We definitely did not anticipate retaining Linus — our first foal ever — but his disposition and temperament were so supremely suited for Jim (and, in the process, underlining just how mismatched Jim and Legolas were) that we agreed Legolas would be better served with a combination of professional training and a new, good-match home and that Linus should stay here, even though Jim had to start the wait-until-my-gelding-is-old-enough-to-ride process all over again.

Linus has a lot of his mom Willow's near-perfect Fjord disposition coupled with a nicely dialed-back version of his maternal uncle Yamsi's zest for life.  Linus gained important function improvements over his dam in talent, although he did not get her lovely head (you can't ride looks and Linus is gelded, so that doesn't matter in the big picture).  Initially we couldn't fault anything about Linus's temperament, but as his brain has matured into his cerebral development stage, we can see Linus is looking a lot like a "PBJ" kind of guy.

Fortunately Linus's caring nature and desire to connect remain, and he has a emotionally healthy herd to help him build self-confidence and become his best possible self as he progresses toward full adulthood.  Also critical for Linus is that he and Jim are very connected and have a great partnership, established early and — more importantly — nurtured and maintained through those first years when so many horses are "turned out to grow up".  Linus greatly enjoys his lessons and playtime with Jim, and is getting more and more solid with the skills he will need to be a safe partner on the trail and (once he's old enough) under saddle.

Linus also has a BIG fan in mom Willow's previous owner, who is no longer able to maintain a horse of her own.  She visits regularly and participates in expanding and solidifying Linus's skill set ... and Linus just loves having a bonus human!  :-)

Linus loves feeling safe, getting attention, playing with his yearmate Chestry, and being with Jim (who, according to Linus, checks ALL the boxes!).

*****************************

Linus means "flaxen haired", which could apply to most Fjords.  The name also invokes fond memories of the beloved Peanuts character Linus, which ironically has turned out to fit in other ways — Linus has a really big head (like all the Peanuts kids) and he is the most insecure member of our herd , always needing a species-appropriate "security blanket" of some kind!