Flame_
Well-Known Member
.... But you could hardly get it to trot, let alone canter. (4 year old Hanovarian gelding btw)
Stupid question!!! If you viewed a Horse....
- Thread starter Flame_
- Start date
RachelFerd
Well-Known Member
I picked the first option - which is not to say I would condemn horse for life - but if I was buying a horse for 'me', I know that I like forward thinking horses, and that it tends to make hacking out and jumping much easier when they go off the leg.
It might start going forwards in a matter of weeks, or it might genuinely be backwards. Hard to tell without having actually sat on it!
It might start going forwards in a matter of weeks, or it might genuinely be backwards. Hard to tell without having actually sat on it!
Booboos
Well-Known Member
I would just think that this horse and I are not a match - whether it has a problem or whether anyone else can ride it is not my concern really.
harvgj19
Well-Known Member
It would depend on lots of things, so I picked "other".
If it went really well with the owner I would think either I needed more lessons, or that the horse needed a different rider, therefore, it wasn't the horse for me and I wouldn't buy it.
If it was just as difficult for the owner I would have to think one of the other options.
If it went really well with the owner I would think either I needed more lessons, or that the horse needed a different rider, therefore, it wasn't the horse for me and I wouldn't buy it.
If it was just as difficult for the owner I would have to think one of the other options.
Daphnelia
Well-Known Member
Other - would think horse may have problems so probably wouldn't want to take that on..
SillyMare
Well-Known Member
I am divided on this one - my first thought was probably option 2, as a young horse it may just not know how to go forwards.
However, without seeing the horse or knowing how much it has done it is impossible to comment - a few of the options you suggest are definite possibilities.
Is it newly backed or has it been in work for a while?
Does the owner have the same problem as you?
Does it appear OK in it's general demeanor other than the not going forwards issue?
Do you have the experience to take on a horse that is so green it's basic balance and paces are not established?
However, without seeing the horse or knowing how much it has done it is impossible to comment - a few of the options you suggest are definite possibilities.
Is it newly backed or has it been in work for a while?
Does the owner have the same problem as you?
Does it appear OK in it's general demeanor other than the not going forwards issue?
Do you have the experience to take on a horse that is so green it's basic balance and paces are not established?
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
Other: number two without the 'buy it part'
He may well have a 'backwards' attitude but it's more likely to be a lack of balance and confidence (or possibly a badly fitted sadde etc). But whether you buy him or not depends on what you want and what you're willing to put in.
Did you see him being lunged or loose schooled? Did he go forwards willingly then? He is only 4 years old. He may well only have been under saddle for a couple of weeks, plus being big and gangly and legs everywhere.
More importantly, can you be bothered teaching him to go forwards? And what do you want out of him? Do you want a horse who's answer to confusion is to slow down, or one who whizzes off when confused. I prefer the latter (they generally make better conpetition horses) , but may people would prefere the former. They make safer horses sometimes
He may well have a 'backwards' attitude but it's more likely to be a lack of balance and confidence (or possibly a badly fitted sadde etc). But whether you buy him or not depends on what you want and what you're willing to put in.
Did you see him being lunged or loose schooled? Did he go forwards willingly then? He is only 4 years old. He may well only have been under saddle for a couple of weeks, plus being big and gangly and legs everywhere.
More importantly, can you be bothered teaching him to go forwards? And what do you want out of him? Do you want a horse who's answer to confusion is to slow down, or one who whizzes off when confused. I prefer the latter (they generally make better conpetition horses) , but may people would prefere the former. They make safer horses sometimes
SouthWestWhippet
Well-Known Member
stoopid computer wouldn't let me vote
but I would pick other I think cos it would depend on so many things. Personally, if I coudln't get a horse to even trot then I would be mildly concerned as I am a pretty strong rider and accustomed to riding tricky and green horses. But it depends on the attitude of the horse - did he look worried, shut down, angry, uncomfortable... was he stiff in the walk, did he react to the stick, did the owner struggle when they rode him? would al be questions I would be asking myself.
Sometimes the green ones don't really know how to go forward but chances are even if he is just green he'll probably always be a 'quieter' type so it again, would depend on what you want. Tricky situation but ultimately, did you like him and was he worth TO YOU what they wanted would be my major questions
Sometimes the green ones don't really know how to go forward but chances are even if he is just green he'll probably always be a 'quieter' type so it again, would depend on what you want. Tricky situation but ultimately, did you like him and was he worth TO YOU what they wanted would be my major questions
rooooosie
Well-Known Member
some horses just wont ever go forwards
i think it depends what you want to do with it tbh
i think it depends what you want to do with it tbh
Flame_
Well-Known Member
The horse was backed in March and has since been ridden mainly by professional men. The owner rode him in spurs and he went quite well but not very freely.
No I haven't brought on a four year old before, so no, I don't really have the specific experience. I've been riding for twenty odd years and I feel ready to give it a go though.
I'm having great difficultly finding anything thats actually sound!!!
No I haven't brought on a four year old before, so no, I don't really have the specific experience. I've been riding for twenty odd years and I feel ready to give it a go though.
