Following on from the unsuitable horse post how would you?

[eahotson]

Describe a horse suitable for a new owner.We will take it as given that it is of a suitable height/weight carrying capacity for the rider and at least servicably sound.We will take it that the rider can walk, trot, canter and halt on a quiet horse in a safe area and possibly do trotting poles and pop a small fence.Rider proposing to keep horse at a decent livery yard with some sensible help, a school and some safe hacking.

 

[noblesteed]

I would say something that has been there and done it bought the T-shirt, a tried and tested mature schoolmaster/mistress. A rather bland, honest if unintelligent creature with a heart of gold. Bombproof in traffic. Knows it's job and takes care of it's rider. Easy to care for, no quirks. Sturdy native type but preferably not a good doer as novices tend to overfeed.
My first horse was an ex riding school mare of about 20 years. She fitted the above description perfectly aside from the fact she had sweet itch, but I got advice immediately and dealt with it. I loaned her off her owner who had a younger eventer which took up all her time. I never realised what a star she was til I got my own horse!

 

[eahotson]

That sounds about right!