Like a lot of people, I peruse horse sale ads. I’ve noticed that “amateur-friendly” is used for the vast majority of them. Some of the nicer ones will say they are good for “amateurs in a program” or “confident amateurs”. The term confident amateur is one that isn’t clear to me. If an AA is experienced with a good seat, but not brave, are they are confident amateur? Or is a confident amateur one that isn’t necessarily an experienced rider, but fearless?
As far as whether an AA-suitable horse has less quality, I think the ones that are advertised “AA Dreamhorse” are usually less quality. I just saw one of these yesterday being marketing by a well known BNT for 85k. Recent show record with a pro at 4th is low 60’s. AA is likely not to score that well. If I want to get in the 50’s, I don’t need to spend 85k.
The thing is that all AA’s are not created equal. There are AA’s that have only been riding a few years and have ridden only at Training/First Level, there are AA’s coming out of Young riders, there are older AA’s that have been riding multiple horses for decades, etc. etc.
Confidence is exactly what it sounds like - in your example, rider one is not a confident amateur, rider two is. Rider one is the rider who may clutch up and go into fetal position when something spooky happens. Rider two may not have great depth of skill, but can impart confidence to her mount. I’ve seen nervous amateurs make a good horse bad, and I’ve seen completely unskilled riders do the opposite.
IOW, I interpret this to mean that the horse has a spook if ridden with question (e.g. the judge’s box is terrifying if the horse isn’t kicked past it a bit) or will take advantage of a timid rider, OR that the horse is anxious in one way or another (not necessarily hot)., but is still tolerant of honest mistakes that an amateur may make.
I have a mare that I have advertised as a pro’s horse (because I think she’s capable of winning at the tippy top of the sport). If I were to direct her to the whole market, I would advertise her as “great for a confident amateur.” She’s not naughty AT ALL, but she is a sensitive and reactive mare. And I think the amateur who doubts themselves and changes their mind at the last second would short circuit her brain relatively quickly. As it stands now, she is the simplest horse to ride…for a confident person regardless of skill.
That’s in contrast to the gelding I posted the video of above. You could change your mind on him a thousand times over and he will fix it for his rider every. single. time. without every getting even the tiniest bit flustered.
But as others have pointed out, that’s where price comes into play. My guy is not cheap because he’s that one in a million with the brains, scope, and kindness to go any direction. As has been mentioned, it’s the famous triangle - price, talent (which encompasses training level, kindness, scope, etc.), soundness - pick two.
On that note, I also think that there are nuances in the differences between a “kid’s horse” versus an “amateur’s horse” or one that would be great for a “gutsy kid” or “confident amateur.” Although given the number of horses advertised as “the complete package,” the reality is that you have to take it all with a grain of salt! :lol:
