Stereotypicals and Horse Racists.....

I own several breeds of horses and I like them all for their individual qualities. I, like many, have preferences and have opinions on which breeds I would own and which I wouldn't. I like well conformed horses with good legs and my indulgence is that I'm a sucker for pretty heads. Breeds of horses become stereotyped because so many people have the same stories to tell about those breeds. That's not unreasonable.
 
Hi all,

I own a Welsh Sec C X. I love him to bits - but I livery him at a riding school with a broad mix of horses and ponies ( from Percherons (pure and Shire X), Haflingers, TB's, Exmoors, quarter horses, cobs and wee welsh ponies of all sizes and colours) - I love them all. They have such different personalities and so much to offer everyone.

I can understand that everyone has their own taste - I love my very bright Welsh X but in the field I prefer the Percherons and the wee blanket spot who are so much more affectionate, each to their own - as I say I love them all and they're all so different to ride - if only I could take a little of each and put it into my ponio.

:)
 
I am completely biased against a lot of horses especially ugly or useless ones. I would hate to ride a horse with pasterns so short you barely know they have got any, or a head so large it just sits on your hands.
I like a top class cob as they tend to be pretty athletic and have a spark about them. I guess I like anything which is good looking, has a spark about it and is useful.
Do not get me started on breeding for colour and not purpose as it could be a long rant!
 
Nah said:
I don't mind people not liking Standies, people can like what they like, obviously.
It's that persons attitude that sucks. I had read a few of their replies to other people before I replied and they are just plain rude. They seem to have some weird vendetta against the breed. They generalised and stereotyped and swore a lot! Some fit stereotypes, (We have a lazy cob and a nutty ex racer) but I don't like it when people do it.
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Well as I say, the swearing and generally being offensive in replies is another matter... But the basic comments of not liking the appearance or gaits (which are not just stereotypes, but somewhat definitive of a true to type standardbred) aren't in themselves rude - in my opinion, of course.

Loads of people don't like highlands because they're often lazy and rude. I think that's fair enough, and the fact that mine don't really fit that stereotype (Daemon particularly is soft as butter to handle and surprisingly forward to ride) shouldn't alter their opinion of the breed. You can dislike a breed generally while accepting that individuals of that breed are actually very likeable. Not that everyone would like those individuals... I often don't like Dae - especially when he jumps out of my field :D
 
Nah, standardbreds are big over here for the racing so most of us at some time or another have come into contact with lots of them. I've personally handled tons of them over the years. I can remember one who didn't have an ugly head :o The rest all have/had ugly heads. Over here standardbreds are known as "jug heads". There's a reason for it. What I will say though is the huge majority of them have been dolls with great manners. They live a fairly rigid life when they're racing so when they retire they do generally make sweet riding horses if you can tolerate their gait.
 
I used to be a massive cob snob until I started my job then I realised the pleasure of hacking out and not having to fear for your life! ;)

Not a fan of welsh cobs/ sec Ds as they are very pig headed and we have personality clashes.
 
Personally i prefer some horses to others, not really breeds though, just the appearance of some horses appeals to me more than others :) I have my colour preferences too and if i were buying a horse i would not buy one that i didn't like the colour of, i do know the saying ''the right horse is never the wrong colour'' but for me, the right horse needs to be the right colour too :) but i don't go round saying to people that i don't like their horse because its bay, or because its a tb or cob or whatever.
I find that its not just horses people feel the need to express their opinions about and stereotype. For example, i've just reserved a couple of lovely little ferrets from a rescue, i have wanted to have some for years and 'santa' said i can have them now, so of course i'm excited :) but i found that whenever i told someone, i either got ''awwww, thats cute, i'm happy for you'' from people that are being nice or are genuinely pleased for me, but the majority have felt the need to tell me how vile they think ferrets are and how much they smell and how they are horrid animals that bite and look like rats, and i should not get them, i should opt for a hamster or a guinea pig or rabbit instead. Yes this does upset me slightly, just because i'm very happy and excited to be getting them and i didnt ask them for opinions, i just told them about my excitement and the least they could do is say they are pleased for me, even if they're not. So i have given up now, i have shared the news with the people that care and i know are gonna be nice about it, and now im gonna enjoy the furries myself, but i'm prepared to be coming in contact with loads more opinions on them for the duration of me having them, and i will just start replying with ''well its a good job that i have them not you'' :)
People stereotype about anything and everything, as well as express their opinions, sometimes even when their opinion is not wanted. Just have to get used to it and as much as it annoys/upsets me, theres nothing i can do about it :)

PS. my horse is racist lol, she hates and makes faces at any grey ponies or horses, she hates them, i don't know why! she's a grey herself but she just dislikes other greys, if we're in a warm up and a grey will go past she will pull vile faces at them, but if a horse any other colour goes past, even if they brush past her, she is absolutely fine :D it's strange, but i just laugh at her and try to keep her away from greys, so i must look like i hate grey horses because i always try to avoid them lol :D
 
