Recommend bloodlines for timid ammy?

[cu.at.x]

I will be in the market to purchase my next horse in the next 3-4 months, and am starting to think about what I will be looking for. Although I honestly don’t have a breed preference, I want something with proven bloodlines to be able to take to at least 4th level, as this will be my forever horse. That said, I’m most likely looking for a Warmblood that has been correctly trained from the start. I was hoping that you guys could recommend some bloodlines, and possibly farms to check out. To give you an idea of my style, I like a lot of the horses on this site, http://www.pembrokefarm.com/ListHorses.aspx?page=sales especially Won Ton. I am looking for something in the 6-10 age range, so I can ride right away but still has room-and time-to learn. Also, temperament is a biggie for me–I am on the timid side and am not ready to deal with a hot/spooky personality at this point. But I’m not afraid of forward, and actually want a horse that is in front of the leg rather than lazy.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[in_the_zone]

I’d like to help make suggestions, but would like to know more about your experiences. Have you ridden Warmbloods before? How do you feel about riding big trots and canters with lots of movement? What types of horses have you ridden that you liked? What do you feel makes you a timid rider?

I have Won Ton’s half brother and the same age. Super friendly, curious personality. Would rather be a hunter…drat.

[FriesianX]

If you like the looks of WonTon and other horses on that sales page, why don’t you go visit them and try some of their horses? That would be my initial response

If you are a timid rider and willing to look beyond the traditional Warmbloods, some riders are starting to look at the Baroque breeds exactly because many of us get a little less brave as we get older. I like the Friesian crosses, a few others I know have gotten involved with the Andalusians, my trainer has grown rather fond of the Friesian brain, a few other local trainers are starting to recommend the Baroque horses for their quiet minds too.

As for Warmblood lines, you might check the breeding forum, there is a lot of discussion about lines that tend to throw good minds - I’d really agree some of the R lines (Rubenstein) seem quiet, and I know Feinerstern threw some quiet offspring. But if you are timid, look for something that has been going under saddle long enough so you can feel confident riding him/her.

[YankeeLawyer]

Nice website, btw. I was not familiar with that farm but it looks like they have some lovely youngsters.

I know of some farms in VA but that might be too far for you.

[cu.at.x]

[QUOTE=in_the_zone;4152411]
I’d like to help make suggestions, but would like to know more about your experiences. Have you ridden Warmbloods before? How do you feel about riding big trots and canters with lots of movement? What types of horses have you ridden that you liked? What do you feel makes you a timid rider?

I have Won Ton’s half brother and the same age. Super friendly, curious personality. Would rather be a hunter…drat.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I’ve ridden a few Warmbloods in lessons, both short-term–a Swedish mare and a Hano mare. They were big-boned-which I like-and very calm and quiet, but behind the leg. According to what I’ve heard from people, it is very rare to find a quiet horse that you can take out hacking, that is also “sharp” enough for the show ring. I’m determined to find one.

I am not as intimidated by big gaits as I am spooking and general hotness. I don’t want to have to be afraid that a noise or a change of scenery will make them explode. My friend has two dutch mares like that, and while they are gorgeous, I wouldn’t want them. I want a horse that I can ride out on the trail (Gasp! Such a DQ am I ;)) without fear of them taking off with me. I know that all horses spook, even the calmest, dead broke ones, but I want it to be a look or a small shy rather than an utter panic attack.

I have only ridden a couple horses that I really loved. One was an Arabian, trained to PSG. He had the lightness and forwardness, but was calm enough for a beginner to ride. In over six months of riding him, I only remember one spook–and even then he was very controlled. The other horse was pretty much the same, although not as well trained.

I hope that answers your questions. Let me know if I need to elaborate on anything.

[in_the_zone]

Time for you to go ride some! Search some ads and pick out ones you think might work. Ask the questions that you need answers to, but don’t get stuck on the phone wondering and deliberating. If it sounds interesting, go sit on it. It’s really truly the only way to find out.

