TB or not TB that is the question?

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libby3011

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You may have read a post I entered the other day about my dilemma over whether I should buy a lovely Thoroughbred mare I had tried out and think is a super little horse. (She was the one that was rebacked at the age of 7). Well, as advised, I have since had another hack with a canter and she was fine - didn't tank off & came back when asked. She does spook a little but when patted and reassured instantly calms - at no point tries to take off or do anything silly.
Whilst I am fairly firm in my mind I would like to go for her I'm also very worried as I have been told (by one of those well intended "authorities") that because I am still quite novice (didn't actually think my riding was that bad TBH) that a thoroughbred will in no time come completely 'undone' and I will have huge problems with her. Is this really likley to be the case? My friend who came with me is of the opinion that this is the sanest, most level headed TB she's ever come across. She's only being ridden at weekends and is still completely ok (although turned out every day). I would appreciate thoughts on this as there's an element of guilt that I might "ruin" this horse who I actually hope will teach me alot and be with me for evermore.
Thanks for reading & appreciate any feedback
Libby
 
My first horse few years back was sold as a tb x id. Not sure exactly what she was, but had my suspicions that she was actually pure tb. Lovely horse, never did anything wrong at all.
 
all horses are different no matter what the breed, if you like her and she likes you and your comfortable with her i would go for it
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Indeed if you have help around, others who could ride with you and trainers, yard companions etc, and if she can be fed not too much (not becoming skinny!) you should be fine. You've tried her out twice?

Can you speak to someone who can be a reference, i.e. a trainer who you know for sure is a trainer not biased.(I google them.) Asking whether the horse always seems sane and quiet?
 
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If you can turn her out all day and have lessons from a trainer you trust go for it!

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Seconded - turnout and lessons from someone who can get into the head of the horse and is setting you both up for success, not trying to get into power games with either of you or on your behalf, you'll be fine

as much as anything, it's the fact that she's a mare that matters - my old trainer said, 'remember they're an entire' - and there's the old adage about 'tell a gelding, ask a mare, discuss it with a stallion'

you need to be able to bring her along with your flow rather than trying to set rules all the time - if you can do that - and have help - you'll enjoy each other's company

you want them to 'want to invite you onto their back', not simply put up with it. It takes time to build that kind of relationship, but it can be done.

good luck

E
 
thirded, fwiw! lots of turnout so she doesn't end up fizzy with pent-up energy (but this applies to any horse, not tbs), and a good instructor (who doesn't dislike tbs!)
generalisations are ridiculous things, believing that "all tbs are tizzy and difficult etc" is like believing 100% that "all blondes are stupid". (and before anyone gets offended, i don't believe either is true!)
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my tb mare is no way as difficult as some of the colder blooded horses i've had. she's sweet, easy, and eager to please, and this mare sounds the same. don't be put off by an "expert", go on your own gut instincts and common sense.
 
I bought a tb as my first horse and he is doing much better-i had no experience but we got along perfectly-very well suited. I think if you feel a connection with her you will get along fine
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[ QUOTE ]
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If you can turn her out all day and have lessons from a trainer you trust go for it!

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Seconded - turnout and lessons from someone who can get into the head of the horse and is setting you both up for success, not trying to get into power games with either of you or on your behalf, you'll be fine

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Thirded! I'm not sure if you read the post on here recently about whether TBs deserve their reputation? I don't think there's any reason why you shouldn't go for this horse if you liked her, got on well and have help and support around you. Good luck
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We did talk about it but unfortunately they have had bad experiences going down this route before - so I can't really blame them - thanks for the suggestion though.

I am taking an independent trainer with me on Sunday (which will be the fourth time I've seen & ridden her) to give me that final assurance I'm doing the right thing.
 
great news you have been back again, does the spooking bother you? as this may worsen while she settles in. i think you are rather taken with her arent you! has an instructor been with you? I personally dont agree with TB's unfolding! I had loads of trouble with my mare when i got her and its been a journey but she actually gets better by the day. People always comment on how genuine and honest she is.I think people can be prejudiced about TB's, i think you need to be realistic, accept that you arent going to have a plod, you may need some extra support and you will be fine. Go for it i say, you have been twice - i dont think there is much else you can do other than get somebody really experienced to school her to see if she can bring you on and then get her 5 star vetted. Good luck, she sounds lovely.
 
You will be fine, I have two TB's, they get turned out everyday and only ridden at weekends at the moment and they are both stars, as long as you have a good trainer to put you right if you feel the slightest bit wrong then you will be ok. She sounds a real sweetie and yes I too love the title. Good luck...........
 
To "kombikids"
Thanks - if it hadn't been for your advice, initially, I probably wouldn't have gone this far with her.
The spooking doesn't really bother me - she doesn't turn herself inside out just does a little jump. Will be on my guard to begin with though.
I am taking an instructor with me on Sunday and will pay for her on the day if all goes well.
Yes will have a 5 stage vetting - we've agreed that because the conditions are better to do this at my yard, they will have her back if she fails.
Hope all's well with you & I'll keep you posted
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QR: I haven't read the other replies yet. I would trust your own instinct on this. If you feel safe on her then you've got a head start. ANY horse can tack the mick, TB or not. Look at the post about whether TB's deserve their reputation. The most important thing is being able to build a relationship with a new horse. Even if you are novice (which I have no idea about!) - with instruction you should be able to cope with most things. I learnt a lot riding TBs when I was younger and wouldn't have it any other way.