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We had ferrets as house pets before they were 2 lush little boys however best advice they get everywhere so check the dishwasher and washing machine before you put them on

On lock the cat flap as they go walkies....:eek:

Other than that they are lush very much like cats with the playfulness of a puppy :D
 
Springy said:
We had ferrets as house pets before they were 2 lush little boys however best advice they get everywhere so check the dishwasher and washing machine before you put them on

On lock the cat flap as they go walkies....:eek:

Other than that they are lush very much like cats with the playfulness of a puppy :D
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i've posted a thread on here and it has my furries picture :) they're not home yet but i love them already :D its just a bit upsetting when people say that they're vile and stink and bite, and then start coming up with a list of other animals i could have :(
luckily we don't have a cat flap as never had a cat, always had dogs :) and i will make sure to check dishwasher, tumble dryer and washing machine before turning it on :D
 
If they are neutered and cleaned out regularly they dont smell

Ours didnt bite (they bite each other when they play just like puppies)

They love hamocks and generally lazing around

We had Sid (as in Sid Sloth as he was fat and lazy) and Eddie his mate

They also love sausage :)

They are hilarious when you let them out to play they love cat toys too and fetch balls and allsorts
 
I think everyone has preferences to which they are entitled. Excepting small ponies, as I love tiny show ponies & shetties, I wouldn't personally want anything either super fine or super chunky. However, there's been a few ex sprinter tbs I've loved, & a show hack, & also ids, two Welsh cobs & a few heavy cobs. Although not really my cup of tea, because I liked them as personalities, I enjoyed riding them although not really my type. I don't care what anyone else likes though, its really just opinion. My daughter has a thing for finer types, Connies are about as chunky as she likes, & that's only because she appreciates their jumping talent cos I've influenced her. She likes sec b's, fine show pony types, show hacks & super fine tbs, & I certainly wouldn't put her off just because of my own preferences.
 
Boys tend to smell worse than girls but bite less often and are happier together girls can be a bit feisty ferrets that is used to have them in the Lab when I worked at Gordonstoun
 
HashRouge said:
I'll admit I sometimes get a bit upset when I read/ hear comments like "I HATE Arabs"...it always seems to be so emphatic, as though the poster/ person speaking really does hate them (and it's quite a strong word!)...and I just don't get why!! I don't "hate" any breed of horse, because I like horses, so I couldn't "hate" or even dislike a horse just because of its breed. My own little mare is an Arab, but that isn't all she is, I don't define her by the fact that she's an Arab, if that makes sense? She's a fab happy hacker, great to handle, incredibly good fun, delightfully naughty and rebellious for her age (in a good way, not a bad, dangerous way) and generally an absolute sweetheart. People often comment that "she's so good for an Arab" and I always think that maybe the truth is that Arabs don't deserve their reputation...and people shouldn't judge a horse by its breed but as an individual horse....
Anyway, I'm rambling, but my point is that it annoys me too Springy :D
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I always get that: how lucky I was to have bought the only sweet natured, relaxed, kind Arab in the world...
 
windand rain said:
Boys tend to smell worse than girls but bite less often and are happier together girls can be a bit feisty ferrets that is used to have them in the Lab when I worked at Gordonstoun
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This has cheered me up no end :D

On a different note, surely people can have a type without actively discriminating? Shunning a cob because they can't do what you need isn't discriminating- it's sensible.

I find the biggest 'thing' is against ex-racers tbh. Nowhere does anyone say "Oh, a sensible cob, worth pennies" whereas as soon as you say ex-racer everyone goes "You can get one for £300!".
 
Kokopelli said:
Not a fan of welsh cobs/ sec Ds as they are very pig headed and we have personality clashes.
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oh no you didn't :eek::eek::p:p

I have two and love them to bits :D My smaller one yes, is a quirky little madam and she seems to be like marmite you love her or hate her. No one else really seems to like her except my physio :p I wouldn't be without her though :) My new one isn't really stubborn though just a wet blanket, but better since I've owned her :p

As for the thread, I don't agree with stereotyping breeds by saying all thoroughbreds are nutters or all cobs are fat and lazy etc ... we have a few coloured cobs at college this year and one girl also says she hates cobs as they are ugly etc but her favourite horse is a heavyweight coloured cob with a wall eye? :confused:She saw a new horse, put her face over the door and loudly said "EURGH, look at it" and walked off..
Personally there are breeds I wouldn't own. Ride but not own :P I will stick with my sec D's anytime :)
 
I'm quite stereotypical about thoroughbreds but I have one and wouldn't have it any other way. Now I know why they are called bloody typicals TB's though :rolleyes::p And im quite horseist against show ponies and cobs, I don't hate them or anything they just don't appeal to me
 
My boy has unknown breeding, some call him a cart horse some say he's a cob. I think most likely he's ID X TB with probably some cob in there. He's got an enormous neck and doesn't go down on the bit properly but is bombproof and a bit lazy in the school.

