How important is temperament?

I don't mind face pulling or quirks, I think all of ours do that. I do like horses that like engaging with people though, some horses you feel can take or leave you and really they just put up with what you do to them. I don't mind bolshy horses either, cos to me bolshy is not a bad temperament, just a lack of or disregard of training!!

My horse is constantly vying for your attention, whether thats throwing around your gloves or picking up shovels etc. Thank god he's only in at nights in the winter - he'd be a nightmare to stable all the time
smirk.gif
 
Temperament is the most important thing in a horse imo.

its not about whether a horse is nice or horrible, but how genuine and trainable it is, how submissive it is etc.

i don't really give 2 hoots what the horse is like on the ground but temperament under saddle is far more important than anything else.
 
Very important to me - I bought my pony when i had zero confidence so I had to find a pony I could trust and build a bond with, both on the ground and ridden. Murphy is no politer-than-polite shrinking violet, he can be opinionated and stubborn, and is very clever, but what matters to me is that he is safe and he looks after his rider - he never wants anyone to fall off, or get nervous. If I have a nervous breakdown, he takes over and just gets on with things. I couldn't have a horse that didn't like the odd cuddle, or one that got nervous if its rider got nervous.
 
Temperament is everything IMO. Temp and attitude. Hence why I'd never buy a horse purely due to amazing breeding or whatever (which a lot of people seem to do...!) because if that horse has a bad attitude, its not going to do well no matter how much potential it has. However, for example with my current horse - he isn't bred to do the job he does by ANY means (I doubt ANY horse in his bloodlines jumped anything!) but he has such a willing, easy attitude that he tries damn hard and hence has surpassed my initial expectations of him. The last horse I sold wasn't straight forward, but saying that he was super under saddle and I ended up seriously liking him! I wouldn't have a horse who has nasty or difficult to ride though - too much effort when there's other horses to enjoy.
 
bailey isnt a particularly affectionate horse, he doesnt enjoy being groomed or fussed over. he will nip and can be a bit bolshy and strong to handle, but he never means any harm. He'd never kick or properly bite anyone. To be honest I dont mind as he was rescued and unsurprisingly was really aggressive to people lunging at them over the stable door, or trying to kick in his stable, so the fact that he's a little cheeky now doesnt bother me in the slightest!! I love his character its so mischievous and fun, although i admit i will sometimes go and give some of the soppier horses on the yard a cuddle as he looks at me with this get off me you madwoman lets go for a gallop face when i do it to him!!!hes an angel to ride though
smile.gif
If they're too saintly on the ground its no fun, but they need to be safe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top