Can you put up a photo of that TB mare?
What about a Welsh Cob? My TB x Welsh Cob cross is sensitive but sensible, athletic, and kind as the day is long. Also gorgeous, but I may be a bit biased. 
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Another thought is a Cleveland Bay or CB cross…
Substantial bone, (very) good brains [at least all that I’ve known], athletic, just all-around great horses
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I have a Connemara/Appendix cross from my friend who stood a Connemara stallion (Irishpark’s Carraway Finn lines). The stallion had a great disposition, attitude and willingness for anything. Generally very sensible and only needed a “It’s alright Jack, it won’t bite” to give him confidence.
My gelding from him is a sensitive soul. Best when working 5ish days a week consistantly where he builds a routine and confidence in you. He has enough ‘punk’ and ‘ponyish’ in him that I would never call him AA potential. But he keeps me on my toes in a fun way. Never dangerous…just never boring. Wil happily slop through puddles but takes the trail stream (sometimes dry) like a puissance.
Some people tell me that I shouldn’t let him get away with his “ponysaurus” streaks. But I know my horse. He does best with a smile and “nice try, silly.” He does not take to downtime well.
(but his feet and coat are to DIE for!)
I had thought of this recently as well. May be actually easier to find a CB/TB cross in my area than an Appendix already on the ground. I have known two full CB geldings that were absolute saints and had been lifelong partners with their senior owners and also dutifully taught beginner lessons. Great horses and definitely one to consider!
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The few I’ve known have been absolute lookers and very athletic!
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Hard to argue with the bone/feet etc. of the Connemara’s for sure. The spice is real though 
while I can and have ridden that type, and am fine with forward, I’m definitely hoping for something that can sit on the back burner and be okay with it if life and kids get in the way. There’s a flavor for everyone out there!!
Oddly enough it’s my Arabs that have consistently been fine with being put on the back burner and then picked back up randomly. Mine all remember what they’ve learned and retain their brains even with extended time off. With the added bonus that with turnout they don’t lose all of their fitness so they’re easy to get back in shape for BN, longer trail rides, or whatever. Might be interesting to look for an Arab stallion with a super brain. I have a Major Mac V colt that has a fantastic brain, plus every baby of his I’ve met or heard about is similar in being super friendly, people oriented, and level headed. The Crabbet lines are also known for being solid and level headed.
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I agree 100%! I’m currently riding a 17 year old broodmare (Al Marah blood) who sat in my pasture for nearly 4 years before I figured out how much fun she is. 
My little Half Arab mare out of her had a full year off for pregnancy. I’ve ridden this one twice this summer, and it’s like we never missed a day. It’s very hard to beat a good Arab for DIY amateur friendly.
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My vote is definitely for Connemara Cross. I have been breeding Connemara x TB crosses for about the last 20+ years, and they are lovely. Next to the purebred version, it is easily my favorite cross. I have an Ard Celtic Art daughter in my program who, i would say, was opinionated as a youngster, but her foals are some of the easiest to deal with. They do not strike me as being anything other than Ammy Friendly. She has 4 under saddle already. SHe has a super Swanview Mirahs Shadow colt by her side this year. Lots of of wonderful Connemara Stallions to choose from.
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I love the Connemara crosses and have two that I event, and bred my Oldenburg mare to Swanview Mirahs Shadow and am expecting a foal next spring. I met him at the West Coast Connemara show and think he has a fabulous temperment, movement and conformation. I also really like Donna Miller’s stallions and she has a gorgeous buckskin Welsh/Connemara stallion who is a fabulous mover.
I started some of those bombproof ponies. They get good at about 12.
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I had an appendix mare I absolutely loved but she was plagued with soundness issues. I don’t really like what they are breeding for in quarter horses these days, so I also vote for a Connemara cross.
My Connemara cross is super sweet, goofy, and funny. He does have some issues to work out - overly enthusiastic about things, excess energy. He loves to go for a good gallop in the field complete with lead changes, figure 8s and a couple bucks thrown in. I think he will probably be more spicy. His mom is super laid back and while I see that in him at times, he is also incredibly immature. Time will help.
Just because you are crossing with a pony definitely does not mean you will get a pony. You might get a pony. You might get a small warmblood.
Every stallion is different. Definitely talk to the owner about what temperament they have. Are they sensitive and forward? More laid back and easy going? Is that temperament going to match well with your mare?
Picture of my colt. He is out of W.H. Topgun.
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One of my favourite horses ever was my homebred Connie/TB - 14.3 hands, fabulous mover and jumper, and could have been a house pet. I started him as a 15 year old kid with no baby-starting experience, and can’t say enough about how kind and easy he was.
He definitely rode like a TB (which I appreciate), and would have turned himself inside out for you if you asked nicely. He was by Maplehurst Michael MacDaire, out of a Spirit Rock mare. Super smart, super kind, super athletic.
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Love these photos and what a sweet boy! We can all hope for one like him! Thanks for sharing 
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Wow what a lovely fella! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you so much! He was a very special one, for sure. His only “fault” was that he was the dreaded 14.3hh height - we never would have purchased one that size. His stride meant he easily kept up with all the big horses though!
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