RESCUE Stallion is WHAT Breed! DNA test revealed!

[@grannieannie1371]

Well now we know why he survived. He's a ridiculously tough little guy. And an absolute character to boot. Glad he found you.

[@catherinethompson4071]

Ahhh. Love this guy!! Thank you!

[@sherylbartlett3871]

Hooray for Nigel. What a hardy little guy.....no wonder he has survived a tough life - it's in his DNA!! Thank you for sharing his breed history. Very interesting! God bless you for caring for him!

[@MegF142857]

Truth!

[@JeanAmann-w1u]

Wow! I didn't realize that a horse could be such a fascinating history lesson. Go, Nigel! Thank you for deciding to care for him for the rest of his life.

[@artemisXsidecross]

Horse history is worth a look. Our partnership with Equis is only 5000 years old. They were almost extinct from being a food source for human consumption.

[@Laura-ed5kf]

One of my FAVORITE things about the DNA-vids: the HISTORY LESSON! America is clearly not a melting-pot of ppl only! 😊

[@artemisXsidecross]

@@Laura-ed5kf “The Clovis culture, named after a 13,500-year-old site in New Mexico, is characterized by distinct stone and bone tools found in close association with Pleistocene or Ice Age animals, including mammoths, and is considered by many archeologists to be the first human culture in the Americas.” ✘ “Horses evolved in the Americas around four million years ago, but by about 10,000 years ago, they had mostly disappeared from the fossil record. Spanish settlers likely first brought horses back to the Americas in 1519, when Hernán Cortés arrived on the continent in Mexico.”

[@RobinEsch]

my thoughts exactly!

[@hollygolightly8048]

I live near a Clovis site where a baby was buried with tiny pots of ochre pigment and large points, about 8 inches long. Fascinating! Discovered by accident.

[@huskeyfosterfail4980]

He recovered so well because his momma loves him.

[@Stranger_Than_Fiction299]

Came for the mystery, stayed for the history. Loving the horse history! Tysm!

[@lindarenn4239]

When you said for us to keep in mind that Nigel has a double thick coat and an attitude we immediately thought of the Shetland Pony. We love Nigel. Thank you for rescuing this older, spunky little fellow. ❣️❣️❣️

[@kepnjem]

I thought perhaps the Icelandic due to Nigel's gait. 😊

[@jannford6916]

The abuse of animals by humanity is shameful.

[@mememe733]

Not just horses, but animals.

[@kst6959]

I've really enjoyed watching Nigel's journey and updates. Also love the DNA reports. It is a fun way to learn about breeds and their histories. Thank you for giving this little old man a loving retirement.

[@melindajones9389]

He is such a plucky little fellow. Love him.

[@Linda-yv3mf]

I am so grateful that Nigel came to be with you. As a horse owner who loves horses I had a mustang who lived to be 42 years old. She was a beautiful horse that finally succumbed to ring bone and could no longer get up after laying down. I was lucky to have her 27 years and rode her until she was 36 years of age. Please don’t give up on Nigel, he truly touches my heart every video you post.

[@romystumpy1197]

She is perfect for nigel

[@weechoclatyclaire]

Being from Scotland I am super proud Nigel is part Shetland Pony. I had wondered if he was when I saw that amazing mane! He's so cute! Thank you for taking care of him and giving him a happy retirement ❤

[@goldielion-s7f]

That was my only guess, too, because of his big hair and his tiny stature. Being of Scottish ancestry myself, I am proud too for this part of Nigel's ancestry. Thanks, CC, for your love and care ❣

[@merk9569]

@@goldielion-s7f. Me too!

[@redhorsburgh..2345]

Totally thought that too ... Shetland pony's have that thick coat...

[@Candy-O1776]

My first guess, but I know nothing about horses.

[@jmdec20]

My grandfather had a herd of Shetlands and they had attitude. They made the winters in Iowa very well. His Stallion was hard as a rock, smart, trained to pull a Sulky. I never thought of them in mines. All different colors and some blue 'glass'. He still had them when I graduated from H. School and I never heard of a health problem, just keeping the tough hooves trimmed was a trick.

[@cherylmarquez2645]

That explains his toughness & strong will, I'm happy for him that he'll spend the rest of his days with you. 🥰

[@mousiebrown1747]

Fourth “gene trait”: Photogenic! He’s beautiful beyond description. ❤❤❤

[@aquapaula]

When you're that cute, you don't need to work. You can just boss other people...I mean horses...around.😂😂😂

[@Fern-334]

Very interesting! But to me Nigel will always be a purebred Unicorn ❤❤❤

[@alycewich4472]

ABSOLUTELY!