I'm having great difficultly finding anything thats actually sound!!!
arwenplusone
Well-Known Member
A friend of mine recently bought a 4 year old. To begin with, in the school I really struggled to get canter, as did she. We are both strong effective riders and she is 5'11 so has a lot of leg.
5 months down the line he is a different horse. He now 'understands' schooling and has started to become a lovely horse. IMO, given the breed I would be inclined to go with option 2. However, I would only buy the horse if I was confident enough and willing to work on him and that I 'clicked' with the horse. Only you know that.
5 months down the line he is a different horse. He now 'understands' schooling and has started to become a lovely horse. IMO, given the breed I would be inclined to go with option 2. However, I would only buy the horse if I was confident enough and willing to work on him and that I 'clicked' with the horse. Only you know that.
SillyMare
Well-Known Member
If he has been backed for about 4 months and ridden by a professional man then I would probably steer clear - I would expect the going forwards issues to have been sorted by now unless their was an issue or he was VERY lazy.
In general I am a bit cautious of horses ridden by professional men though - some of them are so strong they can hide an absolute multitude of sins!
You will know when you find the right horse. What are you aiming to do with it?
In general I am a bit cautious of horses ridden by professional men though - some of them are so strong they can hide an absolute multitude of sins!
You will know when you find the right horse. What are you aiming to do with it?
GinaGem
Well-Known Member
I went for other purely on the basis that when i was looking for a youngster i went to see one that was dam hard to get moving - it was obvious though that even though it hadn't been backed that long it was completely dead to the leg, the rider just sat there permanently kicking the poor thing and it just continued to ignore her! It was well overpriced and already bored stiff in the school.
After that i decided to go to the dealer i know and trust and buy one to back myself, didn't want another horse that i had to undo stuff before i even thought about improving it
After that i decided to go to the dealer i know and trust and buy one to back myself, didn't want another horse that i had to undo stuff before i even thought about improving it
Flame_
Well-Known Member
Dressage mainly, but I can't afford a 'proper' dressage horse without many flaws. I've got a back injury so I can't really jump anymore
. Horse also has to be sane enough to do fun rides or I'd go out of my mind with boredom without jumping.
arwenplusone
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
The horse was backed in March and has since been ridden mainly by professional men. The owner rode him in spurs and he went quite well but not very freely.
No I haven't brought on a four year old before, so no, I don't really have the specific experience. I've been riding for twenty odd years and I feel ready to give it a go though.
I'm having great difficultly finding anything thats actually sound!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Only just read this bit, sorry. IMO if he has been backed and ridden by a pro and a man at that I would avoid him.
The horse was backed in March and has since been ridden mainly by professional men. The owner rode him in spurs and he went quite well but not very freely.
No I haven't brought on a four year old before, so no, I don't really have the specific experience. I've been riding for twenty odd years and I feel ready to give it a go though.
I'm having great difficultly finding anything thats actually sound!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Only just read this bit, sorry. IMO if he has been backed and ridden by a pro and a man at that I would avoid him.
SillyMare
Well-Known Member
I have an ex-racer who would do any of those things - they are not for everyone but I am converted!
He was 5 when I bought him and has been an absolute pleasure - very similar to bringing on a total baby really.
He was 5 when I bought him and has been an absolute pleasure - very similar to bringing on a total baby really.
BroadfordQueen
Well-Known Member
I went to try a little 13.2hh pony a couple of months back (To buy and sell..). It was an effort to even make him walk, we just thought he was being lazy so I got a long schooling whip on him. As soon as I got him into canter the poor thing was crippled lame. Felt bad just walking away, poor thing
Rocky01
Well-Known Member
I might know of a young dressage horse that might suit and I can vouch for the seller to a large degree. PM me if you are interested.
Tiffany
Well-Known Member
I said 'other' because I wondered how the horse went with owner on it?
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
The horse was backed in March and has since been ridden mainly by professional men. The owner rode him in spurs and he went quite well but not very freely.
No I haven't brought on a four year old before, so no, I don't really have the specific experience. I've been riding for twenty odd years and I feel ready to give it a go though.
I'm having great difficultly finding anything thats actually sound!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
If you're going to buy any four year old, you're going to have to teach it a lot of stuff. Everyone has to start somewhere with youngster and if you find a good one, there's no reason you shouldn't do well. Sounds like you have plenty of experience.
You really need to decide what kind of things you're willing to teach the horse. If this horse is otherwise perfect, could you teach him to go forwards? Could you be bothered with a horse who may always be a bit lazy. Some people feel safer on a horse like that, and they do tend to be more sensible than something whizzy. But i too would be conserned about being 'ridden by professional men' - what he's like with them will be nothing like what he'd be with you!
The horse was backed in March and has since been ridden mainly by professional men. The owner rode him in spurs and he went quite well but not very freely.
No I haven't brought on a four year old before, so no, I don't really have the specific experience. I've been riding for twenty odd years and I feel ready to give it a go though.
