Advice appreciated- which breed's best?

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Izzyella

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I'm looking to buy a horse/pony for myself, mainly to accompany my daughter hacking on her pony and but maybe more in time. I would really, really appreciate some opinions on whether I am being realistic.:)
I'm 5'4'', weigh 11 3/4 stone, haven't ridden much for 10 years and am a bit nervous (stopped due to accident on a tb which makes it hard to mount/dismount anything bigger than pony size and has put me off 'big' horses). I have own fields and stables and 2 kids ponies.I would like something absolutely bombproof, hardy (although I can bring in/feed as needed) , not a youngster, and have a budget of around £3k.There are very few ponies for sale in my area!I know that every horse is different but would really appreciate feedback about the following breeds:D:
I've seen a 14 hh Dales pony who sounds lovely but is a 3 hour drive away- am I too big :eek:(owner says not)? Do they have a strange/hard to achieve canter?Should I worry about anything else
I've looked at a couple of Haflingers (seemed very strong/forward going- are they usually like this?)
I've looked at a Connemara who was not bombproof at all but, this aside, I like the breed but would I be too big as they seem finer than other large native types?
Have been advised to consider Highland ponies and they are gorgeous and seem to be built like tanks (so presumably would be up to my weight)- don't seem to be any that aren't youngsters in the south west though!
Thank you xxx
 
Most definatly a native a, i know highlands that carry 17stone stags down hills in scotland!! And dales could eaisly do the same. As for there canter its the same with any breed its all about the schooling if there schooled nicely they will give you a nice feeling, if there inbalanced you wont get as nice ride.
If your nervous and not confident a haflinger probabaly wouldnt be the one for you, i love them but if they can get away with things or know your nervous the will take advantage, although obviouslty that doesnt go for all but the majority. And also i think for the sort of stuff your doing a more native type will be happier as haflingers tend to get bored easier like to be dong different things all the time.
Connies are nice and and have good natured but are a bit more slight to highlands and dales not all would be real weight carriers.
Another option might be a well built fell, or a small cob or cobX.
 
I wouldn't get too hung up on a breed unless you want to show in breed classes, look at individuals instead. I've known some fantastic horses & ponies of totally unknown parentage - one in particular would have sold a hundred times over for just the job you want yet her parentage was a complete mystery. There are also exceptions to breed stereotypes - I have a 14.2 welsh cob who'd probably be perfect for what you want (no, he's not for sale or loan!) & despite many people's opinion of the breed he's honest, straightforward & safe with the added bonus of loking the business so people think he's more of a handful than he really is! He isn't the heavier stamp either, yet he easily carries me & I'm taller & heavier than you.

Just look for a type & read ads carefully. At your size & weight you hardly need a big horse or something built like a tank.
 
I dont know where in the south west you are but there is a nice Highland on the NFED site that is in Marlborough, he sounds just the job.

I do agree though to not be too breed specific, go for temperament and something that sounds right when you read the ad. I had a Dales and he had the most lovely balanced canter but was not for a nervous rider as he could be cheeky.
 
It's not really breed that matters but the temperament/bombproofness of the individual. I'm the same height as you and I used to have a 14.1hh Fell who was very forwardgoing and I've also ridden a few Conny x TBs who were smart and safe, small horses with a bit of bone (they were around the 15hh - 15.2hh mark which I feel very happy on).

A lot of the Haflingers that I have met were broken to drive originally, so they were actually very green to ride. They were also a bit bargy and headstrong for me to cope with on the ground, although I'm sure that a well trained one would be fine (they are super pretty and chestnut is my favourite horse colour ;P ).

Having said all that -I personally like arabs best. ;)
 
Thank you so much for replying!
The dales sounds fab but my (much more experienced and tb mad) friend said he was boring and wouldn't be any good at cantering (I like boring- to me this means quiet!). She recommended a Highland but they're like hens teeth.
There are far more cobs locally than any other type but I can't sort the good ones from the bad- so many seem to have been broken at 2 or 3 and hammered into the ground and most of the 'bombproof' ones seem to be for sale by dealers or travellers. I've been a bit put off these since looking at a 14 year old on dragon driving who turned out to be 4, unbroken (read wild!) and had a foal at foot(apparently he wasn't in the advert because I could send him to slaughter if I wanted to ride the mare straight away). I came very close to bringing her home but she was terrified of children... I thought that looking for a breed or xbreed would be a better approach
 
I wouldn't be too precise on the breed, any of the bigger built large natives would fit the bill, just go off temperament & suitability. Or a genuine cob.
 
Devon, Somerset, Dorset, (at a real push west Hants or south Wilts). Husband is feeling dejected about the whole thing though as we have looked at a few and none have been as described. He just wants a happy wife and thought it would be similar to buying a car, I think!
 
Awww, I'm sure that first one wasn't there when I looked on Thursday. That lady often advertises cobs and I was toying with phoning her a couple of weeks ago (was a bit put off by her being a dealer). She has the black cob in your list too. I'll give her a call tomorrow.

The arab's much too good for me!

I've always been a bit wary of preloved- my dragon driving experience put me off less mainstream sites- but there are some really nice horses on there.

