Bandit is not for sale at this time.
Buckskin Gold Bandit, aka Bandit, is a registered Tennessee Walker gelding (THWBEA 20408448/BU), 16 years old (April 2004), bred by Dream Walker Ranch, Las Vegas, NV. He stands 16-1 hands tall and has a strong build. He is one of the most athletic horses I have ever ridden. Bandit has a big motor and likes to be moving out ahead. He is easy to control, but takes a strong hand on the reins when riding with a group. For that reason, he requires a confident rider. He is not aggressive around other horses or people and does well in a group setting or by himself. Bandit is experienced on the trail and around cattle and shows some “cow sense” when pushing a herd. He is not prone to spooking and is sure-footed on the trail.
I have had Bandit on extended pack trips in the Blue Range Primitive Area in Arizona as well as the Jim Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming. I have ridden him on some pretty tough trails in Utah as well. I recently rode him with a group to the Secret Corrals, near Salina, Utah, where I split saddle time with another horse. When I was not riding Bandit, I tied his lead rope around his neck and let him follow along. He stayed right with the group, followed in line, and caused no disruptions at all. Here’s a video of that trip, shot by my friend, Jon Tanner. Toward the end, there’s a lot of footage of Bandit handling the trail (I’m the rider with the red shirt and blue BYU cap).
He ties well on a high-line, to trees, or to a trailer, and does not pull. He is a pleasure to ride in the mountains. He is strong and can keep up his gait all day long.
Bandit has a very strong run-walk. Because he tends to push in a group, he often gets a little prancy, which is not unpleasant, but not as smooth as the run-walk. I am working on tuning him up to select and stay in the run-walk. He has a very nice canter. I have had him in a smooth rack at close to 15 mph without breaking into a canter, but he will canter when asked. He can really move when let loose to show off! An owner who is knowledgeable about TWH gaits would be able to get the best out of him in no time with a little consistency in riding. At this time he is getting very little use, which is why he is a little out of tune and why he is for sale.
Bandit is a tall horse, which could be a challenge for the average-height person to mount, however, Bandit was trained to “park-out” and will do so on cue. He extends his front legs forward, stretching out, lowering his back by nearly six inches, making mounting almost as easy as getting on a pony! Anyone can do it!
Bandit stands well for saddling/unsaddling and for mounting/dismounting and for grooming. He stands well for the farrier. He loads and unloads from a trailer effortlessly and will back out or come out forward. Bandit is easy to catch in a pasture or corral, normally coming right to hand. He is easy to halter and lead. He is friendly and gentle. He is good around traffic, handles bicycles and dogs well, and has a calm disposition. But, once you get on his back, he really wants to get moving!
Here are a couple videos I put together of Bandit:
Here are some photos of Bandit:
UPDATE:
Bandit sold to Megan Stewart, of Show Low, Arizona in January, 2023. She helped me and a friend out of a tough spot while on a pack trip last July, so she got a special deal on Bandit. I’m happy that I found the right person for Bandit. I think they’ll both be very happy.
TH
Is Bandit still for sale or do you have another horse that has a lot of go?
I am looking for a horse that is similar to what you described him.
Bandit is not for sale at this time, however Missy is getting close to being ready to go. She is green-broke and is still a bit skittish, but she is an excellent trail horse and has a lot of go. She would be suitable for a person who is an experienced rider.
Well, guess what! I spoke with Bandit’s owners this afternoon (my daughter and son-in-law) and they are willing to sell him to the right person. They just are not able to put any time into him at this time. So, if you are interested, please email me at tony.henrie@westerntrailrider.com or message me on facebook and we’ll make arrangements for you to see him. Read the writeup on this page and take a look at the videos I linked. He is a phenomenal horse, a real powerhouse, and he just gives you everything he has all the time. He could use a little tune-up, as he hasn’t seen much use in the past year, but it’s mostly a matter of just putting time into him. He’s had all the training and he’s great on the trails, willing and able. I don’t believe he’s ever been packed, but I can break him to packs if you want that done. I’m certain it wouldn’t take more than a couple hours to get him acquainted with them. Under saddle, though, I just love riding this horse!