Horse breeds good for western? (reining in particular)

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Daphnelia

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Hello all, I will be looking at buying a new horse this autumn/winter, so I thought I'd do a bit of research now
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Obviously a quarter horse would be ideal, but I am doubtful as to whether my budget will extend to one. My ideal horse would be between 14.2 and 15.2, and between 3 and 6. I would prefer a gelding, but would not rule out a mare as long as she wasnt too horrible
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a calm and kind temp is a must, nothing crazy. Forward and sensitive enough to be a useful western horse, but chilled enough too! I've considered arabs but am worried about buying a potential spook monster (although I know you shoudlnt stereotype - my anglo is the quietest hacker I know) and have also thought about haflingers, having had a monster of a mare before I know what they can be like dont worry! So really I was hoping I could get some advice from you lovlies about any types or breeds you could recommend. I really want this horse to be 'the one' this time..

Thankies!

xx
 
As you have specified reining in particular, I suppose a QH (or possibly a part-bred) would be the ideal first choice, though I imagine any reasonably co-operative breed with the right sort of conformation could have a go? (Though how successfully I have no idea, I would be a little dubious personally!)

I don't think a Haflinger would be my first choice, they're just not athletic enough I wouldn't have thought! After all, the whole point of the various horse breeds designed to do a specific job is that they have been bred to do just that! lol

Of the breeds easily available in the UK, it would be difficult to know what to suggest really! Wouldn't you rather compete in Pleasure Riding? lol
(Maybe Tia will have a few ideas for you if she sees this?)
 
Where is Buckle Bunny when you need her?

I see you are in Sussex, I believe that there is quite a lot of Western activity in that area, have you tried contacting WES? (Western Equestrian Society, I think) they will be able to help and put you in touch with people, maybe even arrange some test rides as it were.

Good Luck, have Fun.
 
A lady near us uses criollo horses for western riding. I havent a clue how they are at reining, not being into western myself, but they are fab horses, nice and responsive and not nutters.
 
Morning, we breed QTR X New Zealand TB's they are all broken to western riding. We have gone down this route on our breeding programme as we have found this particular crossing of bloodlines produces a very athletic yet gentle natured sport horse. We are breeding this type of horse specifically for polo although many have gone into western riding homes and are doing well in reigning and cutting. We haven't crossed anything with an arab as they are rather too short in the back and would find it harder to accommodate a western saddle.
 
Can't beat a QH!

There are reasonably priced ones out there - just a word of warning ALWAYS get them vetted. I know that's what most sensible people do anyway... Long story that I won't bore you with but my mum (very experienced) ended up buying the QH I was offered as a hack for herself and I'm getting a foal back. A couple of weeks after we get her up her action was funny; presuming she was doped when we went to see her but no proof. After speaking to the vets and doing a lot of research I found out that a lot of QH have various "problems" because of the moves they are expected to perform and also because they are generally started quite young. Our vet said our mare shows that she was worked hard when she was young and then incorrectly when she was older (that ties is with her history and change of owners etc). She is sound now and will be absolutely fine to breed from and for mum to use as a hack.

Arabs & paints do well at reining too but if you are wanting to compete at a serious level then I don't thing there is anything better built for it than a QH (with good conformation obv).

Try www.thewesternshop.com they have online classified ads and lots of links to breeders/trainers etc.

Good Luck!
 
Hi there - really needs to be a QH, or a part bred as someone suggested here. the link to thewesternshop.com is very useful too. if you particularly want to rein then you could go the part bred route as NRHA etc classes are open to all, but you would be limiting yourself at the AQHA shows as you wouldn't be able to enter anything else. Also to train a reiner and keep them maintained, you really do need the proper surface, most arenas just aren't suitable. My advice would be to save a little bit more and get a pure bred QH, the world is then your oyster and you can go to any western show and the big breed shows too. Contact Bob Mayhew down in Sussex - he is a QH breeder and on the council of WES so will point you in the right direction. The other alternative, which a LOT of people go down, is to buy a younger horse, do all the groundwork, go to the shows and show in halter and do showmanship, and then send to a trainer such as Bob, or Shane Borland, Lee Rutter, David Deptford etc etc etc., for backing. You then have the support of a trainer when you need it, and have horsey home to practise. Average cost for training (which includes all livery etc) is around £120-£160 per week. If you have a western instructor nearby they can come and help you at home - think there are several in your area. QH's are the most wonderful breed, and if you take the time to buy a well bred one with a good temperament (there are a few around that I wouldn't put under this heading!) you will have a horse that will, with the correct management, be able to do anything you want, look good, stay sound, and be a friend for life to the family. Good luck!!!
 
Hi Cazza, a friend of ours has bought Sons Sweet Chic by that stallion - he's up at Lee's for training and she is getting home soon. She is very pleased with him!
 
There are quite a few of his offspring playing polocrosse. Nicest part I feel that get passed from that stallion is the temprement, all the ones that I know of have the most fantastic temprements and are really laid back, they have the oomph when asked but are not nasty at all.
 
Just wish there were more trainers/clinics/comps up here in Scotland....

Still it's 2009 before we have a baby QH so things might have improved by then!
 
QH's all the way.
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Try Andrew Fox at Fox Performance Horses he is in March, Cambs and has a few in that might suit.

Will PM you as don't want to hijack forum!!

Jude
 
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