Fat or lean.... which is better???

[merlinsquest]

Merlin the first summer I had him.... no mane and off the field

Three years later (last summer) nice short mane and fit.

Which do you think is better and why do his feet look so HUGE in the second pic???

 

[Sunny_Star]

In the second one his coat looks glossier, though it may just be the light..
But I would say the second one does look better

 

[bumper]

Second much better, First...huge fatty crest and the rest. He is not lean he is now working and fit.

 

[merlinsquest]

When my old farrier saw him first he said he would look better between the shafts of a cart

I was sooooo upset, but actually I can see where he was coming from now.

 

[hadfos]

Lean is always the best option,providing it is fitness lean!!!

Your horse looks way better in the 2nd pic!!!!

 

[Persephone]

He looks in really good working condition in the second. Nice muscle tone. In the first he looks pregnant!

 

[WishfulThinker]

It depends, as I personally think he looks good in both - like they are both ends of the Ideal. Though the 1st pic if you had asked what did we think you did with him I would have said that you showed him, the second I would have said jumping.

In the first pic his legs look muscly - especially the front ones -I think that makes his feet look smaller there. I think he is just as shiny in both pics - in the first one the light is not behind you.

He does look like 2 completely different horses though- but both equally as gorgeous!

Sorry to be pedantic

 

[merlinsquest]

Not pedantic at all. Nice to have nice constructive comments about him..... not sure his mane in the first pic would have won him any prizes though..... it was too scrubby to even plait!!!

 

[ajones]

love them both . photo 2 shows how much hard work and love you've put into him you've been very lucky merlins a very good looking boy.

 

[moneypit1]

Second piccy without a doubt. I like em lean! (something I struggle with as my two get fat on dust, bit like me really!)

 

[spitchwick]

I think he looks lovely in the first one, and a little to lean in the second, for my personal taste.

 

[Dutch]

Hi

I think he looks nice in both photos! I think fit is better than concentrating on "fat" or lean, I have seen both competing etc and neither of them are correct really! If a horse is fit and well muscled up for the work he is doing then that looks the best plus then the horse will compete at its best.

Diana

 

[PapaFrita]

I'm going to be really boring and agree with beau2005 that he looks 'differently good' in both pics and VERY different!

 

[Tiffany]

He's obviously a lovely horse and looks well in both pics but for me personally I think he's too lean in pic 2 unless he's eventing.

 

[chestnut cob]

I personally would like to see him somewhere in the middle. The first one looks more like "show condition", the second looks like he's just finished a full season's hunting. He looks fit and trim in the second, but for every day I would like him somewhere in between. However, if I have to choose I would go with the second because I would prefer a horse to be on the lean side.

 

[AandK]

[ QUOTE ]
I personally would like to see him somewhere in the middle. The first one looks more like "show condition", the second looks like he's just finished a full season's hunting. He looks fit and trim in the second, but for every day I would like him somewhere in between. However, if I have to choose I would go with the second because I would prefer a horse to be on the lean side.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree, I would rather my horse be on the fit/lean side of things coming out of winter.. they all 'balloon' a bit once the grass starts to grow again.!!

 

[Maia]

He looks lovely and healthy in both pictures but I prefer him in the second - he just looks like he is lacking a little topline but that will come with correct work. Lovely horse!

 

[merlinsquest]

Topline was deffo a bit amis there!!!! He was in the middle of intensive treatment for arthritis in his near hind fetlock and so although I was still able to hack him, I didnt feel it was worth 'working' him as such, rather to let him enjoy his rides out. The vet and I were not sure he would go on to do anymore than walk in straight lines as the joint is so badly affected with arthritic changes....... but he is now sound and well enough to keep jumping over the leccy fence when he gets bored of his field!!!

Hopefully now I will get him going again after having nov and dec off, and go out and enjoy ourselves again.

 

[MagicMelon]

Lean is better IMO. I think he looks best in the 2nd pic.

 

[Donkeymad]

Definately better in the second photo, lean is always better but FIT and lean is the best.

 

[Bossanova]

2nd pic is much, much better but I wouldnt say he was lean....

 

[Holloa]

Pic 2 definately!!! he's lovely!

 

[amandaco2]

lean!!!