[@MollyLuella]

Exactly!!

[@marilynmainini5342]

I donated him to a Childrens Ranch in Miami in the late 90s. His name is Chip and his crest was damaged by a larger stallion. He is actually closer to 50 years old. Absolutely amazed he is still alive. I am certain it’s Chip because of the heart spot and damaged crest. God bless you for seeing the beauty in him. He was a very proud stud and produced beautiful babies with excellent confirmation.

[@TheCleverCowgirl]

Do you have any pictures !?

[@marilynmainini5342]

@@TheCleverCowgirl my son has them in storage but may be able to get them in a few months when he moves. It’s definitely Chip, so much attitude. Every horse on our farm respected him but one day he got in the back pasture and he picked a bad fight with the big stallion in my profile pic. Thank goodness I was there because Cowboy had him by the neck and it’s a miracle he survived. Once I healed him from that injury I donated him. After that somehow he made his way to you. He was eligible for AMHR but never did. I got him in lieu of a a breeding fee for Cowboy from a customer and kept him about 5 years. My son used him for trail til he was ready for a horse. So anyway he is a miniature horse not a pony technically based on his height. He sired a carbon copy of himself that matured to 28”. Same beautiful head and perfect confirmation. So happy to see this as he’s literally the last horse alive from my farm. If I get a hold of the pictures, I’ll certainly send them your way.

[@TheCleverCowgirl]

@@marilynmainini5342 That would be awesome!

[@marilynmainini5342]

@@TheCleverCowgirl give him a hug and a bit of apple from me.

[@TheCleverCowgirl]

@@marilynmainini5342 WOuld you mind emailing me at [e-mail] ?

[@peony4954]

What a heartwarming story about this spunky, adorable little guy! So glad he found his forever home in such a knowledgeable and loving environment.🥰

[@KaiOcean]

I guessed only the Shetland Pony because of his small ears and voluminous mane and tail. Thank you for being his final owner.

[@teresagranza1598]

The DNA tests are so interesting. Nigel is a tough little horse. So glad his senior years will be with you.

[@NCRFineArt]

I LOVED hearing about Nigel's DNA! Thank you!

[@feiryfella]

He's such a stunning little guy, he must have looked amazing in his prime.

[@TheCleverCowgirl]

He still looks pretty dashing when he sheds his winter coat!

[@judithburke1539]

He looks pretty amazing for his age as well 😊.

[@catherinecopp962]

Thanks for saving Nigel! What a wonderful mix of Horse DNA and genetic heritage. It is so satisfying to see a neglected but deserving animal have its life turned around and regain its health with the right care and attention. A happy ending story.

[@angelaainsworth1715]

Nigel is such a handsome little man! At first, I thought that he was an Icelandic horse (which I have become a great admire of the breed). I am so glad that he has a wonderful and loving home to live out the rest of his years. ❤❤❤

[@christinaveeckman111]

Thanks for doing the DNA test ❤

[@dianeboross6978]

Shetland ponies are headstrong, so could explain his dominating attitude. I can't help but wonder what his life was like before you. I could see him pulling a little carriage, but who knows. Thankful that you saved and care for him now, CC.

[@StevieWonders2020]

LOL I guessed Dalmation....he's my guy. Love Nigel since I laid eyes on him. So glad he lives at Rancho Ingognito.

[@alycewich4472]

🤣😂🤣 Great guess! There might be some Dalmations almost as tall as he is!

[@tiasims7737]

😆

[@YewTher]

I used to have horses but life changes brought an end to that. I’m retired now and my life is happy but I do miss the horses. Your channel is my fix. The everyday chores, the horse personalities, the training plans, the DNA discoveries - that all really fills a void for me. I miss the smells of horses and leather, the satisfaction of shedding out a horse in the spring or of cleaning out hooves. Thank you! I’m always looking for your next video!

[@nancy6160]

I'm in the same boat! I miss horses 🐎 and riding. Grooming and cleaning stalls too!

[@alycewich4472]

I'm in the same stage of life and The Clever Cowgirl is my fix too!

[@LaurieAnnOR]

Me too!

[@tiasims7737]

Me very much too!

[@robinriley8925]

Same with me!

[@noeraldinkabam]

He’s even more special than we already knew he was!

[@thurayya8905]

Thank you for sharing Nigel's DNA analysis with us. I'm sure he is glad he has finally found a person intelligent and discerning enough to understand his true worth!

