Ritz

Horse Details

Height

17.0hh

Colour

Plain Bay

Age

9 years

Sex

Gelding

Status

Future Rehoming Candidate

Rider Level

Intermediate (Requires a calm, confident handler who prioritizes connection before correction).

Identification

Registered Name

Point Break (NZ)

Date of Birth

2016-10-30

Microchip Number

985125000092055

Disciplines

• Road & Trail Riding
• Pleasure Hacking
• Groundwork & Partnership
• Groundwork Education

Ritz - The Gentle Giant

Ritz is impossible to miss.

Standing at an impressive 17 hands high, this beautiful nine-year-old Off-The-Track Thoroughbred has a presence that naturally commands attention. Schooled, trained, and intelligent, Ritz is every bit the horse people dream of owning.

But there was one problem.

Ritz needed a rider who understood him.

Instead, he found himself in the hands of someone who was still learning the horse world. They loved him dearly and spoiled him endlessly, but love alone is not always enough. Horses, much like people, need to be understood.

Before arriving at Hawkez Haven, we were informed that Ritz had allegedly been drugged prior to his sale to present him as a quiet, docile horse in order to secure a quick transaction. If true, this decision changed the course of both Ritz's life and that of his new owners.

Because Ritz wasn't quiet.

He wasn't docile.

And he certainly wasn't a beginner's horse.

As his new owner struggled to find confidence, Ritz quietly stepped into the role of leader. He used his size, his intelligence, and his experience to outsmart his rider, leaving both horse and human in a difficult position.

Before long, another reputation began to follow him — bossy, difficult, hard to handle.

But Ritz wasn't bossy. He was misunderstood.

Ritz arrived at Hawkez Haven in early 2026, and within two weeks, we had reached an understanding. We showed him what boundaries looked like, and in return, he showed us who he really was.

Almost immediately, the walls began to come down.

The horse who had spent so long taking charge discovered that he didn't have to carry that responsibility anymore. As trust grew, Ritz became softer, more affectionate, and more willing to work alongside us rather than against us.

And that is where the magic happens.

At Hawkez Haven, we believe in connection before correction.

Because horses like Ritz don't need harsher hands, they need understanding.

While Ritz can become frustrated with repetitive schooling and endless circles in an arena, put him out on the road for a quiet one-on-one ride, and you'll discover exactly who he is.

He loves the journey.

The scenery.

The partnership.

The simple joy of sharing an experience with his person.

Ritz has shown us that he is not just a big horse with power and presence. He is a gentle soul who knows exactly when someone needs comfort and who carries his heart far more openly than people expect.

He has become another important part of Hawkez Haven and another reminder that every horse has something to teach us.

Ritz taught us that fear does not discriminate.

Even the biggest horses can be afraid.

Even the strongest horses can be fragile.

And sometimes, the horses that appear the most intimidating are simply waiting for someone to say, 'I've got this — you don't have to do it alone anymore.'

With honesty, loyalty, kindness, and the commitment to keep showing up, Ritz became exactly who he was always meant to be.

Not a label.

Not a problem horse.

Just a very big horse with an even bigger heart.

And we wouldn't have him any other way.

Care, Health & Well-being:

• Handling & Riding: Flourishes with one-on-one hacking and scenic trail rides; prefers varied routines over repetitive arena schooling.

• Boundaries: Requires clear, gentle, and firm leadership to maintain confidence and trust.

• Management: Regular farrier care, routine dental maintenance, and spacious paddock grazing.

Looking Forward

Ritz is continuing his rehabilitation and education. His future placement will be matched to an intermediate handler who understands sensitive Thoroughbreds.