Warmbloods genetically lazy?

Penny Less

Penny Less

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10 March 2009
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Have one of the above, and have read that these horses are often lazy types. Feeding doesnt seem to make much difference, he has been on oats now for 2 weeks and I cannot see any difference in him ? I am feeding as recommended by a nutritionist. I am wondering if his age is now against him, he is 21. Do you think big horses are like big dogs and dont go on so long as small dogs/ponies. I know several people with much older cobs etc that are still very nippy! He has a bit of arthritis but otherwise fine. Vet is happy that he has no other discernable health problems
 
I think they just are like that. Mine is only 12 but struggles to drag his hooves around some days!! The blurb about his parents says they are very laid back - should really say horizontal!! Should also say can be as stubborn as a mule....
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The bad news for my boy is I have a cob that is waaaay more stubborn that he can ever be....
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Its so frustrating, he is such a good boy to ride otherwise, never spooks and I trust him totally, but it does get a bit boring plodding about, even spurs dont seem to make any difference !
 
I think it maybe has more to do with his age. I have a WB and she is by no means lazy... hyperactive, loopy and slightly derranged yes, but lazy, no.

Maybe its just his way of telling you that its time to slow down.
 
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, he is 21. [ QUOTE ]


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oh bless him, he cant be anything but taking things a little easy, deffo not lazy as he is 21!! I would enjoy him whatever the speed and not try an alter him in any way!!!


unless of course you need a vet and bloods taken for fear of underlying problems!!
 
My WB is dead in the school and needs spurs. Get him on the hunting field and its a totally different story. Need arms of steel to stop him !
 
I'd agree with Jiggy... both the warmbloods i've had have used all their energy up going upwards, backwards and sideways instead of forwards! i just think they can be very stubborn
 
I have one of the laziest individuals on the face of the planet - stuck in neutral all the time. Sometimes I would feel sick after riding him with the effort and the only one sweating was me!!! I spent a great deal of money on him and just could not afford to give up. So a couple of things have made a big difference:
1. Hacking, x-country, gallops
2. A very good back man - he found a lot of little things wrong and the proof was in the pudding when I rode him afterwards.
3. A Seriously good Instructor - I have always ridden tb's, ISH etc all forward going. I went and still go to a very good dressage instructor (even though he is a jumper) who essential thought me how to ride the horse; she knew every button to press and we never looked back
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Best of luck
 
Allen & Page Power and Performance - its the ONLY feed that has ever generated so much as a spark from my TBxWarmblood mare, although I have had to be careful about making sure I only feed just enough, as it worked a bit too well at one point!!!!
 
You can't change temperment by feed. That is one thing I learnt with my lazy TB/ID. Stuffed him full of comp mix and oats and it never made a difference. You have to remember that WB's are good doers so if he is on the 'large' side this will make him lazy for a start off. They are also prone to joint problems as the imported ones are sometimes started off too young and they may struggle with this. As for longevity, I am doubtful whether being a WB would have any bearing on this. Not all WB's are tall. My boys grandad Nimmerdor a very famous stallion died at the age of 31 years so I am hoping Bails will live to old age, and I was told by a horse whisperer he woudl live till 22.
 
I would agree in general that you can't change temperment with feed, but the Power & Performance is definitely the only feed that has ever had an impact on my mare and she is the definition of lazy warmblood, despite being 1/2 TB and a fair bit of TB blood in her warmblood breeding.
 
Lots of generalisations . . .
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All the warmbloods at the Olympics (which is pretty much every horse there except some of the eventers) seemed to be getting the considerable job done and more than a few looked rocket powered. I don't think anyone here would fine any of the medal winning dressage or sj horses lazy!

As said, temperament is much more complicated than just what you feed - or any management issue - and has far more to do with the individual than the breed. Also, many people say lazy when what the horse really is is resistant or even unsuitable or unprepared for the job at hand. Obviously the suitable solution will depend entirely on the situation.
 
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I think it maybe has more to do with his age. I have a WB and she is by no means lazy... hyperactive, loopy and slightly derranged yes, but lazy, no.

Maybe its just his way of telling you that its time to slow down.

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Ditto
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I hope its not his age as he is only doing 3 hours hacking a week at the mo, and it would mean total retirement!( 1 hour 3 times a week not 3 hours together) Took him out this morning and for 20 mins had to push hard, second 10 mins got good trot and then coming home again, when most horses are speeding up, he went to sleep again ! Have to say
that we do have some steep hills on our routes which probably dont help much. I keep thinking about retiring him but he will be my last horse as I am now 62 and not a brave rider so suppose I want to squeeze the last drop out of him.
 
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