[@CarnivoreStork]

A hard history for many horses, So glad you’re able to give him a soft landing. 🌺

[@lesliebryce6074]

So well orchestrated and documented! Another interesting episode for the Clever Cowgirl. Everyone is happy that Nigel is in your competent hands for the remainder of his life. Bravo! An inspiration to all 😊

[@paulasmith8324]

What a fascinating story Nigel’s DNA tells!

[@Sher5238]

Part Mammoth/Part Unicorn ? Definitely an angel and heaven sent. Thanks CC for your love and compassion and patience.

[@artemisXsidecross]

👍

[@QuinnLoftis]

I guess he was a Shetland pony 😮 and 🎉🎉🎉 he is a Shetland pony. I am so glad that you rescue horses like Nigel

[@Pumpkin-b4e]

Nigel is amazing the characteristics really shows with his Shetland Pony ancestry. And he was lost till you found him and finally received love and care. Sweet beautiful Nigel ❤

[@letitbee7248]

This makes me love Nigel even more!! He's elegant, tough, smart, beautiful. Please give him some hugs and scratches from me. So happy that you adopted this little guy and he gets to spend the rest of his life being the boss!!! 🥰

[@Zeigled-j8d]

What a well traveled little boy! So cute.

[@nylarobinson4508]

I see so many of these mini's with such poor confirmation but Nigel is just a beautiful, scaled down version of a full sized horse. We had a Shetland pony growing up and, attitude wise, Nigel is very much like our Little Paint.

[@nylarobinson4508]

And FYI, when we had heavy snow, Little Paint always pulled the car out of the driveway and moved downed trees. He was truly a workhorse.

[@wfs000]

Nigel is a champion. So glad he ended up in your hands. 😊

[@emk7132]

Love where genetics can take us these days!! The Appaloosa is not a genetically testable breed right now at least in part because it maintains registry requirements that allow one parent to be from other breed registries like thoroughbred or Arabian as long as one parent is a registered Appaloosa. So the DNA of the breed has a very low chance that there will be any of those short segments of DNA that will be specific and distinct to, alone or in combination, the breed. The coat color and mottled skin, etc. however, are caused genetically by the Leopard Complex which can be screened for and is only found in a few breeds Appaloosa, Knabstrupper, and Pony of the Americas!

[@clairelarson2068]

Thank you--I had some niggling questions about color genetics watching this, and you just answered them!

[@gnostic268]

I had several P.O.A.s when I was a kid. The last one being Nigel's twin but she was a mare and 4 hands 6 in. whuch at the time was the upper height limit allowed in Ponies of the Americas. They moved exactly the same. Long strides and floating while trotting. As long as Nigel has the coloring he could be cross-registered, I believe but things could've changed in the 30+ yrs since I was involved in the P.O.A. association as I stick to rescue horses now.

[@RataPerry]

Thank you for your post. Very insightful and I enjoyed it very much. I love appalooas but I never knew much about their heritage. And their lineage was always a mystery to me. I know the Nez Pierce Native Americans put a high value in owning them and breeding them.

[@danamelby4090]

I'm glad you found him he was in pretty rough condition before you got him

[@barbrice721]

He is a very Special Little Gentleman.❤

[@sheilam4964]

Nigel has been blessed over and over by you. And us by association. Thx for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us.

[@connieembury1]

What an amazing mix! I'm glad he will live out his years with someone who obviously cares for him.

[@dianesaienni5466]

oh my heart Nigel looks so happy trotting in the opening video!

[@gaypreator8547]

Nigel a little time capsule. Blending the history with even more history of horses - makes your channel stand out. Nigel is definitely a fine example of how proper nutrition, a lot of love and luck proves how amazing horsey physiology is. He is absolutely beautiful and lucky that you took him on. The picture of his mash mouth - is priceless. Great job. ☕️ have a wonderful weekend.

[@greenspiritarts]

How wonderful that you did this test! The story about the Shetlands being used in the mines was heartbreaking. What a joy he is and thank you for giving him a wonderful place to live out the remainder of his days. You are doing SUCH good wok!!! ❤❤❤

[@michelleharrell8452]

I am so glad that you brought him. You saved his life & now he gets to have fun on his terms. 30 to 40 years. If only he could talk. I am sure he would have many stories to tell us. Perhaps enough to fill the pages of a most fascinating book. He sure is cute.

