Different Strokes for different folks.... What do you look for???

[RachelFerd]

yeah i think my future criteria are

1/ is it at least 75% thoroughbred (preferably more)
2/ can i imagine trotting down the centreline at Badminton
3/ does it look like everything is vaguely attached in the right place

if yes, am sold

 

[oldie48]

Wrong breed, too big and I definitely didn't want a coloured but I was told by someone I respect, we think he'd suit you. Sat on him and fell in love, not perfect, had definite quirks but I absolutely adored him.

 

[daffy44]

I dont care about colour, markings or what side the mane lies, 16.2 min as I have long legs, prefer mares, but a gelding isnt a deal breaker. Must have a good character, just a nice person, likes being with people, good brain and trys to work with you under saddle. Good feet and nice conformation, dont care about splints or cosmetic scars.

I'm a dressage rider, so the movement matters to me, I want a walk that is clear, four beat and relaxed, but not too big, a trot that pushes the hind legs up and under the body, not out behind, and a canter that pings off the floor again, with a good hindleg. I like nice balance and a horse that moves through the whole body, dont care if it can jump or not.

Then the two most important things, can I afford the horse, and do I love the horse?

Having said all that I bought the horse in my avatar (my current GP horse) on the basis of a ten second video clip on a phone when he was two weeks old, and I've never regretted it for a second.

 

[SO1]

Given how quickly horses break I always want to make sure they are a nice person so if they become a field pet then I'll like having them around!!

Me too. I have to be able to enjoy grooming then and they have to tolerate cuddles and kisses.

 

[iknowmyvalue]

I need to have that spark with the horse and if it’s not there, even if the horse ticks every box and doesn’t put a foot wrong I won’t buy.

But generally, I like something with a bit of character/quirkiness, not dangerous but a bit of spice. I like a quick brain too (these things often go together I find!). A good jump, and will take the odd missed stride here or there. Prefer something that takes me to a fence.

I’ve always bought slightly quirky projects, and my favourite thing in the world is bringing horses on and educating/reeducating them. My next horse I think will be a real youngster to back and produce myself. I was supposed to be buying a youngster when I bought Pepsi, but I fell in love with him instead (a green 7yo).

I say all of this, but my best horses I didn’t even see an advert for before I tried them, I just sat on them and never wanted to get off. What sold Pepsi to me was aiming him at a 90cm oxer, completely fluffing the stride, him saving me, then coming round again like nothing had happened. That was the moment I fell back in love with jumping and head over heels in love with him (and have continued to believe the sun shines out of him for the last 2.5yrs)

 

[nagblagger]

While I can appreciate and admire, a smart, perfect confirmation horse I could never see myself owning one, they are too good for me. I tend to buy, or acquire,, the quirky fugly type, so obviously go for character.

 

[dorsetladette]

Ridden wise, I like something willing to learn and infront of the leg.
Confo wise, I like good strong straight limbs, deep shoulders and tail on top!
Markings wise, I like even socks 2 backs or all 4. Symmetrical face markings. Solid colours, I'm not a fan of coloureds unless very evenly marked. Markings tend to cause optical illusions and make confo look off.
Character wise, I like cheeky and inquisitive. When it feels like they are having as much fun as you are doing what ever your doing.

But I currently have a field full of the opposite of the above.

 

[silv]

Good conformation ie country show standard and great temperament are both equally important. I would never have an ugly horse nor an unfriendly one. Decent paces too. I really like warmblood or irish types crossed with TB. Mare or gelding is fine, not keen on piebald or orange chestnuts either. Would not want a cribber had one years ago and he wore his teeth down, despite being out 24/7. Would never consider a fresian, cleveland bay or heavy coloured hairy cob.

 

[ihatework]

Depends on what I’m buying it for, but if buying a horse for me to ride as a keeper then historically I generally have bought with my heart and gut feel. Invariably they are sporty, forward thinking, intelligent, a little sensitive. But have to ultimately feel safe and able not to feed too heavily off nerves/confidence (mine). If I find one of those I forgive quite a lot of the other tick boxes!