Big Bad Warmbloods!!!

Couldn't agree more!! A friend of mine bought me a yearling trakehner x dutch warmblood when i was 16 and everyone started nudging and winking at each other thinking i was having everything handed to me!
In reality the horse has been nothing but trouble for the last 7 years!! I have ended up buying my friend out cos she wanted nothing more to do with the crazy animal, she has cost me thousands in vet bills for a hormone inbalance and has never even been out and competed in BD. Through sheer hard work she is just about ready to compete now at nearly 8 years old.
People always speak and presume things when they have no idea of individuals situations!
 
Why is he a BIG BAD WARMBLOOD?
confused.gif
 
Oh well done you must thrilled to pieces. I saw you there (as soon as you mentioned the red hair lol). We were there with Gen but he decided that doing the most perfect flying change was much better than countercanter and so lost marks and ended up a meagre 11th. Very disappointed. Your boy is lovely, ignore other people and be proud of yourself for all the hard work. Its such a bonus when it all comes off right. Good luck with the Nationals - I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
 
Tophorse, now I know what PMSL means!! Ha! Love it!
Jlav, which horse were you riding? I did not take much notice of everyone else because I was sooooo nervous! I could not watch many horses because there were soo many wonderful ones there and I became even more nervous!!!! Everyone who I spoke to though at patchetts were very friendly and it was a breath of fresh air! I spoke to two ladies boxed next to me who had travelled down from Norfolk and we cursed our horses whilst we tried to plait them as they did not stand still. I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it.... when it was all over!! I always feel I must do well because I am on a "big warmblood" it is always as if people expect you to do well but hey... we all make mistakes, which I did in the Novice... didnt get my boy off the aids so could not get the medium trot... I will know next time!

My red hair!! Ha!! I use to be blonde (bleached!) but got sick of paying hairdressers prices so decided to go red, have had it for about 4 years now. Thought it would brighten up dressage!!

Folara saw the pictures of your boy. What a beauty! Like I say we learn from our mistakes eh? I could have kicked myself for not warming up properly but I had another chance in the prelim and thankfully got it right!! What Did not help though was the fact that my hubby and I froze to death in the horse box (no heating) and I woke up at midnight, 2am, 3am and 5am freezing!!! Had to go to the loos to warm myself up!! Never again..... I will take a heater next time! (hoping there is one!)

I will try and ignore negative people ... although sometimes it is hard!

Nope Dan did not compete at Patchetts... he is going to Addington
Thanks everyone for all your positive vibes... I shall hope to give some back in the future!
 
Sparklet,

Big bad warmblood because warmbloods are always "cused" in the prelim/novice classes (by some people not all!) and people feel because of their paces they should be in a higher class, but they too need training in their rhythmn, balance etc... Apparently we buy these horses because it makes it easier to win etc. etc.... but like any horse, if you do not train it correctly and ride it Warmbloods can go like donkeys! You cannot just be a passenger, like some think, you actually still have to ride them! I should know, I was a passenger at first then it went downhill, he started to just be flashy in front, I knew no different... then I had a lesson with Dan Sheriff, and my god did he wake me up!! My friend was laughing after the lesson and said that she would have cried if it had of been her, he really drummed into me that this was a big horse and a mans horse... that made me even more determined to learn to ride him.. I am an AI and have ridden since I was 3 years old but boy have I learnt a lot in the last year! I still have plenty more to learn too... but like my 72 year old dad, who was a jockey in his time said....with horses there is always something to learn... listen to everyone and always be open minded!
 
Catch it quick photography took piccies.Sunday.. page 8 number DSC5397 to 5410. There is also some on Saturday P11 DSC4467 onwards... not fantastic and I can see LOADS of mistakes... ekkkk!!!! Dont look at my position!! Lots to work on!!!
 
FAbby post btw!!
smile.gif


I think it's a breath of fresh air, and tbh may hopefully save some poor unassuming warmblood from the pot hunter type that they seem to attract! (but I may live in hope
smile.gif
)

I've not alot of experience of quality warmbloods other than the Rheinlander I ride for my friend. He has stunning breeding GS Donnerhall and S Donnerschlag and is SUCH a treasure of a horse.

Unfortunately for him he was imported by god knows who, for squllions and then proved "difficult" and my friend bought him for a bargain.

