Judging a pony by its cover

C

confirmedponyaddict

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 December 2013
Messages
111
Visit site
Are there any types/breeds/colours of horses you wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole? I like to think I'm quite open minded but having owned two welsh part breds in the last couple of years I've decided I will stay away from anything welsh in the future! They are strong willed, hysterical and needy (they are also talented, good looking and rewarding) but I just can't cope with the spooking!
I also tend to avoid warmbloods like the plague as well but there have been some I enjoy riding, just wouldn't want to own (accident prone!).
So my question is- what are your horsey prejudices?
 
I'd never have a TB and would probably never have a WB. I have 2 IDs and their temperament suits me down to a T, no fuss or drama involved just lovely uncomplicated personalities. :)
 
Iwouln't entertain a gelding or anything that did'nt have a pretty head very shallow I know but I like to look at my horses so they have to appeal
 
I agree with the pretty head thing, I always think if you buy a horse to keep and work with, you have to like what you see over that stable door every morning!
 
Arabs whilst lovely to look at, can be rather draining on the nerves, just like TBs, they pay my wage but thats all i want from them.
 
Not a breed or anything, but there's got to be a spark there. I generally look at a horse and either like it, or don't. I wouldn't buy anything I didn't look at and immediately think, 'nice'.
 
My first horse was WBxWelshXTB and I can honestly say he was the sanest and most laid back horse I have ever had even as a foal.

Nothing ever phased him, he hacked on his own from day 1 and only got excited if he saw a jump. He never kicked, bit, was perfect to catch and you could get on and ride quite safely even if he had been at grass for weeks.

Going on other peoples experiences he would have been one to avoid like the plague but in the flesh he was perfect. At the time I didn't realise how lucky I was and I sometimes wish my new horse was more like him.
 
Gypsy vanner type - because I owned one and we didn't get along at all. She was too heavy to be nippy and couldn't jump very high.

Having said that, top of my list of 'don't wants' last time I was horse shopping was a mare, followed by any kind of piebald/skewbald/coloured coat. Guess what I bought...
 
As daft as it sounds, I have always had problems with grey horses. I think grey's always used to be considered unlucky, in my case it's true so I do have a bit of a thing against that colour!

Best horse I have ever know and ridden/handled was a friends chestnut Arab mare, she was an absolute dream in every way and I know many people think you're heading for trouble (or the dirt) with a chestnut mare least of all one of the Arab persuasion!!

I like anything really but I do prefer a horse that enjoys mutual grooming to Eventing so looks don't bother me one bit, so long as they are friendly they're perfect for me. However, if a Dun IDxTB happened to walk into my house I won't be giving them back ;)
 
The one thing that I really don't like is hogged manes. I feel dreadfully uneasy riding horses with no mane, but given enough time for the mane to grow back it would be OK.
 
I don't like anything that's fine, so TB's, arabs etc. Those skinny legs would worry me! I like m/w & h/w types. Usually the chunkier the better, but I'm not a fan of really hairy horses so gypsy vanner types are a no go.

I also used to say I would never have a grey.

I now own a grey IDx... can't have it all, I suppose!
 
I was taught not to judge by the looks by a riding school horse. The first time he was bought out for me to ride I took a quick look and thought 'umm, you'll never win any beauty contests' .. He's a medium weight coloured cob with slightly unfortunate colouring and dubious conformation but there the negatives ended. He's a sensitive and very forward horse who's default pace was faster and faster still. I was in love by the end of the lesson - he's also very genuine and hasn't got a mean bone in his body. He's taught me so much about riding and when I look at him now my heart melts and I think he's beautiful..that love for you :D :o Kesson learnt.
So I will try most horses without judging but I'm not too partial to section Ds as I've had too many arguments from the one I had lessons on.
 
I don't - I have a welsh D and he is the most chilled out horse I have ever met (other than my mare). I did prejudge on sex and said I would never own a mate but my mare has been a dream!
 
For practical reasons I wouldn't have anything that wouldn't be happy living out all year round.
I also have a dislike of Friesians as every one I have met has had a severe health or temperament problem.
Cutting things down a bit now, I don't think I would have anything but a gaited horse for my main riding horse.
 
Not that bothered by breed, looks etc but probably wouldn't have a TB just because I've never come across one that I really liked. I like a certain personality, (laidback, friendly, straightforward) and go for whatever fits that, not bothered about what they look like, as long as they're sound and without any really bad conformation faults.
 
I'm afraid I've never met a cob I've liked :o I completely appreciate there must be lots of lovely ones, but every one I've met has been rude and bolshy, although that says more about the way they've been handled than the horse I suppose. I've never found them comfortable to ride either.

Give me a finer breed or leggy Connie any day :)
 
I dont have stables so mine have to live out 24/7 365 days of the year. Therefore i prefer them to not be high maintenance, for this reason and plus i prefer thick legs TB's and arabs are out. Also not keen on greys and coloureds for the same reason, i want them easy to clean. I am not saying never but im just saying that i would be less inclined.

Im also a mare person, again would look at geldings just have never clicked with one. For me it is about connection and partnership, that comes above anything else just the things above would make me think a little before further enquies were made.
 
I've always loved cobs, Dales and Fresians
So naturally the two I have actually owned have been a Standardbred and a TB. That said, they have both been excellent horses and it really comes down to the individual horse :-)
 
Ive always said i would never have a coloured cob, hate them! Also said i dont like greys and would never buy another, ever!(already had 3 greys!).....

....Then recently bought a skewbald gypsy cob that is predominantly white!! :D
 
Best horses ever Tbs! love mine, hes quirky, fun and hotheaded,but will do anything, deffinetly has a sense of humour, and not the simplest but if you asked him to jump the moon he would give it his best shot!

I could never have a connie or a highland! all the ones i know seem to have attitude problems!
 
TrasaM said:
So I will try most horses without judging but I'm not too partial to section Ds as I've had too many arguments from the one I had lessons on.
Click to expand...

Therein lies the problem - you never, under any circumstances, argue with a Welsh D. :D :D :D
 
I am one that goes for a pretty face but temperament is the most important thing to me.. No nasties please! I was looking recently and was pretty open to all breeds and didn't mind anything except blemishes. But for me a kind eye and great temperament wins over looks every time.
Luckily I ended up with the prettiest chestnut wb mare ever seen!! And she has the sweetest temperament....
 
Don't have any breeds that i don't like, but i wouldn't want a chunky h/w horse, i prefer m/w and lighter.
I also don't like bays, yes i know that a good horse is never the wrong colour, but for me, when i come to getting my own, i will be less likely to go and view a bay, that colour just doesn't appeal to me at all.
I absolutely love greys and any of the dilute colours, and spotties,and chestnuts, and blacks. Not that keen on coloureds but i don't dislike them as much as i dislike bays.
I also seem to be drawn towards slightly psychotic/ ''quirky'' horses :)
 
After i sold my mare i vowed never to get one again! And i stick by that!! I also vowed not to own a TB so naturally the next horse i brought was a TB sadly he was pts last year due to a racing injury, now i own a big dark bay warmblood who i wouldnt change for the world... Hopefully he will be my horse of a lifetime! Ohhhh and i always said i wouldnt own a warmblood aswell!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top