Buying a youngster

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SammyJenks

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Hi there! I'm looking for some advice, I've got a lot of experience working with different types of horses and own my own.
I'm now interested in bringing on a youngster for myself but need a bit of help deciding what to go for.
I would like a breed that's min 15.2 max 16.2, and one that can do a bit of everything, not too lightweight a breed, or too heavy with the exception of a Clydesdale as I'm just partial to that particular heavy breed.
My first breeds I was very interested in was the Clydesdale, though they may be too big a build for some activities though I'm not entirely sure, the other was Friesians, but I'm aware they are not suitable for jumping.
I'm now thinking of a warmblood type or sports horse, but something still with a fairly easy going (as far as youngsters go anyway!)
Hope this is somewhat useful,
Overall a nice size allrounder breed with a good temperament please, thanks in advance.
 
The breeds you have mentioned are vastly diverse in type, temperament and athletic ability so I can't really see how you could compare them young or otherwise.

For an all round pleasure horse that is an easy keeper with an even outlook on life and of a reasonable size I would suggest RID or 3/4 ID. They do tend to be slow to mature. Regardless of breed/type a youngster will in maturity, be what the owner/handler makes it.
 
You want a youngster - but to do what? You say you want an all rounder but suggest at least 2 breeds that are not all round types. You don't say how young you are looking - but specify a height range within 4" which is pretty difficult to predict in any breed if you are genuinely looking at a youngster.

If you can say what you want the horse for and what age range you think youngster might cover that will probably help.
 
Unless you are prepared to tailor your activities to what suits the horse, then you need to work out what you plan to do and pick something suitable. Freisians make good driving horses but tend to be very uncomfortable riding horses. Clydesdales tend to be much bigger than you want and can suffer with soundness issues as their conformation isn't best suited to riding either.

What about a cob x tb. If you pick a nicely put together, nice quality one it will do everything you want and more. I'd also look at a native x TB, but they seem very thin on the ground!
 
I do love a TB but now I would look for something with a good proportion of RID in the mix - both for conformation and temperament. But you do need to allow a good time to mature and take things slowly.
 
When I bought my first youngster I knew exactly what I wanted and I think that that was really helpful because I was then able to find stud farms that had that breed. I was able to go and not only meet the youngstock but also the sire and dams too. It was the most enjoyable horse buying experience I've ever had. I still have the horse and don't ever plan on selling her.
 
I was also going to suggest looking at an Irish Draft cross.

I have bred a number of foals and had two full brothers. One was 16.2 and the other was 17.2 so it will be pretty hard to predict final height.
 
Meowy Catkin said:
When I bought my first youngster I knew exactly what I wanted and I think that that was really helpful because I was then able to find stud farms that had that breed. I was able to go and not only meet the youngstock but also the sire and dams too. It was the most enjoyable horse buying experience I've ever had. I still have the horse and don't ever plan on selling her.
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I'd make an exclusion for Arabs :)
 
Hiya, Thanks for the responses, I'm sorry I know the 2 breeds specified were very different, those were just 2 breeds I was interested in :p but as stated they do have their shortcomings so maybe not the best as a first project.
I don't mind what breed, even mixed is fine, my current girl is a tb x arab x a tiny bit of native pony I believe and she's my treasure, I was interested in breeding her, to stallion Legrande (Oldenburg) as I thought would make a lovely foal, but have decided even though shes not a maiden mare I don't think I want to risk health complications, so now thinking of a nice youngster instead.
The main purpose would be hacking, fun rides, camp, dressage, and showing. I'm not a big jumper but would like to be able to do a bit though.
I know heights difficult to judge but using as a general breed height range if that makes sense.
So far it seems anything ID is a good choice?
 
I bought two RID foals on impulse at Ballinasloe Fair last September. They are very different in type and size one being much smaller and finer than the other but both have terrific conformation, movement and attitude. I have found them both a joy to teach from the ground as they are quick and eager to please.
 
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