What do you think of Quarter Horses?

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CharlotteBeth

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I am looking into buying a Quarter Horse, he is 4y/o, 14.2hh, muscular, but not the stocky type.
I was wondering what you guys think of QH's? I dont know whether they are that popular in England?
Just wondering if they are steroetyped for any bad points?
I know about the HYPP in Impressive lines, but he hasnt got Impressive lines.
Do you think he could make a good all rounder? Nothing major, probs jumping up to 3'3 courses? or less. a bit of XC, maybe hunting, and I would also like to do some dressage.
Do they usually make good all rounders?
Thankyou! I am not as clueless as this makes me sound, I just want to know much more about Quarter Horses
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I rode a couple when I lived in the USA.

tbh the Americans just ride them like any other horse.

one was used by a hunt whip. had a hard mouth, but responded to schooling.

the other was used for low level dressage ( ie up to medium).

both were safe, sane and sound. they are considered to be good alrounders, rather than world beaters for "english" disciplines

no offence to HHO, but suggest you have a search for US forums to get more information
 
I think they're supposed to make good allrounders & most are supposed to have fab temperaments - the ones on the ranch where I was on holiday were so laid back about most things it was untrue. I nearly brought one back with me !!
 
Love them! I have one pure bred who is a "golden oldie" now - he is now 20 and more or less retired but in his day hunted (loads!) and was used as a general hack. He has the sweetest temperament I have ever known!

I also have a Quarab!!! That is a half quarter horse and half Arab! He is 8 and I have owned him for 5 months. Again stunning looking with the best of both lines but considerably "sharper" and a bit quirky but again a super horse. He has paces to die for (intend to do u/a low level dressage), jumps and hopefully will make a good all rounder (he was broken late at 5 and hasn't done much). Try googling Quarab - it is an accepted breed I believe in US and Netherlands.
 
I used to share a QH and she was an absolute star. I wouldn't say she was the best jumper, but she'd have a go, same with schooling. Her temperment was fantastic and she was as safe as houses. One of the best horses I've ever known. RIP Jezzie
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I have a QH mare and she's fantastic; although now retired.

If you try www.thewesternshop.com you'll find lots of people with QHs. They mainly use them for western but some do both and/or "hunter under saddle" which is english tack.

There are different "types" depending on breeding. Halter tend to be much stockier, pleasure types are finer and more leggy and the foundation ones are a bit more "bull dog".

What bloodlines does the one you are interested have?

I worked with and backed a fair few when I worked in Oz and they were all really fast learners and very clever. I just love them and their attitudes to life in general. My mare (in a previous life) was a supreme halter champion, then trained by Bob Mayhew and Susie Anderson to ride western and then done PC and XC with a previous owners daughter before being a broodmare and my mum bought her to hack out. So definitely an all rounder.

Sterotypes are bad/very small feet and prone to navicular. I'd get a 5 stage vetting done and then x-rays of feet if you are at all suspicious and make sure you have a very good farrier.

They are usually backed quite young (2yrs old) and worked quite hard as many of the movements (rein backs, sliding stops, turnarounds, spinning etc) are very strenuous on joints and ligaments so arthritis does seem to occur quite regularly in them. Again, this is a sterotype so depends on the horse. As he's only 4 it should be fairly easy to find out his full history.

They have a reputation for being laid back and easy going but a bit like collie dogs in that they need to be doing something and thrive on work. Although like all horses they are all individuals.

They are gaining in popularity in the UK (more for western riding) and are usually very expensive (which kind of hinders their popularity a bit).

I love them and would definitely get another. Hope that helps a little!
 
I quite like them
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I can't see any reason why they can't be perfectly good allrounders, they are usually very amenable to training, smart and have pretty laid back temperaments. They are like natives to keep though, get fat on just the smell of grass.

Bad points, mine have excellent feet but my farrier says that some have small feet in comparison to their size, my Vet doesn't like QH's and is always muttering about them being 'post legged' and over at the knee, some are, some aren't. The more photos you look at the more you will see some look very straight legged, and some just look as if they should really be beef cows.
 
oooh, i thing i do miss about the states is those stunning cardinals in the garden

oops sorry for hijacking
 
I agree with TPO. I bought my QH youngster in June this year. He's only a yearling but has been so well handled the kids can sit on him and he really doesn't bat an eyelid at anything! He loves to learn and picks things up really quickly - very intelligent, rather like the Welsh D's but without the attitude!!!!!

Mine is actually 3/4 QH, 1/4 TB with Pesky Silver Foam (QH) and Northern Dancer on the dam's side and Classy's Star Buck (QH) on the stallion's side. I'd be happy with an all-rounder TBH, but I know his Granny was a brilliant hunter so am hoping he might enjoy his jumping too!

Good luck whatever you decide, but I would certainly recommend them!! The pure bred's are quite expensive but the part breds are much less and combined with the right breed can produce a really nice competition horse - often with talent as well as brains!!!!

Good luck!
 
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oooh, i thing i do miss about the states is those stunning cardinals in the garden

oops sorry for hijacking

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They really brighten up a day don't they? Every one of those was outside my window, well, the vulture was a bit higher. Who needs an aviary?
 
absolutely love them! wouldn't change mine for the world. i have had quarter horses now for about 8 years, had first one for my 11 yr old daughter who adored him and he is now teaching a new owner how to ride western. my current horses are just great.
why don't you watch the european championships online this week - www.ecqh.eu and see how beautiful they are.
a lot has been said about hoof problems and arthritis but from what i read on this forum, this seems to be every breed not just qhs, if you have the chance to buy one you won't regret it. good luck.
 
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Simple.... everything else is just a horse
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I am torn between QH's and Arabians, so I have both and breed Quarabs
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