I'm having great difficultly finding anything thats actually sound!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
If you're going to buy any four year old, you're going to have to teach it a lot of stuff. Everyone has to start somewhere with youngster and if you find a good one, there's no reason you shouldn't do well. Sounds like you have plenty of experience.
You really need to decide what kind of things you're willing to teach the horse. If this horse is otherwise perfect, could you teach him to go forwards? Could you be bothered with a horse who may always be a bit lazy. Some people feel safer on a horse like that, and they do tend to be more sensible than something whizzy. But i too would be conserned about being 'ridden by professional men' - what he's like with them will be nothing like what he'd be with you!
sachak
Well-Known Member
i'd wonder whether or not it had been doped!
Tia
Well-Known Member
I'd think it hasn't had much training and is probably quite immature in comparison to some of the European imports ... if it was a European import then I might think there was something wrong with it.
Flame_
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
i'd wonder whether or not it had been doped!
[/ QUOTE ]
I'm not that cynical yet but I'm getting there. You may have a point!
i'd wonder whether or not it had been doped!
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chillidragon
Well-Known Member
I said 'other' because I think there could be mounds more possibilities than the ones you gave. Its schooling and your riding might not gel very well, it may have medical, or worse, mental problems, it could have been doped, it could have been having one of many off-days, etc. etc. I would want to see how it went for its owner and an instructor before I'd get back on it again.
PapaFrita
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I would just think that this horse and I are not a match - whether it has a problem or whether anyone else can ride it is not my concern really.
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Yep, me too.
I would just think that this horse and I are not a match - whether it has a problem or whether anyone else can ride it is not my concern really.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yep, me too.
Booboos
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
The horse was backed in March and has since been ridden mainly by professional men. The owner rode him in spurs and he went quite well but not very freely.
No I haven't brought on a four year old before, so no, I don't really have the specific experience. I've been riding for twenty odd years and I feel ready to give it a go though.
I'm having great difficultly finding anything thats actually sound!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Sorry I assumed it was a theoretical question!
I think I would stay clear. Many young horses may not have been started the best way and when you ride them you may well think, this needs work, must re-establish the basics, etc. However, to not be able to get it into trot seems rather extreme and perhaps there is more work/more of a problem there than I would like to take on. Only if it was for sale for very little money, which I doubt is the case!
What are you looking for? Many HHOs have quite good contacts which might be able to help find something more suitable.
The horse was backed in March and has since been ridden mainly by professional men. The owner rode him in spurs and he went quite well but not very freely.
No I haven't brought on a four year old before, so no, I don't really have the specific experience. I've been riding for twenty odd years and I feel ready to give it a go though.
I'm having great difficultly finding anything thats actually sound!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Sorry I assumed it was a theoretical question!
I think I would stay clear. Many young horses may not have been started the best way and when you ride them you may well think, this needs work, must re-establish the basics, etc. However, to not be able to get it into trot seems rather extreme and perhaps there is more work/more of a problem there than I would like to take on. Only if it was for sale for very little money, which I doubt is the case!
What are you looking for? Many HHOs have quite good contacts which might be able to help find something more suitable.
Natch
Well-Known Member
I voted "other" because sometimes for whatever reason, one rider can get a brilliant tune out of a horse and another, perfectly competant one just can't. Has happened to me before and it was very embarrassing!
miss_bird
Well-Known Member
My 4 year old can be a bit difficult for some people to get into canter but she has forgot to stop growing so at 17'2" she has long legs to sort out, but a rider with experience can get her going on a great outline.
So if the owner can get her into canter, would say the owner should know how to get her going well, are you sure you are experienced enough to take this type of horse on, do not mean to offend but have seen too many ruined horses, through riders wanting to bring on youngsters on without enough experience.
Just my opinion
So if the owner can get her into canter, would say the owner should know how to get her going well, are you sure you are experienced enough to take this type of horse on, do not mean to offend but have seen too many ruined horses, through riders wanting to bring on youngsters on without enough experience.
Just my opinion
Flame_
Well-Known Member
Thankyou brilliant people. I'm going with this one and shall keep looking!!!
[ QUOTE ]
I would just think that this horse and I are not a match - whether it has a problem or whether anyone else can ride it is not my concern really.
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[ QUOTE ]
I would just think that this horse and I are not a match - whether it has a problem or whether anyone else can ride it is not my concern really.
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eriskaypony
Well-Known Member
We nearly did not buy a 4 yo mare as we could not get her to trot let alone canter when we viewed her. She'd been in a trekking centre and always trailed at the back on rides and when we put her in the school we had to almost drag her round on the lead rein. We bought her anyway as a brood mare.
A year later she's an RHS in hand winner and a lovely riding pony. She's responsive, forward going and loves the work she gets in the school, cross country and hacking. She still needs some polish but she's a different pony. We think she just hated what she was doing.
A year later she's an RHS in hand winner and a lovely riding pony. She's responsive, forward going and loves the work she gets in the school, cross country and hacking. She still needs some polish but she's a different pony. We think she just hated what she was doing.