Have been scanning horsemart on a daily basis.
I keep coming back to this young one (but he's been advertised for ages) http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all_rounder_horse_4_yrs_14_0_hh_dapple_grey_somerset/advert/231070
and this one looks great http://www.horsemart.co.uk/cobs_horse_5_yrs_14_0_hh_dun_dorset/advert/229100 (but he looks enormous in the second photo?)
Anyhow, I think they're both too young really and will call the Honiton lady in the morning!

Thank you x
 
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I like the Highland. Ring up and talk to the owner as he could be perfect but you wont know unless you ask. :D

When you view (private or dealer) take a friend and always be cautious. I like to ask the same question in a slightly different way as sometimes you get a very different answer (eg Is he/she quiet? and Has he/she ever got exited or wound up?) Do get a vetting too. :)
 
Stupid question, but are highlands supposed to look that big at 14hh? Even hubby was astounded- he looks much bigger than the woman walking him! Is it just a funny camera angle or are they all very , very stocky (there was a thread on here a couple of days ago with a beautiful grey highland and I'm sure she wasn't so 'sturdy'). He does look very laid back though...
I think I'd better find one I like, then ask someone who knows what they're doing to have a second look and then have a vetting.

Thank you so much for your advice
 
My YM has a dales who I have ridden since he was 4 and I was terrified after a near fatal accident and he is the most bomb proof horse I have ever come across! He is a real weight carrier too (not me) but he has carried up to 14 stone quite comfortably. She also owned his uncle who was still safe as houses and totally bombproof but he could be a bit cheeky if he knew you could ride. I love them :D

I second what everyone has said about Haflingers they are not for nervous people. I had a friend who had one as her first horse and it got to the stage where he would buck and buck and buck until she came off everytime she rode him. I also know someone else who has one that bolts. Both these friends are the softly, softly nervous type.
 
He just looks like a Highland to me! I've not had much to do with the breed but JFTD on here has two. Hopefully she'll see this post and share her Highland knowledge. ;)
 
I have a dales and don't understand the canter issue. What is the problem supposed to be with their canter?
Your height and weight would be fine on my 14.1 mare.

However I have to agree it's not the breed that is important but finding the "right" pony whatever it's breeding. Although I am biased towards Dales :)
 
Apparently they have a fast, extended trot and so are difficult to get into canter and, when they do, it is very bouncy. I have no personal experience of this and had not heard it before...
Please don't be offended by this, I think Dales are beautiful!
 
I've heard that about Welsh Cobs, but never Dales. The Dales I know doesn't really believe in doing anything fast, but he's a lovely person.
 
The Highland looks gorgeous, but he is only 5. They do tend to take a while to mature and can be a bit bolshy, they also often hit the 'teenage years' between about 5 and 7. Having said that, they can be fab all rounders, have great personalities and look stunning.
 
Apparently they have a fast, extended trot and so are difficult to get into canter and, when they do, it is very bouncy.
Click to expand...

Wonderful gross over generalisation. If you believe that then more fool you.

I am not offended I am amused that people actually believe this rubbish.
 
C2b, that is why I was asking for opinions from people who have Dales ponies, I really do value everyone's input. The Dales website refers to them being prized for their ability to trot long distances (particularly under harness/pulling ammunition) and I assumed this was part of the 'issue' my friend was referring to, almost that they had been bred with an extended pace in mind. I'm glad to hear this isn't the case!
My friend is used to TB's and her views towards natives are affected by this...
 
Not just about dales but we often see on here all tb's are nutters. All sec D's are stubborn bla bla.
Can you not ask the owner if it is hard to get into canter etc? Although 3hours away is further than I would want to travel. It's a shame you are not nearer or you could come and have a play.
My mare does have a 2nd gear trot. I call it her turbo trot. I happen to love it but it only comes into play when asked for. She could trot all day in her normal trot unlike her owner who needs to work on her fitness levels :)
She is very easy to get into canter.
My mare......obviously I can't speak about others is very very calm. I can put complete beginners on her and leave them alone in the school. My 10 year old grandaughter can ride her.
She is probably about as bombproof as you will get. I regularly ride on a main A road.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc2scPm5Jv4
 
I wouldn't be worried about distance if you want the perfect horse, which of course will be a Highland! There is nothing worth having that isn't worth a little trouble and a good pony could last you another 25 years. Every visitor here would be asked to guess the age of one of my ponies. Most would say 7 or 8. She was 25, never had a day's illness, lived out 24/7, and is now in her second life as a kids' pony jumping and ridden out most days!

These days there are some excellent horse transporters and the cost will be negligible. Why? Because the price difference north vs. south will probably be equal to what the transport would cost. jftd's Highlands were both transported over 500 miles, north of Scotland to Essex. If going to look, consider a touring holiday for a few days! We've a lovely country up here. Also, there are cheap flights and cheap rail travel if you book ahead (thetrainline.com).

Unfortunately, broken, safe, mature Highlands are very much sought after but they are out there. By nature, Highlands are pretty laid back anyway but not the plodders they are sometimes portrayed as.

