Connemara’s aren’t as expensive as a warmblood??? I think that is true across the pond but I haven’t seen any evidence here in this country. At one point I thought I wanted a Connie or a cross (even though I don’t jump) until I saw the prices in this country. I wondered why anybody was breeding warmbloods when the Connemara’s and crosses were so much higher in price. At one point FB connected me with some groups in GB that were sales sites for Connies. Much lower prices and gorgeous ponies.
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I’ve never tried attaching pictures before, but here is a pic of the Morgan/draft under saddle and also in the field next to my retired tb. He is not fit yet or in heavy work, but has much more stamina than I expected.
I definitely love Connie’s and would consider a Connie/tb cross or something like that but think they are probably out of my budget right now.
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They are wonderful ponies. They are the original traditional eventer IMO, but they’ve fallen out of fashion as the WB has stepped in.
I live close to two farms that breed them - their foals sell for reasonable prices, but I don’t see any ever staying long enough to be broke.
You are right they are cheaper across the pond. I am in Ireland now on a riding holiday, and they run the gamut. Wondering if I can get one in my carry on.
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If you are talking about draft crosses in particular (rather than “non-traditional” in general), the important thing is to look at how they canter/gallop over the ground. The ones I looked at when I was shopping were very “heavy on the ground” when galloping. This puts more concussion and stress on all parts of the body. Also with an non-TB you are going to have to do more gallop sets to get them fit, with more concussion and stress.
But if it is “light on the ground” galloping, there is no reason it wouldn’t be successful as a mid-level eventer.
Before the proliferation of “warmbloods”, a lot of 3/4breds (3/4 TB, 1/4 draft) were very successful at the upper levels
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Covert Rights is a great example.
https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/behind-the-stall-door-with-covert-rights/
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