To start with, I eliminated 2 of the mares just looking at them, they weren't appealing to me at all. Nothing really drastic on them, just not the kind of horse I am interested in- I have to like looking at them as well as like riding them!
They had one mare ready to go, and I didn't really care for her but since he was saddling her anyway I checked her out. 8 years old, did a great job on the obstacles, but was not soft in the bridle at all. I did ride her, and was pleased with how she handled the course but that's about it.
The other mare was pretty to look at, and only 5 years old, but they had talked her up so much that I figured she would be just perfect.....
To start with, he wasn't going to lope her until Shayla asked him to. She wasn't bad, a little forward and fresh- she hadn't really been ridden in the last 2 months- and she did a decent job on the obstacles.
Here I was asking her to pick up her shoulder and move off my inside leg as we circled- she didn't know what I was asking.
This to me is a really green horse. In all fairness, her mouth was a mess, not much movement and sores inside. A good float would make her a much happier horse.
That being said, these are things I can work on with her-my concern is that most of her riding has been in the arena with a bit of outside riding, I'd rather have it the other way- lots of outside riding and less arena work. My other concern with her is her conformation....
I got to thinking about what my expectations are. To start with, this is the first time I have looked for a broke/started horse since 1990. I have only ever bought 2 horses that had been started by someone else, and I have owned a lot of horses over the years. Mostly what I ride I have either raised, or bought as a weanling or yearling and then done the training myself or had someone put the first 30 days on and then I go from there.
I also think I have been a little spoiled by the quality of the horses I have raised, especially the Beamer babies. I don't want to downgrade! I sold two darn fine geldings to get a mare, so she will have a lot to measure up to.
We went to visit the boys yesterday, it sure was nice to see them and they are really happy in their new home. They all 3 remembered us, but it was plain that they didn't miss us! Rio had eyes only for Rorie, and Nitro was all over Kevin
Why can't I find a mare that looks this good!
It was nice to be able to get all 3 boyz in one photo!
10 comments:
There's always that lovely little horse from the last post you made :) #3! she seems perfect to me!
Howdy, in the standing photo of the mare her right front hoof looks split inside? And she is not putting weight on it. And she is not shod even? Just looks too sweaty for such a short workout. Might be in pain?
It's hard to find the right one if you're clear in your mind about what you want, and you are. Nothing wrong with that, and it'll take time. Sometimes green broke is better because there are fewer trained-in problems to fix. Pie was green broke and came along pretty quickly, and Red had a whole bushel of issues although he was much "better" trained (a lot of bad training IMO).
Are there any breeders/trainers who you trust to have actually done a good job starting their horses, so that what you get is consistent with what you're looking for?
Ruthlynn- she was ridden for about 45 minutes with lots of trotting and loping from Shayla. She is definitely out of shape, having had 2 months off. That isn't a split on her hoof, it is sweat dripping down from her leg. And she had stepped forward to sniff the cat, she had no problems weighting her legs before the photo. For me, not shod is a GOOD thing, I ride barefoot.
Kate- as a breeder , trainer and long time rider, I do have high expectations, especially since I consider myself to be pretty small-time, so I expect these big name trainers to be much better than me. I have already contacted many people privately, but nobody has what I am looking for. Lots of geldings, not many mares.
On the pictured mare, I really don't like her hind end - she's sickle hocked and too straight. Can't tell about the shoulder due to the way her neck is stretched out. Looks to be downhill as well.
You nailed it Kate.
If only Andee were for sale lol, you would not pry her from Martin I guarantee that.That perfect mare is out there I am sure
Yeah I didn't ask about Andee 'cause I knew she has a forever home with you!
You will find the right one. I have only had one mare that I could ride and I have sure enjoyed my geldings so much better. They seem to be so much more stubborn than the geldings are. The ones I have had, so far, that is. Good luck in your search.
I'm not much good at conformation critique but I do NOT like the hind legs on that mare.
She looks a bit downhill, although it's hard for me to really tell in that pic. Depending on how downhill she is it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me but that hind end sure would be.
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