Would you like to CC my pony?

J

Janah

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First phot taken 4 years ago and second last year when he hadn't been ridden for about 6 months. He is 14.2hh and now 20 years old and Highland x TB.

Please ignore overbending, he moved as pic was taken, his favourite evasion and I do know martingale too tight, only got on for pic.

I do know his conformation isn't good but after 10 years with me and always sound doesn't seem to matter.

Jane
 
To be honest, if you've had him 10 yrs and he's always been sound then there can't be too much wrong from him! I've got a few crits on him, but they can't be too major as he's a good age and sound!

-he is overweight, I know a Highland cross will always look a bit on the round side and you have said he has been out of work, but maybe worth thinking about, all the same?
-He is a bit downhill (ie bum higher than withers) so his forehand will be overloaded which can lead to soundness issues, but clearly hasn't!
-his pasterns are a bit long, which can also lead to soundness issues (but clearly haven't!)
-his shoulder is a bit too upright (can lead to soundness issues but again clearly hasn't!)
-his neck is set on a bit low

On the positive side (other than the fact you've had him 10 yrs and he's always been sound!)
-adorable ears!
-good weight carrier (though clearly doesn't need to be looking at you!)
-gorgeous colour.

What do you do with him? He looks like a nice allrounder type.
 
Thank you Tangocurly.

Worry is a lot slimmer now, I hate fat ponies and am always worried about laminitis. Definitely bum high. You can't really see from the pics but his feet are really small for his size.

The best thing about him is he rides bigger than he looks and has a lovely rhythm and is very comfortable at all paces. I have ridden bigger and been surprised at how much longer his strides are.

I did mostly riding club dressage, only up to novice. He could have gone a lot further with a better rider. Pleasure rides, loads of hacking, a little combined training. I did do some XCountry schooling at Stockland Lovell where he jumped everything I put him at. Such a shame I am such a wimp over fences.

I have no transport now so only hack with occasional session in the arena. I do find it quite difficult to find the enthusiasm with nothing to aim at.

Jane
 
I wouldn't say his pasterns are too long - he has a fairly continual hoof/pastern which is good.
Slightly long backed but I think this looks worse than it is by him being croup high.
He has prominent withers which would probably look better if he was carrying a bit more top line.
His shoulders a bit upright.
He doesnt have much bone/knee but that will be TB ancestors fault :).

TBH he probably wasn't bred to be anything special so for his job of a good doer and stay sound pony - he has obviously done very well. He has a nice head which is nicely proportioned with a nice kind eye.

I also wouldn't have said he'd be much of a weight carrier given his back and his age - however as said.. your skinny (not jealous at all!! haha =/) so it doesn't matter.

You must be doing something right - he looks very happy

in the second pic he looks much better with his topline/withers but that could be the saddle and his stance.

He looks like a nice sort - He looks fun to have around :)
 
My instant reaction was that his neck was set on low accentuating the fact that he appears to be built croup high.

I felt that his shoulder looked upright which technically should give more of a 'jumpy' pace but you've mentioned he is ver smooth.

He looks good for his age although lacks a degree of muscle development over the back and upper neck- but as you say hes been off work.

He looks very genuine though :)
 
You only have to glance at that first picture to tell hes got Highland in him! Then I read your bit below. I love Highlands and one crossed with a TB must be great. I think they frequently are croup high though (with regard the cc above). He's a nice height and it sounds like you have fun with him
 
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