How about this for laid back?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llLgWst3UlQ

One mare had to be milked every few hours to bottle feed a weakly foal. After the first couple of times, I did not even bother to tie her up. Much more laid back than any cow I have ever milked (and I've milked a few)!
 
Are you sure the experienced friend you are using to help you look at potential ponies is the right person for the job? I would really want someone who was able to say "it's not my cup of tea but these are things that you might like/ might be a problem for you" and the fact that your TB mad friend is worried that the entire dales breed may be too quiet for you and can't canter sets off some alarm bells both in terms of her understanding of what you need, and actually her level of experience at all in the type of pony you are looking for.

If you have confidence issues and are looking pony-wards, my experience of those breeds you mentioned would put Dales near the top of the list. Never known any canter issues and all the ones I've met have been nice people. Have met nice Haflingers and Highlands too, but also some that could tend to be strong (generally in a stubborn way rather than a forward way) and set their thick necks against you. I would imagine this is less of a problem in the better schooled ones though, so wouldn't let it put you off trying one if the description of the individual makes it sound suitable.
 
I'd only recommend a Haflinger if you are confident on the ground as they can be cheeky sods given half a chance.

In saying that, I was like you when I was looking for a pony - confidence at an all time low - and just wanted a safe but forward going, easy keeper under 15hh. I really wanted a Highland but couldn't afford the type I needed as they were way over my £2k budget (2006 and I know prices have dropped since then).

I ended up buying my haffie, a real been there, done that type with quite a bit of attitude but absolutely rock solid. The only negative is that he is quite 'opinionated' and you needed to be as stubborn as he is on occasion to win the argument but never, ever nasty. Most I have known have been similar, will try it on but once you establish ground manners it follows nicely into ridden manners...

I've always had natives and as far as riding is concerned - Welsh Cobs have been the most athletic but can be hot, Connies aren't my favourites (I grew up riding them) more horse like than the rest, Highlands I love but do need proper riding or the become very sluggy IME, I adore Dales and like Fells nearly as much but haven't had as much saddle time as the others. New Forests might be an option to look at...personally I'm not a huge fan but that's mainly because I'm too big for most of them!
 
I must admit I hadn't a lot of experience with Dales but a friend allowed me to ride her young mare on a pleasure ride last year. My friend kept saying to me 'you've got to canter her, you've got to canter her'. And then I did. Wow. She was light, uphill, responsive, and my word the power that was there. One of the nicest canters I've ever ridden, and really unexpected. In a few years time that mare is going to be really something. I learnt a lesson that day, and it was never to presume anything.

On that note, don't write off the arab either. If it's a middle aged family horse who has done a bit of everything it could be just what you are looking for. I like my arabs because they are light and easy. Tough, bombproof, genuine, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face - what more could you want? ;)

The New Forest might be another one to look at too - my old mare was very game an up for anything. Don't make the mistake of just looking at chunky horses thinking they will be easier to manage as it's not the case - chunky horses can be just as challenging if not more. You're not heavy so the world is your oyster in the 14hh-15.2 bracket.
 
Izzyella said:
Thank you so much for replying!
The dales sounds fab but my (much more experienced and tb mad) friend said he was boring and wouldn't be any good at cantering (I like boring- to me this means quiet!). She recommended a Highland but they're like hens teeth.
There are far more cobs locally than any other type but I can't sort the good ones from the bad- so many seem to have been broken at 2 or 3 and hammered into the ground and most of the 'bombproof' ones seem to be for sale by dealers or travellers. I've been a bit put off these since looking at a 14 year old on dragon driving who turned out to be 4, unbroken (read wild!) and had a foal at foot(apparently he wasn't in the advert because I could send him to slaughter if I wanted to ride the mare straight away). I came very close to bringing her home but she was terrified of children... I thought that looking for a breed or xbreed would be a better approach
Click to expand...

I have a Highland who is bomb proof. I bought him to help in training my young horses on the road.

I could not disagree more about the Dales. I did my Ride Leader Training at the Yorkshire Dales Trekking Centre (I think the owner is now in the West Country) they had all Dales pure and part bred and the ponies had plenty of go in them.

If you could find a small Cleveland Bay, about 15.2 (they do exist, I have one) that would also suit you.
 
Recommend a highland. They aren't all 'built like tanks' It depends on how they are kept.
They would easily carry you and they do take up your leg well.
They are however super ponies and you can have loads of fun with them.
I wouldn't have anything else now...very addictive!
 
I can't believe how many lovely people have responded and all with really helpful and constructive advice. I had an arab and my friend kept New Forests when I was a teenager and both were fantastic (but very different), I hadn't been considering them now because I remember my arab being great fun but very hard work rugging/fly/exercise/feed wise and I though the NF's might be a bit small- I will keep an open mind though, given the advice on here. Don't think I'll look at Haflingers though, they are mostly a long way away and need someone with more experience :D

Speaking to hubby (who's suddenly decided he'd quite like to try riding :rolleyes: ) this morning I think it's going to be a choice mainly between a Highland and a Dales (hubby's 5'7'' and 12 1/2 stone) , although I'm going to look at the others suggested too as I don't want to write anything off without giving it a chance.
 
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