MagicMelon
Well-Known Member
I have a Lusitano x TB who I competed (now retired), he was definately what Id call sharp but he was extremely intelligent and was incredible - my legend of a horse, I dont think I'll ever have another as good as him as he could just read my mind. By sharp, for him it meant he was very switched on. There was never any "nagging" or asking twice, he was forward going and would respond the second you asked. My mare is anglo arab (with a tiny bit cob) and she is also quite sharp but not nearly like him. The only slightly crazy thing he did was he'd get so anxious before XC that he'd start to spin and canter on the spot in a state in the warm-up, rather than battle him I just learnt to live with it and knew Id only manage one practice jump prior to going to the start box. However, he was also very safe and never misbehaved otherwise (never bucked, reared, took off, refused anything etc.).
To me, its definately not a negative but I do think a sharp horse could turn difficult if you didnt ride them a certain way like they might end up spooky / jumpy etc. so not for a novice. A novice Id expect might squeeze a bit too hard or occassionally catch the horse in the mouth jumping or land heavily etc. which a sharp horse wouldn't really tolerate as much as a more laid back type. I do think some people might call their overly spooky / explosive horse sharp though... which IMO isn't right.
To me, its definately not a negative but I do think a sharp horse could turn difficult if you didnt ride them a certain way like they might end up spooky / jumpy etc. so not for a novice. A novice Id expect might squeeze a bit too hard or occassionally catch the horse in the mouth jumping or land heavily etc. which a sharp horse wouldn't really tolerate as much as a more laid back type. I do think some people might call their overly spooky / explosive horse sharp though... which IMO isn't right.