I think he's a gawky 'yearling' (not even!) that is looking very scruffy and feral as you say! LOL. I think you're right and there's a nice little gelding hiding under that fuzz and awkwardness. His neck is a little low set but a reasonable length and shape (and it'll only get better). His shoulder angle is a little closed - but could be the way he's standing. His shoulder is nicely laid back though and his hindquarter looks OK - not superb maybe but nothing glaringly wrong. Hocks are a good angle (I can tell that even though he isn't standing square, even though some people tell me that you can't do that - arrrggh! Let's not go there) and he should develop up nicely. He looks longish but his LS joint is really well placed and his loin looks strong even in the under-muscled baby stage he's in. I think his head will surprise and be handsome when he gets rid of his beard (he was a very pretty foal too). His legs look typically ASH sound and strong. I think you've found a diamond in the rough!! You have good instincts. I bet he'll grow into a really nice horse!

What's his breeding?

(BTW - I agree about the pali bit. Ironic when so many people are breeding for it. And some only breeding for it! It's a pretty colour and all but it's well... a little prissy and my little pony! Give me a buckskin over a pali anyday! They do look gorgeous plaited though and ready to show (pali's) . Anyway it's better than the gross brown/grey that my filly is. And when I think of all the gross changes she's going to go through over the next few years...maybe I would like a pali after all......).

Let us know what you decide and more pictures please if it's a yes!


'With age comes wisdom... and the ability to look back and think to oneself "WTF was I thinking?!"' JB