As far as which lines/registries, I would avoid the old style Warmbloods. They are often behind the leg. Go for a more refined type. I think you might find a lot of Hanoverians that would suit your needs.

[mvp]

E’Sop’s Fable (double registered DWB and Selle Francaise) is a stallion whose babies are very ammy friendly: smart, forgiving, quiet, honest, affectionate. I have a gelding from one of his first breeding seasons (momma was a nice-minded OTTB), and he makes me think I can be a trainer, by myself. He’s a nice horse pros like to ride now. His full sister is even better-- she has an amazing work ethic and loves being given a job, but will also tolerate being a pet.

In any case, google him and speak with his owner and importer, Kathy MacDonald. She can tell you more about his more recent offspring.

Best of luck in your search.

[AZ_Native]

I have a Happy Hour son ( Trakehner ) that is forward and sensitive, but bold and quiet on the trail and with new experiences in general. Other than the very first ride, which was completely uneventful,I have brought him along myself.Happy is known for producing quiet minds and lots of talent for the show ring. Renee is wonderful and might be able to steer you in the right direction. She is in Maryland though. Here is her website :www.happyhour1.com.

Good luck in your search and I’m sure that you can find both the qualities you are looking for.

[Fixerupper]

not Trakehners
not Dutch Warmbloods
not ‘W’ Hanoverians

nothing wrong with these horse as a whole - just on average not that ammy friendly.
(waiting for the barrage :lol:)

[InsideLeg2OutsideRei]

A friend of mine owns a FABULOUS mare by Dacaprio (http://www.bridlewoodhanoverians.com/dacaprio.php). Looks exactly like daddy :D. Perfect amateur temperament, can go out on the trail, no spook, yet still wonderful to train and show, and with talent to go to PSG (according to her trainers). I get to ride her on occasion and LOFF her :yes:.

[blackhorse6]

D line is great…I would avoid Bolero and S line. The S line is the popular line now but I do not believe they are all that ammy friendly…:eek: Mind you, with any horse, there are always exceptions. :yes:

[houserabbitz]

[QUOTE=cu.at.x;4152350]
especially Won Ton. I am looking for something in the 6-10 age range, so I can ride right away but still has room-and time-to learn. Also, temperament is a biggie for me–I am on the timid side and am not ready to deal with a hot/spooky personality at this point.
Thanks for your thoughts.[/QUOTE]

Won Ton is by Widmark, a Hanoverian stallion known for throwing a very ammy friendly temperament and excellent movement. The Widmark gelding I bred was practically bombproof at 3 years, very easy, never spooked or bucked, and I trail rode him during my pregnancy.

Every horse has a mother, but I would look at Widmark, Wolkentanz, and Wonderful offspring. Also R line (Rubinstein) and D line (Donnerhall). Rotspon throws ammy friendly, as does Dacaprio and Domiro. Good luck.

[nashgirl]

I have a wonderful Trakehner gelding that has a super attitude at the shows and is a terrific trail horse. He is forward and can be a little dramatic when under pressure to learn something new but he is very willing and trainable. I’ve had him for 4.5 years and he and I have been learning dressage together. He is truly a wonderful horse!
He is by Hailo out of a Martini mare and was bred by Jean Brinkman at Valhalla Farm: http://www.valhallatrakehner.com I’d look at Jean’s horses first if I were in the market for another horse.
Btw, I also have 2 Hanoverians. In my limited experience, I strongly prefer the Trakehner!

