Begging for some Confo insights

[LearningBearWithMe]

Hi All! The usual…long-time lurker finally breaking in when I need help…

I would have liked my first post to be a contribution rather than a request, but here I am, having never posted, and desperately seeking the COTH wisdom and experience to evaluate this guy. I admittedly know very little (okay, basically nothing) about conformation, so don’t hesitate to point out the obvious here (or think I’m an idiot for not recognizing the obvious).

My plans for this guy aren’t overly ambitious–probably some lower-level hunters, a lot of flatwork and frequent trail rides. Most importantly, I’m looking for longevity.

(BTW, I hope/plan to have an illustrious COTH career and contribute to the knowledge-sharing (though obviously not regarding conformation ;)) soon and often, so thanks in advance for indulging me now!

[findeight]

He’s cute and well kept, always nice to see. You probably already know he is downhill, a little long backed and his back is a little lower then ideal right behind the withers, watch your saddle fit. Bit of a short neck but well shaped.

I like a little shorter cannon and more bone in front, he maybe a little tied in below the knee, can’t tell. IMO these would only become a problem in hard, regular work and you indicate that’s not your vision for him.

Overall, he should be fine for what you plan. Have fun with him, nice type that should make you happy.

[LearningBearWithMe]

Thank you, findeight! That is really helpful.

He’s 10 yr old, 16H, Appendix QH. Any thoughts on whether $10k is appropriate (in NoVa)?

[findeight]

I would think so if he had a little bit of show experience with no soundness issues.

Nice age too. BTDT and if he was going to break, he would have already

[kcmel]

He’s cute. But his front end and hind end look like they are from two different horses!

[BostonHJ]

He’s cute and has a nice eye, and looks willing. Those are always the first battles! He is a bit straight through his shoulder and his back is a bit hollow - as mentioned, definitely check your saddle fit frequently. For this type of horse, his price is going to be based on what he does (ie, any show record, what height does he jump, is he a packer, etc) rather than how he looks.

[LearningBearWithMe]

[QUOTE=kcmel;7239833]
He’s cute. But his front end and hind end look like they are from two different horses![/QUOTE]

This sums up my first thought too. Not sure if that’s merely an aesthetic issue or if there are soundness issues associated with a disproportionate front and back…?

Thank you so much for your help, kcmel, boston, and findeight! All useful insights.

[jjgg24]

I agree on everything said above but based on the criteria you are talking about I don’t know if I’d go out and spend $10,000.

Not to say he isn’t worth it because perhaps he is a saint of a packer who cleans up but for your goals I think you can meet them at a lower price point.

Just my opinion though but he does have a very sweet face

[BostonHJ]

Conformation is a much bigger part of the equation when evaluating young horses/prospects - it is a small part of the value once a horse has a performance record. Truly bad conformation can lead to unsoundness, so it will always factor in, but a horse consistently doing its job and staying sound is hard to argue with. Of course, it can inform you as to how a horse is likely to go without riding it or seeing video, but no amount of conformation analysis will tell you more than watching the horse go around.

[Perfect10]

I totally guessed he was an Appendix! He looks a lot like my guy in front. Any idea of his breeding?

[cb06]

He definitely has a refined head and kind eye and some nice substance to his girth, and for your intended purpose will probably be fine.
The only real potential problem I noticed was he is pretty calf-kneed (behind at the knee), and the front leg bone/substance/joint size is a little finer than I’d like, especially combined with the downhill build…this may come into play if you do a lot of jumping (pounding on a not-so-great front-end). He also has a short croup and long loin with a Lumbarsacral joint set far behind the point of hip, not ideal, but less worriesome than the front end. Can’t really evaluate his feet in those pics, but I would check and make sure they are large and well-formed.
just my 2 cents. He’s cute!

[hunterrider23]

He looks fine for what you’re wanting to do! He seems built a little down hill, but that might improve if you muscle up his top line and neck. Welcome to coth!

[LearningBearWithMe]

[QUOTE=Perfect10;7240010]
I totally guessed he was an Appendix! He looks a lot like my guy in front. Any idea of his breeding?[/QUOTE]

No I don’t, sorry. The only other info I’ve got is that his name is Be Berry Sneaky (“Primo”) and DOB is 3/13/2003.