[@liznyp6209]

Now we know why he’s such a tough little guy! ❤️

[@DianeLee999]

Thank you for sharing your fascination with the foundation horse lines in America. Nigel is indeed fortunate to be with you! I honestly don’t know of a place where his life would be so honored. Thank you 💜

[@jenniferhuffman1835]

What a unique and interesting story about Nigel. It’s like opening an unlabeled box to see what’s inside. ❤

[@artemisXsidecross]

Humility is one of our best teachers and C.C. has always used it to her advantage. Her results are a pleasure to witness. ❤ A sad reminder of how modernization with industrialism has brought strive not only to ourselves but our planet with all its life forms too. We might all need more humility that C.C. shows in each of her episodes. 👍

[@pamelahooper7851]

This is super interesting. Nigel is especially handsome. ❤

[@LeslieNikulka]

Hooray, NIGEL! You ROCK, buddy. Thank you so much for sharing Nigel's fascinating history. Thank goodness those nasty mines are now closed up for the health of pony and man. I love your channel. 🐎

[@barb7128]

Thank you for finding out about this spunky little pony and for your telling the stories about his breed heritage. Nigel is one of a kind! Blessings!

[@TamaraBeinlich]

Wow, now we know where he gets his attitude and longevity, it's in his DNA to be tough. 🙂

[@eliseleonard3477]

What a great little horse Nigel is. It’s so cool you found his family! ❤️ 🐴

[@heatherjordan1451]

He’s an AMHA/AMHR. They used several breeds to create these horses, since they were a height breed ,so for years had a more open book in the early days. He’s beautifully built.

[@pennieplatinum2767]

Amazing. I'm so glad you did the research and shared it with us. The video was well done and a pleasure to watch. Nigel is one lucky fella to have ended up with you.

[@starpedroia187]

Love it when you do a genetics test and love seeing the history of where each contributing breed originated from!

[@margaretblack8538]

Absolutely fascinating CC, i was hooked from the start. I had no idea that ponies or horses could live for 30 or 40 years, that's amazing. Nigel is a gorgeous wee soul. 💙

[@JillAxford]

Yes, he is a gorgeous wee soul.

[@betheva5917]

He’s a joy to behold. Smiles all round.

[@cathymarshall8327]

Aww, so happy he found you.

[@leahnichol6665]

What an amazing man! Thank you for exploring his breeding.

[@cheryaljones9467]

Wow. He looks so great. I would not know his age by looking at his proud gait I am so glad he found his way to you. Thank you 😊

[@annepettit3855]

I would have guessed Pony of the Americas-and that he has a lot of kids out there, as he’s put together so nicely ❤

[@CricketsBay]

I agree. I hope she contacts POAC for genetic testing.

[@tinakam8557]

I had forgotten about POAs. I remember more of them in the 70s and 80s but have not seen one in a long time. He is a very fancy mover, the POA registry may be very interested as he is older and may have genetics that are lost.

[@alycewich4472]

If I remember correctly, the way the POA ponies were started was crossing shetland ponies to Appaloosas to get a smaller sized Appaloosa/larger pony for kids to ride.

[@susanlane8803]

The Shetland part makes a lot of sense with the thick winter coat, they are very hardy and can stay out in all weathers!

[@alisonh890]

How interesting. Little Nigel is such a cute guy and once you know his history all the characteristics slot into place. He is looking great by the way. ❤

[@sharonrimsza7960]

WooHoo, I was right with my first guess: I knew there was Shetland in there! Look at the face, the mane and that hair! Nigel is so very lucky you have him. Bless you Nigel!

[@lockandload699]

Had some Shetlands in our small herd on the farm. One we called Mike after a local fat hotel owner . He was like a 45 gal drum on legs. When Mike wanted to go home, he went home, no stopping him. Never named my Shetland except on those occasions when he ticked me off, at that point, he had a lot of different names. Lots of fond memories of all the horses we had. Ole May had a gaunt that would rock you to sleep. For some reason, cattle seemed afraid of the Shetlands as they would run from them at roundup time. Miss those days. Love your channel, I think you're doing a great job with your horses.

[@stardust949]

WOO HOO!!! I freaking LOVE your DNA reveal videos!!

[@jodiely7983]

Me too…CC does a lot of research to present to us 😊

[@StayFreeUSA]

Your comment at the end about that's why he was able to get through his recovery so well, I was thinking the same thing while you were describing qualities of his ancestry. I looove Nigel. So happy you found him and arr sharing him with us. That prance he has!

[@TammySaj-zm6kr]

That picture of him with his forelock in a bubble pony tail , is the cutest. I love that I can see his eyes 👀 ❤ hes adorable ❤❤❤ sweet sassy grumpy old man Nigel ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeannugent4077]

What a great story for a little survivor. Thank you for taking such good, loving care of Nigel.

