Sport horse v welsh D help

[BBH]

I have always had sport horse types and have bought my first welsh d who is now two . but I feel something is missing or is this normal.

Here goes - I feel my sports horses are in tune with me and they are switched on to what I am saying, both are voice receptive and intelligent.

My welshie is absolutely wonderful but he seems vacant almost distant as if he isn't absorbing whats going on around him. He is perfectly healthy and has a group of friends to play with but he is either not as bright or just not that into me.

What is normal for this breed.

 

[AmyMay]

Terribly indepent creatures - and at two he'd far rather be with his mates than you.

Forge a relatinship though, and he'll be yours for life.........

 

[NicolaC]

I have done just the same as you. I have always had sport horses and I bought my first welshies 2 years ago. He is also 2. I have done alot of in-hand showing with him and we have built a really good bond. I would sugest spending as much time with him as possible. Take him to some show, take for walks, bath, just do things with him as much as you can. I now lovemy boy and wouldn't be without him.

 

[OrangeEmpire]

Welsh Cobs are very very aloof! Mine only likes and respects me when she's done some work for me. then she'll come to me, look pleased to see me and generally interact like my TB. If she hasn't worked I simply don't exist!

I'd suggest doing some little challenges with him. But really once he's older and going places with you, you'll be amazed at the strength of his bond with you!

 

[kbsaff]

I'm in exactly the same boat. I lost my Irish sports horse and decided to take a break and buy myself a young Sec D as a project to sell on.
When I bought him at 2, he was just as you have described. He wasn't intersed in me, only wanted to play in the field and couldn't care less who handled him.
He was due to be sold after a year. Three years on and there's no WAY I'm getting rid of him. he's so loving, affectionate (although a pain in the bum on occasions) and he's so intelligent.
Whilst yours is at the age that he is, just play with him like he would the horses in the field (less the kicking and biting)
Sit in his stable with him, brush him, fuss him, take a football in and kick it about. Just enjoy him and he will be your best friend for life.

 

[BBH]

Ditto, mine was bought as a weanling and intended to be a sell on but everyone has fallen in love with him and he may be a stayer now. He will be in for the winter so will have more time to bond with him.

 

[pottamus]

I agree with AmyMay...my Sec D was very difficult to bond with for a good year when I got him...would not listen or respond very well. But when we got over that he has been totally brill and we have a great bond and seem to have a best mates type relationship now.

 

[Laafet]

I've got a Welsh D x TB and I would have him any day over a warmblood 'sports horse'. He is very affectionate and moves like a dream and incredible trainable. I have always found warmbloods to be dull and thick, they either just do what you want with no personality or are plain mental. You are not missing out with your Welshie he'll come good in time.

 

[Madcow]

I second that Laafet. (although your boy moves more like a warmblood than some warmbloods!)
I have a Welsh D, a pure TB, TB x clydesdale and an Oldenburg and guess which one is the brightest and most athletic ...... you guessed it the Welshie.

 

[Natch]

[ QUOTE ]
Terribly indepent creatures - and at two he'd far rather be with his mates than you.

Forge a relatinship though, and he'll be yours for life.........

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto, can be quite hard to get that relationship, but pays back tenfold when you do.

Enjoy him!

 

[star]

certainly wouldnt describe them as unintelligent - far too clever for their own good.

had my old one for years and we have an incredible bond - he'd do anything for me but he's never been majorly into big shows of affection.

new one i've had since march and first couple of months on part livery i didn't feel we were bonding at all, but since moving to DIY a few months back he's completely changed. He whinnies every time he sees me, comes to call and will do so much more for me now he trusts me. He's well into cuddles and kisses and is very affectionate.

Get them on your side and they'll try anything for you - fantastic ponies.

 

[carys220]

QR, I think you have the wrong end of the stick!

He is much more intelligent and independent than a sport horse!!!