Hard one! HEART or HEAD! *Help me!*

[EquestrianFairy]

Ok... so two horses for loan...

1) HEAD 7yo Tbx, 15.2hh- done hunting, SJ, XC and well schooled, hacks out well, not a dobbin but not mental either.
*Problems*
Firstly he is a TB so obv has some 'sharpness' to him
Hes 15.2hh and i have a phobia of big horses after being bucked off into a wall from a 16hh and had he been smaller i would of not hit the wall and damaged my memory!

2) HEART 6yo Cob 15hh (coloured) never done any of the above although well schooled and hacked out alot, has jumped coloured poles and enjoys it. Would need to be taken hunting/SJ and really needs some 'life experience' Very quiet.
*problems*
Has come from a rough background and will need patience and someone to overcome his nerves from being bashed about. Is obviously lacking in life experience so would need to get him out doing things etc.

-BIG ISSUE... I have only been riding 3 years properly from a break and obv class myself as a novice, i dont get nervous, just lack self belief alot of the time.
I have a nice balanced seat and light hands but do make novicy mistakes

I also have two lessons a week, one flat and one jump.

which one?!

My Head says TB- hes experienced and will help take me.
My Heart says cob- green, but kind and sensible- is smaller and we can work together with the correct help.

 

[The Original Kao]

i'd go with the cob. sounds quite nice, and depending on what you want to do with him/her, you don't necessarily have to go out hunting etc. or if that's what's putting you off then maybe you could find someone else to do the shows etc. TBH most people love doing the fun stuff so i don't think you'd have trouble finding a rider.

 

[dawnpetenathshir]

I really just love a coloured cob especially if they are quiet. My boy was only 5 when I got him and very green, so was I, but we have grown together and I'm sure if you are having lessons there is nothing you can't accomplish with an honest horse. Hope that helps good luck xxxxx

 

[Tiffany]

With what you have said I'd say the cob but could you have a lesson and both and see what your instructor thinks? At the end of the day she knows you and your capabilities. They both sound nice sorts so why not have both LOL

 

[Jellicle]

You realise that there is only two inches between them, don't you? That said, it sounds like the cob will fit you better at present.

 

[Flint12]

I would go with the cob. sounds really nice and as you have said a bit of patience and time you could get over the problems that are there. And as he has not done things that the tb has it just means that you will gain experience by doing them with the him and you would grow and learn together

Im a cob owner so i might be bias but they have such a lovely nature and character

 

[brightmount]

I think you could both find a lovely relationship growing together if you go with your heart. Vote Cob

 

[Flame_]

If its a toss up, I'd go with the cob - TBs break easier.

 

[EquestrianFairy]

[ QUOTE ]
You realise that there is only two inches between them, don't you? That said, it sounds like the cob will fit you better at present.

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL i know, its pathetic but its simply mind over matter.. plus the TBx is well 'built' making him look bigger where as the cob is a small build.

 

[TicTac]

Go for the cob. Thoroughbreds, however nice are fairly high maintainence and if you are not really that experienced the TB might end up giving you a fright

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

I've voted TB.

I bought a five year old coloured cob (in my siggy) 11 years ago, I had ridden on and off for years, but was definitely a novice, probably similar to you. I didn't have the money to have lots of lessons etc, and didn't have transport for years and years, so we never got into the swing of going out and doing things. I love him to bits, but we've never done the things I would have liked becasue neither of us had the experience, and I didn't have the cash/facilities to school/lessons etc. If I could turn back the clock, I would have bought an older schoolmaster, something I could take in a showring without it standing on end would have been nice! And I should say, that although he can be spooky and silly at times, generally he is pretty laid back, so your cob might get lit up too!

 

[Kenzo]

I said cob, because the TB can go off and do things and no doubt will find a good home...which is all good.

The cob, as you mentioned has had rough past, you can now give him/her a new lease of life, a good home, learn lots of new things together with an instructor, will no doubt make a smashing hunter and if you carry on with two lessons a week, you'll have yourself a right oss in no time! plus the cob is smaller,....again which is all good, so both horses go to the right kinda home, and your happy too... do whats in your heart

 

[Smash]

[ QUOTE ]
I've voted TB.

I bought a five year old coloured cob (in my siggy) 11 years ago, I had ridden on and off for years, but was definitely a novice, probably similar to you. I didn't have the money to have lots of lessons etc, and didn't have transport for years and years, so we never got into the swing of going out and doing things. I love him to bits, but we've never done the things I would have liked becasue neither of us had the experience

[/ QUOTE ]

This would be a loan rather than an outright purchase, so the cob sseems more suitable for where she's at right now. When she is more experienced and wanting to do more, if it is beyond the capability of the cob then she can look for a more suitable horse at that point.