You might have great luck looking at the appendix market. The HUS appendix horses are HUGE these days, and the QH brain can’t be beat. Lots of them are absolutely lovely movers and jump well also!
The nice ones are going to exceed the budget though, and aren’t going to necessarily have any jumping experience.
Another vote for no youngsters. They’re generally little angels at 3-4, 5-7 can be… interesting. If you’re able to chalk it up to “youngster” antics and enjoy it, that’s fine! But some people don’t enjoy that, and it is easy to create a monster. I have a 5yo whose current thing is mouthiness - no nipping allowed in my barn but he’s really testing me on this. He’s lucky he’s a star otherwise!
If DH is set on a “look” (aka your big WB type), you’d be surprised what some of the draft crosses look like. I’ve known a few that had height, good brains, could pop around the meters (time fault central but hey you aren’t showing), and have an old fashioned WB look. Easy to live with generally, if you maintain the manners and don’t let them drop a shoulder and drag you to grass .
It’s almost too bad that DH is experienced. It will be harder to do what I initially thought which is “just don’t tell him the breed and height, and see what he falls in love with”.
I think you’ll need to drop the 1.10 scope, the WB thing, and/or the height. But I totally understand wanting something that is the “type” you’ll be proud to have in the barn and post pictures of on social. I’m still thinking a 10-12yo TB (maybe an eventer or foxhunter) is your best bet here.
Quarter Horse. Find the right one and you get the best brain AND athleticism. I’ve started lots of them and they are generally WAY easier than TBs and warmbloods (I’ve started those, too and so far the QHs have been easiest). They (generally) mature mentally faster, too.
I was going to suggest the same. There are some very nice draft X out there. Athletic and nice mind.
Thanks all. I appreciate the helpfulness!!
I know someone that rescues DHH horses rehabs them and puts them up for adoption. A lot of them have great second careers as lesson and riding horses with a scope to 3ft
They’ve been pulling buggies on the roads so they’re not super spooky but will likely need some refinement under saddle, which will give hubs things to work on. It’s could be a good option if it doesn’t have to show a lot.
They tend to be big and pretty handsome with the warmblood look your husband wants, and definitely not in the five figure range price wise. They do have a very different way of going due to their breeding/conformation. Because of their old jobs I wouldn’t expect a perfect vetting - but just another route to consider.
Remind him he can get a younger horse and have to retire it from jumping or retire, period, in a few years. Possibly after $$$$$$ in (possibly inconclusive) diagnostics.
Buy the devil you know.
BTW, not to generalize but young WBs are not famous for good ground manners but are known for being a…ahhhh….little slow to catch on compared to some other types and the bigger ones slower to grow into themselves.
Good points! We had a Dutch yearling filly that was so sweet, but SO REACTIVE to everything. We ended up selling her as an eight year old.
Lots to think about!
I’ll just chime in and join the suggestions to consider QHs and even Paints that have been specifically bred to be English types. Many of these are easily 16.2 or more, decent movers and yes, they can cruise around a course of low jumps. They tend to have good minds, too. The ones that aren’t World Show quality will be in your price range. Facebook has several groups for AQHA/APHA amateur horses where you can post an ISO ad. (Sidenote: Just be sure to vet accordingly).
On the other hand, I totally understand the allure of a classic TB. After all the warmbloods I’ve ridden in my life, many of them awesome horses in their own rights, the TB will always remain my go-to breed.
I mean if you aren’t showing and like snuggly, look at a saddlebred. Mine easily jumps heights you listed and super fun to ride.
You can find them easily under 10k.
If you’re willing to take a chance, here is an OTTB/ former track pony at a dealer near Pittsburgh.
SNIP OF GOLD- 13 year old TB gelding, 16-16.1 hands. Good legs, feet need a trim. Was used as a pony horse at the track. Nice big quiet gelding and can go any way you want him too! He is NOT in danger of shipping to slaughter.
This might sound weird but there are some nice foxhunters that fit your requirements and have seen a lot so are so chill! Often an Irish, draft or even WB cross that can flat, jump and do anything! I sometimes ride out for a foxhunting seller/trainer who might need experience put on new or young horses
Get the man an attractive and quiet OTTB, print off a forged passport with some European sounding breed on it, and call it a day.
I’m kidding. Sort of.
If you’re set on something younger, I’d l lean towards an appendix, full QH or an OTTB before a warmblood. A young warmblood is likely to be the least amateur friendly of the lot. I’ll also echo looking for fox hunters and event horse - although the good ones are not cheap, either.
For sure, but (at least around here) a good field hunter is no more likely to be in budget than a quality young WB.
Hard to find for less than $30-45k if you want it to jump and not be a TB. You can get the TB that jumps for $20k ish, but not much less unless it’s a first season horse or aging or tricky.
I think there’s a thread in the eventing forum about it, but what you could get for $20k even just 5 years ago (not to mention 10 years ago) now costs at least $40k. Which is still blowing my mind these days.
Mine, too. (Sigh)
Again, thanks, all! I’m checking into everything that has been suggested. If only TBs didn’t have tattoos to give them away, haha.
If they were born in 2020 or later they shouldn’t have a tattoo, just a microchip
Ah, I didn’t know that! Huh. Thanks.