Kimberly Lind Photography
Sherman is one of the biggest horses in the Little Bit herd, standing at 16.1 hands high and 1,400 pounds! His size allows larger Little Bit riders to participate. He is a Draft cross born in 2002 who joined the Little Bit herd in 2011 after a career in eventing and dressage—don’t be surprised if you see Sherman jump over a cone just because he can!
Sherman is gentle and patient, which he demonstrates whenever his Little Bit rider is having a difficult day. Sherman’s relationship with his rider is most important to him; one of his advanced riders shared, “He knows me better than I do.” His interactions and responses teach riders more about themselves. It’s no surprise that he was voted the 2017 “PATH International Region 9 Horse of the Year.”
Sherman is versatile. At the Pat Flynn Memorial Horse Show costume contest, Sherman is always decorated in one of the most magnificent costumes to match his partner Jennifer—he enjoys the attention! He has partnered with riders in the Margo O’Callahan Memorial Dressage Show and Special Olympics Washington at the most advanced level.
Suzy Weber Creative
His favorite treats include cantering around the Little Bit track and carrots—he is known to do a “carrot stretch” to indicate he wants a carrot instead of waiting for the carrot to appear first, and his favorite carrots are fresh from the Little Bit carrot patch.
Sherman’s care includes regular vaccinations, teeth floating, farrier-recommended temporary natural balance shoes to correct his stride, and a custom diet including Timothy hay for extra protein, in a slow feeder, and supplements for his joints and digestion. Additionally, Sherman receives regular chiropractic and acupuncture treatments to make sure his back and muscles are feeling good and schooling sessions three times per week to keep up his fitness and keep our big guy moving!
Kimberly Lind Photography
Little Bit staff intentionally select each horse’s barn stall and outdoor paddock and who their equine neighbors are. After realizing that walking Sherman past other horses in the barn makes him nervous, he was assigned a corner barn stall so that he can walk right in while at the same time supervise the tack barn and all the comings and goings.
Today, Sherman’s care is 22 percent sponsored. To help sponsor Sherman’s care, please contact Director of Development Sharon Soldenwagner at sharons@littlebit.org or visit www.littlebit.org/horses. Horse sponsorships start at $1,000 per year.
Written by Sharon Soldenwagner
