American Quarter Horses - Buying a foal in the UK

T

tillypony

Member
Joined
17 January 2009
Messages
28
Visit site
Hi am I very excited as have decided to get a Quarter Horse. I have wanted one for a long time as love western riding (having done English for a many years) I have ridden a few Quarter Horses in the past and I like their paces (very smooth and not as bouncy as my Welsh). I have had a look at lots of websites in the UK that have QH's for sale and wondered if anyone had purchased one from www.evansquarterhorses.co.uk ? They have a colt on their front page for sale that I think looks really nice (I really like the look of his dad). I haven't been to visit yet, but hope to before Christmas if he is still for sale. Just wondered if anyone had purchased one from there or if there are any QH owners on here? I would love to hear what you do with them! Are they nice to own as well as ride??
 
Never purchased one from them but I used to work with Graham, the guy who owns them :D Its his wife who does most of the horse stuff but they are lovely people, very knowledgable and im in love with their stallion ZZ! :D

I dont own a QH but learned to ride on one in america and very nearly imported a paint from Canada a few years ago. Great little horses!
 
Hi, thanks for your reply! They seem lovely on the phone, not met them yet. I forgot to put that the colt was by ZZ Hoss. Knowing my luck they would change the front page today and no one would know what I was talking about LOL! The one I like is called ZZ Doc. I hope the ZZ means it's sleepy and nothing like my mad Welsh Freight train of a horse !
 
I used to be a QH owner and they are a wonderful breed - very versatile. Warning though, don’t think that all QH's are comfy, my ex show mare was the opposite, however, always did very well in her classes. All my QH's have turned into great jumpers, sharp and they are very quick with their turns. Once again, personality depends on the horse, both the mares I owned (one purebred by Scooter Bar and the other was a QHxTB) were a bit tricky to handle and moody to say the least but both were brilliant competition mounts.
 
Hi MissParis, thanks so much for your reply. Great to know they make good jumpers (if ever I decide to go jumping again) It does seem that they are a breed that has a lot of variations. Some of the QH's are huge 16h+ and look fine, like a TB and some are 14 h and look really chunky. I like the smaller chunky types. I have read up quite a bit on the breed lines of them now. (Gosh there is a lot of info on the web about breedlines, enough to fry my brain) My welsh was never registered so didn't have that option with her, but the QH's seem to have lots of databases out there). I like the shape of the reiners / cutting /cattle horses. I would have thought that the fast events would make them a bit hot in the brain but it seems that the working types have lots of reports of being calm. I am not overkeen on the type they seem to have for just inhand classes, they look a bit too chunky for me.
 
There are a few QH breeders in the UK. Check AQHA UK website.

QH are lovely natured and lovely to ride, but like all horses you can come across the odd rogue one, but in general they are very nice.
 
I have met Pat and Graham and seen several of their horses. ZZ Hoss looks to be a lovely stallion and is very well bred. I would have no qualms about buying from them, give them a call, they are very helpful.
I too like the reining/cutting bred or cowhorse types. All of mine are bred like this and are generally easy to do, with good temperaments. They are laid back, though will give you the speed when you want it.
Agree with above, if you look on AQHA site, there are lists of breeders.
 
There are a few of us with QHs on here. Fluffalina has an Evans QH, by Muffin.

I've got 2QHs and have had 2 others before, both of mine are reiners, one is particularly small and chunky and lovely!
 
Last edited:
My girlfriend has got a QH.

It is a very strong horse, i think people under-estimate the strength and sheer power of the QH.
 
VoyPor said:
My girlfriend has got a QH.

It is a very strong horse, i think people under-estimate the strength and sheer power of the QH.
Click to expand...

This is a very good point. I am over 6 foot tall and my QH reining mare is 14.3hh - but I don't look too big on her, she is almost as broad as she is high and has a backside to beggar belief. No shortage of power in there - but that power needs positive training. When we have an occasional 'bobble', I am DEFINITELY on a big horse.