[NoDQhere]

[QUOTE=Fixerupper;4152581]
not Trakehners
not Dutch Warmbloods
not ‘W’ Hanoverians

nothing wrong with these horse as a whole - just on average not that ammy friendly.
(waiting for the barrage :lol:)[/QUOTE]

This is way too much of a sweeping statement. We have the Trakehner Stallion, Meisterwind. He competeted to GP Dressage and was ALWAYS trustworthy enough for any level of rider to ride, safely. His offspring are the same. They are horses with generous natures and the ability to be as much horse as their rider is comfortable with. We also have a W line Hanoverian who is a perfect lady. She had been a broodmare and not ridden for several YEARS when we drug her out of the pasture for a working student of ours to ride. She never put a foot wrong. Easy and forward but hot shes not :lol::lol:.

[Fixerupper]

@NoDQhere;4152659

This is way too much of a sweeping statement. We have the Trakehner Stallion, Meisterwind. He competeted to GP Dressage and was ALWAYS trustworthy enough for any level of rider to ride, safely. His offspring are the same. They are horses with generous natures and the ability to be as much horse as their rider is comfortable with. We also have a W line Hanoverian who is a perfect lady. She had been a broodmare and not ridden for several YEARS when we drug her out of the pasture for a working student of ours to ride. She never put a foot wrong. Easy and forward but hot shes not :lol::lol:.

Note- I did say on average - the very best kid’s pony I ever knew was a chestnut arab mare - there you have it…

[Sabine]

I looked at the page you listed. Very nice page with nice horses and very professionally presented.
I would rank your pick last- unless you are 6 ft tall and super strong- he looks like a hard to put together horse- although the Hanoverian W line is really good and quiet. So Wolkentanz in really a great sire for a nice ammy-friendly horse.
I loved the Sinclair they listed- and also the Don P…whatever horse…they looked nice too but a little better built and easier to put together.

Since you mention experiences with Arabian horses…I would recommend that you also seek in that direction or a good cross. The reason I say this is mainly that those horses can be super wonderful to ride all over and still win good scores- if you ride well- as they have natural forward, brio and expressiveness.
The good WBs that have that- can not be ridden ‘backwards’, meaning they usually don’t do well with a more timid rider. And they will cost you a multiple of a good, well-trained cross or ‘unusual dressage breed’.
This is just my 5 cents…good luck in your search…

[horsechica58]

I definitely agree with the poster who posted E’Sop’s Fable. We had a gelding by him that was absolutely fabulous in the temperment department. Really couldn’t beat it

I would also reccomend the “R” line Hanoverians…they are, in my experience, very sweet and willing. We had another mare that we recently sold by A Jungle Prince that was also to die for in the temperment department. I don’t even think she knew how to pin her ears :lol:

[bpt]

I would contact someone like Harmony Sporthorse’s. The Hasslers have the knowledge to lead you in the right direction. Or try another big breeding barn that carries several different breed lines and they can give you a more accurate direction. Also, go to some of the breed shows like Dressage at Devon and watch the breed classes. Lots of info at these shows and you can see first hand also.

[slc2]

I would say forget warmbloods, Arabs, Thoroughbreds. Get a Fjord, Quarter horse or draft cross. Get a horse with smaller gaits, so the warmbloods are out.

[egontoast]

not Trakehners
not Dutch Warmbloods
not ‘W’ Hanoverians

nothing wrong with these horse as a whole - just on average not that ammy friendly.
(waiting for the barrage

:lol:Not a barrage but when you say something that silly, people may wish to replY!:lol:

I would say forget warmbloods, Arabs, Thoroughbreds. Get a Fjord, Quarter horse or draft cross. Get a horse with smaller gaits, so the warmbloods are out.

These are more ridiculous generalizations. What do smaller gaits have to do with spookiness?

when I took my W line Hanno/Trak (oops-see above!!) :eek: to be backed there was a draft cross the same age there for the same thing. Guess which one was a piece of cake and which one was difficult-spooked, bucked, bolted . Difficult one was the draft cross. My own draft cross is spookier than the younger wb. Sometimes he even spooks at his hay pile. hee.

But I would not say avoid draft crosses, though, because that would be another silly sweeping generalization. I just have to laugh when people make these claims about breeds.