Opinions on a yearling prospect? (EDITED - Now New 4 yr old)

[the_sandiest_shoes]

While stuck working from home and on my computer 24/7 I’m still fantasizing about buying a young prospect, as I have been wanting to bring-up a horse for a long time (I have excellent training resources to help at the moment and I’m ok with the risk, and I do know there’s a myriad of risks).

I don’t have the best eye for movement on a young horse - I’ve gone back and looked at early videos of horses that later I think looked great under saddle and found, for example, that sometimes their early videos were a bit underwhelming. I know it can all change to an extent when they’re under saddle.

I like this guy because I love the breeding and I adore greys - there seem to be so few these days! I guess they’re not as popular to breed. There seem to be three good gaits here and I’m also taking comfort in the “Elite Premium” designation he got at the inspection. Thoughts, if you want to weigh in? I love seeing folks’ opinions here. Thank you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cApmhEKfl54

[WildLittleWren]

If you are seriously considering a youngster, and have a good trainer at hand, ask your trainer if they can help you shop. A lot of times a well connected trainer knows of some horses not yet on the market as well. But they know you personally and can help you assess their gaits and potential. A lot of times a trainer will help review videos to weed out which you should travel to see or investigate further.

I am by no means a dressage expert, so I won’t critique, I will leave that to others with more experience. I will say he is cute!

[the_sandiest_shoes]

@WildLittleWren

If you are seriously considering a youngster, and have a good trainer at hand, ask your trainer if they can help you shop. A lot of times a well connected trainer knows of some horses not yet on the market as well. But they know you personally and can help you assess their gaits and potential. A lot of times a trainer will help review videos to weed out which you should travel to see or investigate further.

I am by no means a dressage expert, so I won’t critique, I will leave that to others with more experience. I will say he is cute!

Thank you! I do have a trainer who will help me when I’m more seriously looking (I don’t want to buy any horse I can’t see in person and I’m still under shelter-in-place order at the moment).

[Hawkridge]

Oh my…he is lovely!

[ravenclaw]

Looks good to me. Big strides, really floaty movement. He looks sweet too.

[the_sandiest_shoes]

@ravenclaw

Looks good to me. Big strides, really floaty movement. He looks sweet too.

Thank you! I agree he does look sweet in that video. I just adore Belantis and would love to get anything half as nice as that to ride!

[Moon_River]

I’m going to preface this by saying I am still very very raw at putting down my own young horse last year after many lameness issues, so my gut reaction is influenced by my recent experiences, but I don’t like the right hind in that video.

What would your aims be when potential young horse is all grown up? Are you looking at nice enough ammy friendly or a high scoring FEI ride or some point in between?

[the_sandiest_shoes]

@Moon River

I’m going to preface this by saying I am still very very raw at putting down my own young horse last year after many lameness issues, so my gut reaction is influenced by my recent experiences, but I don’t like the right hind in that video.

What would your aims be when potential young horse is all grown up? Are you looking at nice enough ammy friendly or a high scoring FEI ride or some point in between?

oh god, I’m so sorry

My aims are generally FEI if I could, but I know that’s a big ask with so many variables. I like the idea of the journey itself, honestly, and having another “pet” horse to love and bring up. It wouldn’t be my only horse and I’d settle for a trail horse even if it ended up that way (my competition horse is so lovely but a trail horse she is not and probably never will be). I don’t need to think of resale potential or else I probably wouldn’t be so set on a grey. Good to know about the right hind - I watched again and can see some spots where I wonder but not sure. I’ll ask my sports vet/trainer to weigh in on the vid with that in mind if I look further into him. Thank you.

[Tarlo_Farm]

I think he not only looks great, but he seems to be sweet and levelheaded. Floaty, up, smooth (nice shoulder), looks like he’d be easy to put together, solid walk.

[the_sandiest_shoes]

@Tarlo Farm

I think he not only looks great, but he seems to be sweet and levelheaded. Floaty, up, smooth (nice shoulder), looks like he’d be easy to put together, solid walk.

Thank you! His breeding I think is generally full of horses known for good minds and trainability (Belantis himself, and the R line).

[iberianfan]

I love a pretty gray. He is lovely. I watched his inspection video too. I can’t say I see any problem with his right hind, but if there is something,a good vet should find it. Babies are so hard to judge. He has the looks, the gaits (although his canter is babyish for good reason), so I would ask about his brain. To succeed with any horse, trainability is key in my mind. What is his biological dam like? What have any siblings done? If possible,hang out with him. See how he behaves and reacts. See if you fall in love with his mind. Good luck!

[Libby2563]

@Moon River

I’m going to preface this by saying I am still very very raw at putting down my own young horse last year after many lameness issues, so my gut reaction is influenced by my recent experiences, but I don’t like the right hind in that video.

What would your aims be when potential young horse is all grown up? Are you looking at nice enough ammy friendly or a high scoring FEI ride or some point in between?

I actually had the same thought about the right hind! Looks short at times. I’m sorry about your horse, Moon River. I had to put down a lame young horse in late 2018. It is a horrible thing to go through.

[shall]

My Belantis youngster is very good minded and an A+ mover. Like so much with horses, it is all a gamble. It helps to enjoy their temperament. Can you go out for a visit?

[NotGrandPrixYet]

I prefer a slightly shorter back. But that’s me. His dam is lame, BTW. I would take that into consideration. Otherwise, he looks great. Oldenburgs are my favorite mount. They are smart and athletic.

[CanteringCarrot]

I thought I saw something with the right hind too. But then I wasn’t sure if I was just looking too hard and made something up :lol: but I’m sure a vetting could clear this up and prove me wrong! Lovely type.

[iberianfan]

I think this is an ET baby? That’s not his genetic dam.

[Silverbridge]

The dam in the video is a recip mare.

Belantis is a terrific mover and is said to pass along a great mind. It is a shame he was gelded. I know this yearling and considered him myself. Then, the pandemic hit and changed any shopping plans for me. I say go for it.

[2tempe]

Have they provided a recent video? He’s a full yearling now and it wouldn’t hurt to see how he’s grown/changed. Looks like these people breed some very nice Oldenburgs.

[oranges2016]

This is a very good breeder, lots of depth in their marelines, thoughtful and knowledgable balance with stallion choice. When I buy young ones, I always consider more than the foal on the ground. I want the management to be good from breeding, foaling, handling and on. This guy has all. Belantis is also a super stallion. I’m sure you’ve seen Isabell riding him. Super characters.

If you have a good and knowledgable support system to have a youngster, to manage and develop him or her correctly, I’d say go see him or ask any and all questions. If he checks your boxes go for it! Its an amazing journey with a young one.

[J-Lu]

What is the sire and exact dam line? I’d never rely on dam or sire “passing on a great mind” unless meeting the foal. It’s always a bell curve for the produce of any stallion or mare, you should know what you’re getting. All foals look great and floaty, consider both of his parents and remember the bell curve. You’re taking a chance at buying a yearling. Keep that in mind.