Now at first he was like riding a giraffe on LSD and was diagnosed as a headshaker (we now feel incorrectly).

After a year of playing in the field, hacking, and correct, sympathetic schooling, his topline is unrecognisable and he is almost a donkey at times!!
smile.gif


For him, his breeding and wonderful paces attracted the types that think it's easy to get on a warmblood and win. SO not true, talented they may be, but easy? Nope! Not in my experience.

We need more threads like this to show that Warmbloods need just as much dedication, and to stop taking away genuine achievements from riders, just because their horse has beautiful paces!!

*getsoffsoapbox*
grin.gif
 
I wasnt aware that warmbloods were cused in prelim/novice so I must be one of the 'not all' types you mention. I would have thought all horses need riding regardless of whether they are cold, warm or hot so I agree there must be some incredibly foolish people around.

There is always someone waiting in the wings to disparage you if you are sucessful so I wouldnt worry about it too much. You would be astonished at how many people think my horse should be at a higher level and she is predominantly hot blood - they just want you out the way so they can win
wink.gif
 
Freestyler I was there Friday and Saturday. On Sat did the Novice music, and was the first to go on a bay mare called Tarina. Finished 12th I think. We had a small disagreement over a canter transition!!

Well done with your boy and best of luck in the future with him. Don't know where you usually go to compete but I'm normally at Oldencraig, Ardingly etc so if you're ever in that area let me know and I'll watch out for your hair!!
 
You have to bear with me, what is btw and tbh?? I am learning!!

Jlav, I think I did actually see your test and spoke to a lady at the side who I believe was with you. I did see the small disagreement you had, what a shame she looked a wonderful mare! I would love to do the dressage to music this year, but I know how hard it is to put the music together, routine etc.... maybe next year! I normally go to Patchetts/Towerlands but as I have only been competing for about 9 months I kept local. I may venture further soon..

Cosmo-sam, you said it all! Very true!
 
Freestyler: What a nice horse and really well done for your result! I can't believe the attitude of people in UK nowadays. I used to get slated cos I started off in dressage with a 13.2hh NF pony that looked like a thelwell cartoon. But my god, could he extend and he won so much. We either got slated though or put right up?

Just be thankful that you can give your horse the time he needs (and you!!) to move up the grades, it will mean that your horse is better in the end and more established/happy/balanced in what he does. 7 is still young in dressage terms!

I got a nasty shock when I came out here. There is just not the selection of classes like in UK, its 4yrs, 5 yrs, 6 yrs, Prix St Georg. So my backward 6yrs Trakhener gelding has to now compete in UK equivilant Advanced Medium? I think not too sure - flying changes and Half pass etc. Its crazy to think that people are saying that your horse should be up to this level before he is ready. Just ignore it, and go at your own pace. You sound like you are keen to advance on so do it, but when you are happy in the level you are in!!

GOOD LUCK!!
grin.gif
 
dressagespain,

Thanks, I too think that if you take it slowly your horse will have time to mature and yourself!! I look on it as my "dressage journey!!" and I need to take one step at a time as does he! Yes, I would like to be doing advance-medium etc... I want to wear a top hat and tails!!! BUT I would only look an idiot trying to do those movements at the moment so hopefully my time will come !!

Good luck with your flying changes and half passes!
 
I wanna wear my tails too!!! I already wear a topper - more correct out here. I will be wearing mine in 2008 - can't wait
grin.gif


My flying changes have kinda more of a flying element at the mo - if you know what I mean!!! But we are getting there!
 
Freestyler,

Your horse is absolutely stunning, you should be very proud of him... especially as you have not been doing dressage that long. You look like a true professional! Just a little bit of friendly advice, if you shorten your reins a little it will look a little neater (I only noticed because my trainer is on at me about mine all of the time
smile.gif
)

With regards to the post, I just adore the WB temperment. Although my youngster is not full WB (she is WBxTB) she is a lovely mix of the two and has the big movement of the WB. To look at her you would think she was a finer type of WB to be honest now she has become fitter.

I also have an IDxTB mare (the one in foal at the moment) and can I tell you that the problems you are experiencing I also experienced with her but in the opposite direction. Hannah looks fab when she is fit and competing (she is very fat and very fluffy at the moment
smile.gif
) but she is heavier boned and not as flashy as some of the WBs we competed against, although she was learning just before she went in foal.

