Sorry another 'What do you think of this horse'

[djlynwood]

Im only being cautious as he would be my first horse (Im 36!!) so what are your first impressions on this horse, Im going to view him tonight.

He is a 16.3 Throughbred, 12 years old

He has done a bit of everything, so a perfect alrounder.

Would be interested to know what you think

Thank you

 

[TallyHo123]

Not very good at these sorts of posts and I think photo's are so deciving!
Depends what your wanting to so with him etc. From those photo's i don't like his back end.

 

[BigRed]

The first photo is not very flattering of his bottom, but it looks like a windy day, so maybe he is tucking his bottom underneath him. The second photo is not very attractive because he has his mouth open and it makes him look angry and unsettled. He doesn't look like a "happy" horse in these photo's.

All I would say, is if this is your first horse purchase, please take a good long time to check this, or any other potential horse, is the right person for you. Try them again and again and try to be objective. It is easy to make a snap decision.

 

[djlynwood]

Hmmmm, I did have a thought about his back end but ended up thinking that maybe it was just me being novicey

I did think that he was little croup high on some pics but Ive heard that croup high horses can make good jumpers!

Im want a horse that I can do some unaffiliated SJ and ODEs

Ive found these two other ones, but Im not sure about the standing one as he does look very built on his front end.

 

[Jesstickle]

Well I think he looks nice and as long as you have him vetted and he passes then I wouldn't worry about his bottom too much. But then I'm a softy for a TB!

 

[Aniseed]

I think the trouble is most of the phots are taken slightly from the fron, which always makes the back end look smaller. He looks ok in the action shot. I think you will only truly be able to tell when you see him. Let us know how it goes.

 

[cobface]

Well I think he looks nice and as long as you have him vetted and he passes then I wouldn't worry about his bottom too much. But then I'm a softy for a TB!

^^^ this

 

[Honey08]

For unaffiliated local events ( or even lower level affiliated) you don't need perfect conformation. You need sound legs, heart, and eyes. For your first horse you needa good temperament. It really depends on the price it is up at too.

 

[jumpingmum]

He looks like a nice horse but I wouldn't recommend a TB for a first horse generally as they are not always that quiet. Obviously it depends on the horse and you need a fit healthy horse most importantly, did you want such a blood horse specifically? I love them but just wouldn't want your first horse to spook you if its a bit on its toes? Good luck and let us know how you get on

 

[Snickers]

I love a thoroughbred, but he looks slightly unsettled in his mouth in all of the pics, is he quite strong? What's he done in terms of competition? Has he been regularily jumped at a certain height?

Conformation wise, he does have a weak hind end, but that could improve as he built muscle along his topline and bottom, I'd be more worried about his slightly weak hocks, but if he's been showjumped regularily and stayed sound it shouldn't be a problem. It really depends what you want! If you've really clicked with him, go for it!

 

[Jesstickle]

How did you get on with your viewing? Was he a nice boy?

 

[djlynwood]

I went to see him, and I really did like him but I dont think he is for me.

His owner has had for a year and a half and she has only done a fun ride and one ODE where someone else rode him XC and SJ and she did the dressage. She is a bit of a nervous rider.

I need a horse that has been out and about doing the job and I dont want ot have to undo any bad habits. I dont think he would be a problem, but you never know and I dont want to take a chance.

I rode him in a tiny 20x40 indoor. Small space for a big horse. He had excellent floaty paces and I got an amazing canter out of him, which I was surprised by as the school is small. We tried a small x pole from trot and he took a massive flyer and it felt like he jumped 6ft. I was almost catapulted off, but stayed on. Done the same the next two times. But think that I was so excited that I was forgetting to sit bofore the the jump and we didnt have a placing pole. Still, it didnt put me off.

Then we went into the field, He was quite looky and we could only walk as he had lost a shoe and the other was loose. He was busy with his mouth and head, but the owner said that he was just wanting his tea!

Tried to do some lateral work, he did not have clue what I was asking for. The owner said she has not done that him. She also assured me that he never got strong and that she has cantered him on a loose rein and he has excellent brakes.

I really did like him, but I dont think I will be going back to try him again. I need a horse that has been doing things so I dont have to start from scratch. and althoug he is for sale for £1850 I dont want ot take a chance (but I am in two minds!!)

Can I post a link to the advert??

Here I am with him

 

[misst]

It sounds as if you have made a good decision there. TBH I would be unimpressed with anyone selling a horse with one loose shoe and one missing shoe. I would question just what was going on there and why the viewing was not put off or the horse not shod more regularly. (And if feet are not attended to then I always question what else is not attended to).
He does not sound like a novice/first horse and a big TB (love 'em myself but don't ride them!) could be an expensive mistake.
Good luck with your search.

 

[djlynwood]

he went out on trial 3 months ago where the poeople left a deposit. The owner went to see him a 6 weeks ago where she found that he had lost all condition and could see his ribs, she took him back immediatley and has spent thet last 5 weeks fattening him up. In the time he was away he had the farrier out who apparently did not do a good job.

He was supposed to have been shod, on Wednesday but the farrier did not have the right size shoes. Other people on the yard confirmed this.

 

[misst]

Ah well maybe that sheds a different light on it. Poor horse. Strange though that the farrier did not have the right size shoes - mine carries lots of types and sizes and if she has had him back 6 weeks then this would be unlikely to be the first time he has been reshod... Still think something not quite straight there. I am a nasty suspicious person though. I really hope you find something soon, and with the financial market the way it is I am sure you will soon.

 

[Como]

I think he has fine conformation for TB, he looks built to jump to me that's all. Croup high is common in NH horses. But judging by the way he's being ridden in the action shot and his pose, I think he looks strong and a horse that fights for his head. He's unfit in the picture with you on him and strange to let a trial without shoes. He also looks like he's been in draw reins. May be too much for a first horse, but I think he does look a nice sort for a competent rider who could sort out his flaws. Some TBs are great for first horses, have you tried the racehorse rehoming charities? They would pair you up and you can get them on loan too rather than buy.