If you put a weigh measure on a stock horse-type QH, their girth will be similar to a 17hh+ horse - so you have all the power, less the stature.

So often, breeders will advertise their QH stock as 'versatile' - which they are - but some people seem to take that that they can keep an uneducated youngster in a paddock most of the time, bring out for a 5 year old/their granny/a competitive rider to ride and the horse will take it all in its stride, and probably do the supermarket shop too. This is a versatile breed, but like any other it requires good education and handling to bring out its fine points, and the stock horse brain is very active. I have found all my QHs to be much calmer than say a TB, and once accustomed to something none of them have really paid any attention to that particular 'problem' ever again; however, any initial adverse reaction may well be that of a powerful horse, and that needs good handling.

That said, I adore their intelligence, I am a big fan of their build and way of going, and I've only had one who was not a 100% pleasure to handle and just 'hang out' with.
 
tillypony said:
Hi am I very excited as have decided to get a Quarter Horse. I have wanted one for a long time as love western riding (having done English for a many years) I have ridden a few Quarter Horses in the past and I like their paces (very smooth and not as bouncy as my Welsh). I have had a look at lots of websites in the UK that have QH's for sale and wondered if anyone had purchased one from www.evansquarterhorses.co.uk ? They have a colt on their front page for sale that I think looks really nice (I really like the look of his dad). I haven't been to visit yet, but hope to before Christmas if he is still for sale. Just wondered if anyone had purchased one from there or if there are any QH owners on here? I would love to hear what you do with them! Are they nice to own as well as ride??
Click to expand...
yes got two of the critters yes very nice and sensible there are some great breeders over here but I strongly recomend you speak to david deptford super nice and very knowlageble owns and runs www.sovereignquarterhorses.com
 
My old girl is a QH X Welsh, so well mannered on the ground, really safe. She was fairly spooky and forward going to ride, but there was absolutely no spite in her. I'll always have a soft spot for QH's, shame they're not more common over here!
 
Hi I have a QH who was bred in America then shipped to Germany as a 3yo and broken/schooled over there and then we bought him this year as an 8yo. He is a lovely quiet boy but in 2009 he won the barrel racing at the british open sj champs so can be pretty hot headed. We just use him for reining and cattle work and he has stayed quiet for us but bet he would be ion his toes if we headed him at some barrels!!!
 
I have a QH, and have owned and bred quite a few in the past.

Beware of breeders who don't ride their own horses.

The QH is like the Border Collie of the horse world, if you don't exercise their mind as well, as the body look out. They can be really sharp and explosively fast.
 
Hi - how exciting, you've chosen the best breed in the world (in my humble opinion!). Yes, as Hen says, we have a 10 yr old gelding that we bought as a weanling from Pat and Graham. He is by Muffin (Every Mothers Child) and is a lovely boy. We bought him as a riding horse for my husband, who was new to riding, but it wasn't long before they were showing in pleasure, trail and horsemanship. Extremely comfortable ride. I would have no hesitation in recommending Pat and Graham - they have become good friends over the years, and straight to deal with.
We have also dealt with David & Sarah at Sovereign when we bought my 14 yr old gelding as a weanling, and again would not hesitate to recommend them too.
Fantastic breed, although Hen is absolutely right with regard to their training.
 
Last edited:
Holly_09 said:
My old girl is a QH X Welsh, so well mannered on the ground, really safe. She was fairly spooky and forward going to ride, but there was absolutely no spite in her. I'll always have a soft spot for QH's, shame they're not more common over here!
Click to expand...

