Horse / Pony Characteristics. Opinions

[Tabula Rasa]

Hi all.

Just chatting to a fried today who owns 2 tb chestnut mares.
One is crazy, flighty and always seems to stress her out.
The other is always relaxed and happy to do anything, not phased by anything really
Only difference is genes and backgrounds.

On her yard they also have a NewForest x cob mare (6 years) who is very pushy and lazy.
Yet my NewForest x cob filly (rising 2) is very well behaved, forward going, sweet natured and well mannered. Only differnece in these two is owners, backgrounds and that mine's sire was cobxNF and dam was NF rather than 50/50.

Obviously the way a horse/pony is treated makes a huge impact on how it behaves and reacts to people.
However people always say certain traits are typical for breeds / xbreeds.

Does anyone agree?
Or do you find every horse/pony is individual despite its breeding?

 

[Tabula Rasa]

Anyone?

 

[holeymoley]

Definitely individuals! My boy is nothing like his breeding at all.

I'm not a fan of parelli, but if you go on to their site it will tell you how your horse thinks, ie flighty, etc and its really accurate. I think mine was a left brain introvert? I can't remember but it's the one where nothing really phases him and he won't do more than he has to energy wise! Very true.

 

[Tabula Rasa]

Definitely individuals! My boy is nothing like his breeding at all.

I'm not a fan of parelli, but if you go on to their site it will tell you how your horse thinks, ie flighty, etc and its really accurate. I think mine was a left brain introvert? I can't remember but it's the one where nothing really phases him and he won't do more than he has to energy wise! Very true.

HaHa,
I practise and work in a Parelli style

I do think its about 75% individuality. 15% owner/treatment and 10% breed.

My rescue filly is fantastic for me, but we read each other very well. In certain circumstances where people see how she is with me they assume she is easy and she reacts a little defensive over me/once food.

But I'm not sure on the 'general' characteristics of a NewForestxCob