[@catherineniew7457]

And 👏👍 for all the other such comments!!❤

[@kashesan]

Nigel is the cutest. Thank you for posting this fascinating discovery of his heritage.

[@janetlohmann3338]

How very wonderful to know his background. You chose the right name for him. I just love him!!

[@joniskibo5910]

THANKs for SAVEing "NIGEL" ❤

[@ECole-le7we]

I love Nigel, and now I know why. He's resilient and a boss!

[@annmarie3520]

I know absolutely nothing about horses and my pick was Shetland Pony!!!😁 They had such a sad history in those mines.☹ Nigel is one tough lucky little guy!😘🙏🏻❤✨

[@1105pitbull]

What a terrible life for any animal to be confined underground for their entire life. Thank you for doing this and sharing with us. So interesting and informative. So glad little Nigel has been given the best life possible.

[@indyford3531]

This was such a good video, I learned so much history about horses. thank you so much for sharing Nigel's DNA story.

[@christinematton4125]

Thank you for the history on Nigel...what a beautiful little guy ❤❤

[@susan7396]

What a special treasure you have. Thank you for sharing Nigel with us. This was a fascinating history lesson. I really appreciate all you do with these wonderful animals and am grateful that you let us in to watch.

[@1_viewer]

Nigel! What an impressive lineage! You can definitely see it as you go over the top three breeds! I am proud I guessed the second. Thanks for sending his hair off to the lab!

[@janedeclarico5920]

My absolute favorite genetic reveal so far. Nigel is such a handsome, spicy little guy. So glad he found his way into your heart. It's always fun when you feature his spirited interactions with you and the other horses. It's hard to believe he's between 30 and 40! My cousins used to have a 35 year old flea bitten grey horse that I used to ride. By ride I mean they would put my 5 year old self on him and go about their chores confident he would only move about 10 feet every 30 minutes. Certainly nothing like Nigel's sometimes explosive energy.

[@mbh4960]

This is hilarious to picture!

[@Suelynngrr]

Fascinating look into the genetic inheritance of these horses. How awful the coal-mining ponies had it! I cannot imagine them spending their whole short life in a coal mine! So glad that no longer exists! Your videos are compelling, CC. Always insightful and informative. Thank you. ♥

[@RataPerry]

Imagine having to inhale all that coal dust. Brings to mind black lung disease that coal miners would often contract.

[@Suelynngrr]

@@RataPerry Terribly sad. :(

[@margaretclark......akamarm2600]

I adore Nigel, he has such inner strength ♥️

[@Yataro79]

Go, Nigel! What a proud ancestry! Happy retirement.

[@renawetherelt5020]

Fascinating story. So happy for dapper little Nigel.

[@ldirk58601]

If my history teachers would have just used horses as their ruler I would have been so much more interested. Nigels lucky horse hoof pattern on his hip helped him land the best home he could ever have. Have a wonderful weekend CC and Happy Easter!

[@nina4161]

Ah, little Nigel!

[@deborahm6036]

So fascinating to find out about Nigel. Thank you for giving him such great senior years.

[@glitterprincess5672]

Little Nigel is so handsome! He definitely is very strong !! I look forward to watching him enjoy his retirement ❤

[@kim.in.nature.]

One of the more accurate DNA tests i've seen.

[@DianneStrickland-uj4iw]

He didn't even look like a horse when you first got him. What a great story. He looks like he is full of mischief!

[@annjohnson8437]

Nigel's results are so cool, and they definitely make sense. I guessed Shetland Pony, but I was wrong on my other two guesses. Nigel is a tough little guy with beautiful color and movement. Thank you for posting this extremely informative video! I thoroughly enjoyed it. ❤

[@publicclammer]

Wonderful, entertaining, educational and very well researched and executed video! Nigel is looking great too! Thank you and Happy Easter!

[@KristinaBenoit]

Nigel is a hearty, boss boy! I'm sure the reason he survived from being mistreated for so long is because of his mighty attitude and tough, hearty ancestry. I'm so glad he touched your heart and that you saved him. 💓

[@liteweightpup2561]

Very interesting. Nigel is a fortunate horse.

[@JTEllis]

A most interesting video. Nigel has quite a DNA and an outstanding forever home.

[@checle4499]

Your DNA videos are always very interesting and entertaining. Love the education you bring to those of us who can only stand and admire, and can hear the passion you bring for these marvelous animals.