There are loads of quarter horses in the UK they just seem to keep themselves to themselves. Once you start looking you will find quite a few, especially with regard to doing western stuff - such as reining etc. Sadly there just doesn't seem to be that much call for it in Horse & Hound and on the forum. Though there was a little about the World Equestrian Games reining in H&H. There was a 'western' thread started a couple of months ago but that seems to have petered out...... There is a dedicated magazine for western riding - Western Horse UK, which is available in the shops, bi-monthly. They have quarter horses, paints and appaloosas for sale in there. I have two appaloosas and a quarter horse. All of them have great temperaments - I ride my appy stallion and the quarter horse gelding western. The other is a yearling appaloosa, son of my stallion. He will be ridden western too.
OP - There is quite a lot of quarter horse in the 'American' appaloosa so if you fancied something colourful to look at as well as sensible that's an option for you. I got my QH the day after losing my app x ID (after 18 years of ownership) and although I wanted another appaloosa he has stayed and is an individual in his own right but quite different from the apps, they all have their quirks but I can get on either of them and hack out quietly, even if they have not been ridden for a few weeks. The QH is 15.2 and 'chunky' - wears a 6' 9" rug! He was bred in this country and I bought him as a two-year old. There are pix of him and the apps on my profile. Enjoy whatever you buy and let us know what you end up with. Good luck.:)
 
Thank you so much for all your replies. It's wonderful to know that there are so many QH owners on here, I thought I may get 'what is a QH question' but there are lots of people with them. I have looked at lots of websites in the USA and am pleased that they don't have a shopping cart on some of them!

I have gone through all the studs & private sales (AQHA and WES) and I think ZZ Hoss is the nicest looking stallion that I have seen, (really clean around the throat) I really like Every Mothers Child too and there is a bay colt for sale by him, so I hope to see him when I go to visit. I really want a gelding rather than a mare. Great to hear from people that have had foals, as well as people recommending the stud. Jays Smoking Story is a nice looking horse and I saw some of his offspring at the breed show I went to in Cambs. I really want to look around at as many as possible as they are not cheap horses, so I want to make sure I make the right choice. I can not drive around the country at the moment with all the snow sadly. I hope it will go soon.

I really agree with the training. who I get will go to a pro for breaking and schooling until it is going to be ready for me to ride. Has anyone shown QH's in English shows? I was wondering how they would do in a Foreign breeds class?
AndySpooner said:
I have a QH, and have owned and bred quite a few in the past.

Beware of breeders who don't ride their own horses.

The QH is like the Border Collie of the horse world, if you don't exercise their mind as well, as the body look out. They can be really sharp and explosively fast.
Click to expand...

Yes Andy I agree, I have seen some studs where the stallion hasn't even been broken in, so it makes you wonder how they know what the foals will turn out like.
 
I have a QH and I love her. I decided to buy one after I leased a crazy TB for a short time, I wanted a horse with a calmer mind She is the foundation type so she's stocky, but not too tall (15.2). Like another poster said, she can carry a large person without them dwarfing her. I'm 5'10" and don't look too big on her and I also taught my boyfriend (ex now) how to ride on her and he weighed over 200 lbs. She's barefoot year round and has great feet. I love her gaits, I find them smooth and easy to ride. She definitely has a Western horse look about her, but I ride her English (mainly for pleasure). My girl also has a huge behind, when I look up her relatives on the allbreedpedigree.com website all of their pictures are of their enormous backsides.:D I would definitely recommend the breed.
 
tillypony said:
Thank you so much for all your replies. It's wonderful to know that there are so many QH owners on here, I thought I may get 'what is a QH question' but there are lots of people with them. I have looked at lots of websites in the USA and am pleased that they don't have a shopping cart on some of them!

I have gone through all the studs & private sales (AQHA and WES) and I think ZZ Hoss is the nicest looking stallion that I have seen, (really clean around the throat) I really like Every Mothers Child too and there is a bay colt for sale by him, so I hope to see him when I go to visit. I really want a gelding rather than a mare. Great to hear from people that have had foals, as well as people recommending the stud. Jays Smoking Story is a nice looking horse and I saw some of his offspring at the breed show I went to in Cambs. I really want to look around at as many as possible as they are not cheap horses, so I want to make sure I make the right choice. I can not drive around the country at the moment with all the snow sadly. I hope it will go soon.

I really agree with the training. who I get will go to a pro for breaking and schooling until it is going to be ready for me to ride. Has anyone shown QH's in English shows? I was wondering how they would do in a Foreign breeds class?

Yes Andy I agree, I have seen some studs where the stallion hasn't even been broken in, so it makes you wonder how they know what the foals will turn out like.
Click to expand...

I'm excited for you! This is a great breed - but what's fantastic is that you are taking your time and doing your homework. You remind me a tiny bit of me, back in 2007!!!! (Although I think you are doing more thorough homework, I was just a bit lucky :-) ) There are some awesome people involved with the QH in this country and I had no inkling of that when I started to look, I'm sure you'll come across people as well as horses/studs that will help you on this new adventure and do please keep us posted with how you get on.

I do know a couple of people from the Western circuit who have shown in-hand and under saddle at English shows, and overall I believe they've done quite well with their QH youngsters. Are you hoping to do halter/youngstock classes?
 
ive got a 4 year old QH had her since she was 6 months old, and she is lovely! broken her my self (shes my first to break and school from scratch) and she is so laid back and easy, taken everything in her stride and never looked back, very cheeky too! affectionate and just such a loveing nature, deffently recomend the breed!
 
We have a Jays foal, he has the most amazing temperment, fantastic easy laid back attitude to life. I would def reccomend David Deptfords.
 
tillypony said:
Yes Andy I agree, I have seen some studs where the stallion hasn't even been broken in, so it makes you wonder how they know what the foals will turn out like.
Click to expand...

I have a QH stallion, he's broken but I don't ride him, for lots of reasons, but not one of them is because he is unsound (physically or mentally), bad mannered or anything that is his fault. He has nothing to prove to me. He is licensed and listed with both the AQHA and the APHA.

eedab8eb.jpg

horses.jpg


His foals, without exception, from a variety of mares, have been sane, trainable, extremely people friendly and very useful types, these are some of them.
2008 Quarab filly
dc0802b3.jpg
and as a two year old:
db6b0b47.jpg

2010, APHA colt out of an APHA mare:
7cb602bb.jpg

2009 colt out of an arabian (Bask grand-daughter) full brother to the bay filly
DSCF9774.jpg


I think I have about 15 Paints and QH's floating around the place in total, I have to say that they are all individuals, but without exception they are pretty mellow characters. Very laid back, but it depends who is on them as to what they are like, one is a total donkey with her blind owner up, yet put someone who is more experienced up and you are reminded that this was a very good cutting horse at one time.

I love them as a breed and as 'people', and they make fabulous all purpose riding horses for all abilities. After more than 20 years of exclusively riding arabians though I do find them a bit too laid back for me, my own riding horse is an arabian, I like a bit of fizz and silliness, which none of my QH's have, I have to verbally cue them to up a gear!
 
[

I really agree with the training. who I get will go to a pro for breaking and schooling until it is going to be ready for me to ride. Has anyone shown QH's in English shows? I was wondering how they would do in a Foreign breeds class?
[/B]
Hi Tillypony - yes they can do very well in 'English classes' - my gelding by Snippers Heirogance used to do well as 1/2/3 yr old in Foreign Breeds and Youngstock classes, and have done Trec and family mount and dressage with him too so a great allrounder.
ZZ Hoss is a truly awesome horse, a proven performer and a lovely temperament.
Enjoy your shopping!
Click to expand...
 
hi tilly, concerning your need for a trainer, i would suggest the following depending on whether you want to do english or western: susie anderson in sussex, shane borland in central england, david deptford in the fens, mary larcom in west country or sussex, lucy adams in lincs. they have all trained horses western and english so good luck and have fun.
my own qh is a 7yrold who was imported from america but my previous one was bred in the uk and he is so cute. i think qhs are super horses and are so sensible and hardworking.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top