2020 Draft (Brabant/Belgian) Gelding
16.2 HH
Some horses you have to figure out—this is not one of them.
Rooster is a beautiful draft cross gelding that is seasoned, reliable, and proven. He’s the kind that makes your days easy and enjoyable, and the kind that quickly becomes everyone’s favorite in the barn—just like he is in ours.
He is educated and broke the right way, with a foundation that truly translates. Rooster carries himself with confidence, understands pressure, accepts direction, and stays honest in everything he does. Whether you’re riding every day or pulling him out a couple times a year, he’s going to show up the same—consistent, willing, and dependable.
Physically, he’s impossible to overlook. Built like a linebacker with substance, bone, and presence, yet paired with the kind eye, expression, and heart of a true teddy bear.
Rooster is the definition of a “no hassle” horse—the husband horse, the kids horse, the ladies horse. The kind you can trust, enjoy, and be proud to own. He is as honest as they come, with zero vices—no biting, cribbing, weaving, kicking, bucking, rearing, or pulling back. He is sound, healthy, and uncomplicated to keep.
An easy keeper, Rooster maintains well on hay alone—no grain or supplements required. He gets along well with other horses and has proven to adapt seamlessly to both stall and pasture life
No guesswork. No surprises. Rooster is a prime example and inspiration for why we love these big footed horses!
Follow his journey to the sale on our social media accounts as we take weekly videos. Please reach out to us with any questions and if you want to come take him for a ride and see if he is the horse for you, we would love to have you out!
Melissa Baus
Plainview, MN
507.202.1994
Melissa Baus of Baus Horses didn’t grow up surrounded by horses - she earned her way into them. Getting her first horse in high school shaped a perspective rooted in appreciation, work ethic, and respect for the investment behind every horse. From local 4-H shows to World & National level competition, she understands what it takes at every stage - from that first horse to the high-level competitor.
For over 22 years, Melissa has worked alongside her husband, Mark Baus, an accomplished horseman and judge with AQHA, APHA, and NSBA. His top-level knowledge and first hand experience have helped shape and sharpen her competitive edge, bringing a deeper level of understanding to both the development and presentation of the horses they represent.
Early in their marriage, Mark accepted a head training position at a large breeding operation that at one point boasted over 400 horses. Together, Mark and Melissa were immersed in evaluating, handling, and sorting through large numbers of horses - identifying those with show potential while thoughtfully placing others into programs and homes where they could succeed. This experience provided a depth of knowledge and perspective that is both rare and invaluable. Recognizing talent and developing it to its full potential is an education all on its own, as is identifying individual traits and aptitudes to guide each horse towards the discipline where it can truly excel.
Family is at the core of everything Melissa does. She and Mark are raising three children, ages 12, 9 and 7, who are growing up around horses the same way the business is built - hands-on and honest. After 17 years on the breeding farm, Baus Horses has grown into its own program, with the addition and strong focus on half drafts. They’ve found these horses to be especially family-friendly-sturdy, sound and sane. Whether it’s time spent together on the trails or in the arena, having safe, enjoyable horses is something their whole family values, and it’s exactly what they aim to provide for others.