I now have my first pure TB all of my own and he has the BEST attitude of any horse I've ridden for any length of time. Sure, he's a bit lazy and does do as little as possible, but I have a great instructor who shouts at us and works wonders. He's a great hack (on the buckle, stops when asked, can be spooky but not too strong), great jumper (not the most careful, but lovely calm attitude to it, very brave) and easy to do. Equally there are TBs who are difficult, but there are many horses who are difficult and you just don't know until you get them home. You can only minimise the risks in horse-buying, you can't eradicate them completely
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Good god I can waffle for England. Shame it's not an Olympic sport.

Trust yourself and you obviously respect the opinion of the person who came with you so trust them too.
 
To me she sounds lovely...and you sound smitten!!!
So long as you have a good instructor who is willing to understand your horse (any horse not just a tb) and you(!), then I would go for it.
I have a full tb and she was brilliant to ride...it really depends on how you feel with her...many a time she has looked after me when out.
I wish you all the best and keep us posted...
 
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I am taking an independent trainer with me on Sunday (which will be the fourth time I've seen & ridden her) to give me that final assurance I'm doing the right thing.

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I think that's a really good idea.

As long as you think that the two of you are going to get on - then go for it.

I suspect the sellers will fast run out of patience, however, if you don't make a decision this weekend........

Good luck.
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My first horse was a pure TB and he was a fantastic horse. He was the calmest horse I have ever ridden, he jumped huge and he was anyones ride, my sister was about 7 and she used to ride him.

However I had loads of problems with him like colic, lameness etc and it was never ending. For that reason I would never buy another pure TB. He was pts due to colic
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Perhaps just a bad experiece but I cant risk going through all that again, it broke my heart.

Saying that I think they are super horses and if you like her then go for it.
 
My first horse was a HW piebald cob, who we bought thinking she would be a plod and ideal for a novicey owner- how wrong could we be!

I still own the cob and also have a TBx now and I would say my TBx is much more suited to being a first horse than the cob, so I guess what I'm trying to say is all horses are individuals and don't always live up to the reputation of their breed/type.
 
My first horse was a TB ex-racer. Still have him now and he is the safest, most sane horse I have ever ridden.

I think TB's often have a bad name the TB's in our yard are much better behaved than the hunters, WB's and ponies!

To be honest you will have issues with her, we all have problems and niggles with our horses, just look at the forum! As long as you have an experienced trainer/help and you feel safe and confident with her go for it!

Good luck and keep us all updated.

Pilib X

I wouldn't swap my old boy!
 
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I suspect the sellers will fast run out of patience, however, if you don't make a decision this weekend........

I think you are right AmyMay - I feel I've stretched it as far as I can and will need to put it to bed by the end of the week (Sun).
I am very encouraged by all the support & advice - I hope I do her justice!!
 
I used to run a large riding school and we had a couple of TBs (ex racers) who did the job marvellously. I've also broken youngsters for TB breeders, evented a couple and taught all sorts of people on them, from quite novice riders to upper level competitors.

It depends on the horse.

TBs are not some magical sort of horse to which the rules do not apply. Neither are cobs - I've know some lethal cobs - or warmbloods or any other breed. If you like the horse and it suits your needs now then it's a potentially right horse for you. Don't let the horsey racists tell you differently.
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As far as "doing her justice", well that's up to you and it wouldn't be any different with any other horse. If you look after her properly, learn to ride her to the best of your ability for what you need, and make sure she can do what you ask comfortably and calmly, then she honestly won't care what you win or how high you want to jump or anything else!

I really do not get this bias that's sprung up. Where are people getting this stuff? How many different horses have they actually ridden of any breed, let alone TBs?

Whatever. As suggested, I would look for a good instructor who does not have any of these silly preconceived notions and won't take a horse occasionally opening its eyes wide or not being willing to go all day with its nose between its knees as a potential bad actor. Someone who appreciates you concern and wants to help you foster a thinking partnership with your new horse won't make rash judgements.

Good luck and have fun. It sounds like you've found a horse you can really enjoy. Go with your instincts.

Great post title.:)
 
In reply to above posts, I have a Sec D, hardy you'd think; but out of the 3 and a half years I've had him, 1 years he's spent either lame , with laminitis, and had 3 spells of colic!!
He absolutely takes the mick when being lead ( doesn't really bother me) And has cost me a fortune having just had an op! So, I think you should def go for it and buy her. I recently looked at a TB and although I'm a novice, I'm quite confident, and enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to use my legs!!
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Just make sure you get it in writing that they will take her back if she fails the vetting, otherwise you could be looking for trouble paying in advance of it
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But good luck, she sounds lovely and you have thought everything through well
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My OH's first horse was a TB and an exracer! and they got on fab, she was quiet but not a plod which he wanted. He rode my sisters cob and said it was like riding a hippo!

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