Everyone thinks he's the yard dobbin and when we go SJ people's beautifully bred and sometimes highly strung horses are prancing around on the spot, rearing and bucking round the collecting ring and look down at my kick along barely moving 'cart horse'. As soon as that bell goes he bucks into canter and fires off at top speed round the course, turning on a sixpence and leaving every fence up.

He then quietly trots out and remains the calm lil boy until he has to go back in to get his red rosette (where I have to keep him turned away from every fence for fear of him jumping them)

I think this is the best way to beat pony racism. We should judge horses indivdually by their actions and behaviour when cared for and ridden in a kind and consistent way.

Breed traits are real but often its riders that cause the majority of the problems. E.g. the calm quiet rider who wants to enjoy laid back hacking etc. buys a cob. The nutter who wants to gallop everywhere at 100mph goes and buys an ex-racer, never allows it to walk anywhere and completely blows its brain.

Everyone who see's them says isn't X's Cob lazy and isn't Z's ex-racer a nutter
 
I am not a fan of Arabs as a breed. However I know a couple that I adore and never thought I would.
Likewise there are dog breeds I really dislike.
Mine mainly comes down to over breeding lines... Not a fan of it and it's results. I tend to like crosses of breeds of Heinz.
 
Said it before I got so much criticism when I owned a tb. Unbelievable levels of why would you want that, worth nothing ect ect. When I put him up for sale people openly told me the only person who would buy him was the meat man.
Sold him in 5 days to a lovely forever home :D

Now I have a big coloured cob all get ispeople admiring him. Particularly out hunting and at recent dressage.
The only comments is due to markings, which I adore but stopped y/o buying him 6 months before I did. She is his biggest admirer now days.
 
Wow some people have waaaaay too much time or not enough real things going on in life to be getting upset over something like this. So what? I mean really if your horse is gorgeous to you then who the heck cares if anyone else likes him/her :)

Chill out people more important things in life to be stressing over than who else calls your horse what or what they think about it!! :D
 
Springy, having grown up with 11 Jr's on a farm and liking them... I normally hate the things because their owners buy a small pet dog and find it funny when they nip. I'm with megibo on this one in general because of the owners.
Have no problems with ones like yours! However couldnt personally have a small dog. Same with other animals, the smaller it is the creepier it gets! Hand me a tarantula any day... But a spider? No ta!

I'm dog racist on very inbred breeds. I probably wouldnt touch anything that wasn't a bit mongrelly now!
 
Fimbacob said:
P.s. Person who called him ugly got kicked in the head by his warmblood the next week. Was fine but has pretty 'ugly' scar. Thats called karma!
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:eek::eek::eek: That's a pretty severe "punishment" for calling a horse ugly! After all, his comment was harmless. You sound pleased about his accident.
 
I actually think it's good that we all like different things otherwise every horse would be the same. Personally I would never own a hairy cob - I think they look stunning in the show ring, but I couldn't be arsed looking after the feathers and mane! I always said I would never own anything other than a TB......I now have a TB and a coloured NFx !
 
Nearly 40 years ago I worked for a woman who bred pedigree dogs. She also took boarders.

She referred to each of the boarders by the dog's name followed by the surname of the owner. Unless they weren't pedigrees, in which case they were just "that mongrelly thing" said with a dismissive wave of the hand. :eek:

I couldn't have dogs for some years, but every dog I've had for the past 25 years has been a mongrelly thing. Absolute stars, the lot of them. :)
 
I will reply to this thread because I was hurt recently by what someone at my yard said to me about my recent purchase...

Having dreamed about Andalusians (PRE's they are called nowadays) for nearly all of my horsey life, I finally saved enough money to actually BUY one. I had only seen them, drawn them, fantasised about riding them, worked with them and admired them from afar up until then.

My first ever horse I OWNED and not been given, loaned or shared. Lots of different breeds by the way.

So, anyway, a lady came up to me and said "Oh so this is your Spanish horse then? They're in fashion now aren't they?"

:(:(:(:(:(:(
 
LadyLuck1977 said:
Try owning an Arab, people feel the need to tell me how crap they are. Arabs are stupid, flighty, ugly and cant jump why didn't you buy a proper horse.
Love the fact that plastic bag blows into the field and haters horse flips its lid tearing round the field tail over its back( clearly an Arab wannbe) while my crazy Arab chases said bag thinking its a game.
Some people are just stupid and I'm afraid there is no cure for stupid.
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Arabs are great. Arabs are smarter most people, that is why they a bad rep. My Arab x is much smarter than me :)
 
Megibo said:
See if this were about dogs... I am very 'dog racist' :P Can't stand anything smaller than a springer ;):D
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Staffies! I know a lot of them are owned by morons, and a lot of them do have great temperaments... But having seen a friend put in hospital for two weeks after her two inexplicably turned on her, I'm not sure any of the fighting/bull breeds are really suitable as pets. The're ok till they get nasty, then people realise just how powerful they are. And they are bloody ugly. Why not have a nice Collie or Lab or Spaniel?
 
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