Little update on my standy

[shanti]

I posted a few months back about my new purchase, Archie the 5yo ex pacer and just wanted to do a little update.
I'm so pleased with this boy! He is brilliant out trail riding, nothing much phases him at all and he walks up front with masses of confidence and curiosity. He didn't even flinch when an emu ran out at us in the pine forest. Tons of character with an air of arrogance but he is very sweet really. He hates arena work, which is fine as I only wanted him for trails but I do think he would go nicely in some low level Standardbred showing later on. I can't believe I spent so long discounting Standardbreds, they are very underated as riding horses, at least they are in Australia. Obligatory photos ?

 

[Bernster]

Hah the scariest thing we deal with his bins and plastic bags. You got emus!

 

[Glitter's fun]

I posted a few months back about my new purchase, Archie the 5yo ex pacer and just wanted to do a little update.
I'm so pleased with this boy! He is brilliant out trail riding, nothing much phases him at all and he walks up front with masses of confidence and curiosity. He didn't even flinch when an emu ran out at us in the pine forest. Tons of character with an air of arrogance but he is very sweet really. He hates arena work, which is fine as I only wanted him for trails but I do think he would go nicely in some low level Standardbred showing later on. I can't believe I spent so long discounting Standardbreds, they are very underated as riding horses, at least they are in Australia. Obligatory photos ?

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He's lovely. I'm so pleased you are happy with him.
I'm going to be needing a driving and hacking horse soon. There are quite a few standardbreds for sale. You're right, they are underrated here (Scotland) too. Here I get the impression its mostly because of who is selling them. There are loads of TB ex-racers for sale & it's quite fashionable to buy & retrain them but the ex harness racers are mostly for sale by the low-end dealers with bad reputations, which taints the horses themselves (& it can be hard to get an honest answer on whether they retired sound).
(No emu here but deer run out in front of us, & we all hate pheasants!)

 

[shanti]

Goldies Mum, it's pretty much the same here regarding breeders, and people say they will never be able to trot or canter properly. Granted Archie only had 2 starts but his trot is fine, his canter needs work but he is young and unbalanced so it's to be expected. I have met a few since getting him and honestly can't fault the one's I have come across temperament wise, especially for plodding along on trails.

Bernster, the Kangaroos are worse, they just jump around in front of you all jittery and confused ?

 

[Reacher]

Great update. Fantastic to see you enjoying yourselves!

 

[HollyWoozle]

He looks lovely!

 

[silv]

He is lovely. So many standarbreds here in NZ too. The vast majority have lovely natures and good health usually. I see lots doing really well in trail riding competitions and going on treks. Standardbred showing is really growing too there are some stunning ones out there.