).
- Fully up to date on shots/farrier/vet care.

Cricket would make a good trail horse or companion horse. She would also be suitable as an embryo transfer mare (I would not encourage breeding, since the OCD may have a genetic component). Cricket is free to a good home only--I am not desperate to get rid of her, just think she may be happier with someone who will give her a job and more love/attention. Please provide farrier/vet references.