Sharon May-Davis has done tons of work on congenital cervical malformation issues. Surprisingly common among TBs, Arabs, WB’s. Symptoms show up as they grow. I would for sure get neck films, done by a vet who knows the angle needed to see C-6 C-7.
Google can find her work and interviews, etc. Worth reading.
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It sounds like you are saying Andalusians don’t have the greatest temperament? Could you expand on what you mean a bit please.
I am also in the market for a horse so listening carefully to what people say.
Thanks! I have seen the video interview she did for Surefoot. Very frightening.
I am 
buying a Canadian Horse. I am not sure if the malformation has been found in them, but am going to check into it.
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I have a friend with an Andy cross pony (she is short). Friend has a lot of anxiety, both in general and while riding (the later courtesy of a KS horse and another with some other unsoundness), and can have a rather adversarial mindset at times. Pony is fabulous and she feels 100% comfortable on him.
I think they were saying that Andalusians do not make great event horses - they aren’t really bred for jumping and galloping at great speed across the country. They generally have lovely temperaments, and are tolerant of a lot of amateur mistakes. They can be sensitive.
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You can find this. Your options are to buy something super nice young which you can get for 10k or go look up amish/Mennonite auctions and breeders and buy one for $1000 there. Your choice on the level of risk you are comfortable with. Or buy a few to flip and save up to buy something better.
But it sounds like you want something with training for a cheap price.
You can’t have that in your budget.
You need a really good hind leg amd natural engagement to score well at upper levels. Go buy that and train it.
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As I posted above, I will know tomorrow morning if I am getting the filly I found. She is a weanling and exactly what I want.
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They have a great temperament for the right person. Lots of them are smart and people-oriented. They are bred to be obedient and sensitive, which can make some of them anxious and reactive. It really depends on the bloodlines, how they were started, and who handles them. I’ve had a couple that were prone to frequent meltdowns when I first got them and did eventually mellow out but were never 100% confident. I think being smart and sensitive makes it easy to fry their brains. The nice ones make great dressage horses, but they aren’t bred to jump or gallop distances, so probably not a great choice for an event horse.
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Yes, it is frightening. As she found the prevalence in TBs, she was actually threatened if she was to release the bloodlines. I think it would be useful to look at her breeding and see how much TB is in there. Good luck! Pics required if you buy her. Also note, that the malformation is seen more in colts than fillies if I remember correctly.
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OP - this question is along the same vein so I hope you don’t mind me asking here. If you do I’ll happily delete.
What about standardbreds in dressage? I was watching my neighbour (from a distance) working one of his on the cart and he was happily cantering around the track. At first I thought it was in error - that the horse broke, but it carried on and was controlled enough it looked intentional.
I’ll be looking for my own cheap prospect in the coming years (less the need for upper level potential) and it started the wheels turning. Maybe a good option is right next door?
Anyone have any thoughts? Intentionally buy a young standardbred to train for dressage? I have some experience with their temperaments which would seem to suit.
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I thought about that. I do like standardbreds, but not what I am looking for this time around. Thankfully I hope to have found exactly what I want without breaking the bank. Will be posting an update here if it works out!
Thank you all for your suggestions and support! I hope those from the US had a Happy Thanksgiving!
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A Cheval Canadien? Lovely. They come in many different types.
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Canadian Sport Horse or the heritage breed Canadian Horse / Cheval Canadien? Those are rather uncommon. In my limited experience they are docile, but work ethic isn’t their strongest suit.
Canadian Horse. The breeder is breeding for sportier horses.
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A (very) relative term - “sportier” …
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If a mare and purpose-bred isn’t mandatory, I know of a very good DHHxPercheron gelding around your price range that I’d get myself if I had the budget for a third horse. I go for non-traditional breeds though, having a ArabianxRocky Mountain and a Morgan right now. Purpose-bred warmbloods will forever be out of my budget.
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Sporty enough for me and my budget.
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I love Cheval Canadians! I used to work with a trainer who had three, all different in terms of personality but all with a very good work ethic. All of them could have done Third, one definitely could have done more. He is a little sports car.
I have another friend with one, as well. She doesn’t ask very much of him, but he is a lovely horse to ride.
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That is great to hear. I really love her. The breeder sent me the contract yesterday and is calling me today for a deposit. I will link her video later as I am hosting a Thanksgiving today.
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I just read about this breed - quite interesting. I LOVE the size, with me being on the petite side and getting old/creaky. And the all - around versatility. ( personally dont understand the trend towards bigger and bigger horses, but I digress)
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