I was at a Derby House qualifier, and Hannah went like a bag of poo in the novice leaving us in 4th place. I took her into the Elementary (after a good talking to) and she just went like a dream. Even though her paces were not that expressive, they were correct. She came out with 69% and came 2nd...

As we were all looking at the score sheets, some lady on a huge WB that she was clearly expecting to be at the top of the table and qualify, said in a huge booming voice, "There is no way that dark bay mare should have been placed above my Mr X!" (not naming names just incase). At this point the judge emerged and explained exactly why Hannah had been placed above her horse, because her horse was showing the flashy paces at the front end, but not moving its back end enough!

I have the 'back end' problem with Grace occasionally... so I am having to work very hard to get her in front of my leg rather than relying on me to keep her going (not something I have ever had a problem with my IDxTB). So when people think that the WBs are easy to win on, I can turn around and tell them that my IDxTB was actually much more correct and much easier to be placed!!!
 
beckie2003... reins... ahhh I know!!! Darn, I will have to put tape on them to remind me not to let them slip!! That is the prob at the moment though, sometimes he works really hard from behind then if for a moment I let him get away he will slowly begin to get heavier in front... normally when I am knackered and cannot hold it together myself! I also have a "spastic" right arm that tends to creep up higher and higher!!! ha!

What a rude lady to say that outloud though! I am sure I would have decked her!! (not really violent honest!!) Sometime we have our own opinions and we should discuss these out of earshot of anyone else so as not to cause embarrassment or ill feelings or upset. Tut! Some people eh? Competitive spirit eh? Flashy is not good, expressive and energetic is, sometimes I can feel the difference.... hopefully eventually I will always feel the difference!
 
Unfortunately (and sadly) you do get the odd idiot who makes remarks such as that and out loud as well. We get it a fair bit as Gen is basically a coloured cob (actually we have been judged before in affiliated a little more shall I say harshly cos of his natural slightly more cobby movement - i was unfortunate enough to be stood behind the judge as she discussed Gen with another person!).

Its always best to ignore the comments from these people. Put it down to jealousy that they obviously have a problem with riding hehehehe.

No matter what breed your horse is you still need to work at getting it all together. Some horses are more naturally elastic than others but this in turn can create other problems that need to be addressed.

Why on earth should you be coming out working at Medium level? Its as much about getting the experience at the lower levels as anything else and hurrying a horse through is never a good idea. They need confidence and experience too. It certainly isnt pot hunting. I worry as Gen is now into Elem and is still only 6 but we really have not pushed him.

Your horse is lovely and you have worked really hard so you deserve the placings. Luckily it seems that there are far more 'nice' people who genuinly wish everyone the best than there are people who think there poop doesnt stink.

Keep up the good work and loads of luck for the Nationals - I will be keeping an eye out for your name and piccy in H&H.
 
Folora, thanks.. I really love cobs and ID/TB, my first horse was an ID/TB and she was one in a million S/J but unfortunately had an atlo-axis prob (neck region) and luckily is now retired at Redwings. I love cross breeds for their honesty. In fact I love all breeds of horses, and everyone has their favorite!! As far as comments, I think people should be more diplomatic. I get looks, cause of my red hair, I know people thing... ummm dumb punk, knows nothing... I play along with it sometimes, its great fun!! Little do they know that hey... I am educated and I know more than you think!!! Especially fun when I was buying my horse.... soooooo many people thought.... ummmm she knowns nothing... lets fob her off with a "dud one!!" Ha! Just goes to show.... never judge the book by the cover... old saying but VERY TRUE!!
 
[ QUOTE ]
What urkes me is the fact that SOME people say he should be doing medium/medium advance, but to be honest we are only really just getting him from being soooooo strung out and long to "up" and working from behind... He has wonderful paces but does not offer the hind end easily!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Those comments were probably made by people who haven't got a clue about how horses are suppose to work correctly...ignore them and carry on with what your doing...sounds like a plan to me. Gotta take these big WB steady and try to dampen down teh extravagant forelimb movement til he's a bit older and more advanced in his way of going.

x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top