About 5 years ago I was speaking to a BNT I know and she told me when she goes to Germany to purchase horses for her clients she prefers Donnerhall bloodlines - They can move but they have the best temperments. Other people I’ve spoken to have agreed with this comment with their experiences.
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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.[/QUOTE]
Of all the horses on this farm, the draft cross has the worst mind and the Fjord is the hardest to sit at any gait above a walk :lol::lol::lol::lol:.
The mare!
By the way, don’t forget that the mare contributes at least as much-- both genetically and then socially-- to her offspring’s attitude. Anecdotally, some horsemen will say that she contributes even more than 50%. We tend to emphasise the stallion’s genes because it makes economic sense. With his ability to leave many more offspring than any mare, breeders have long put their money into advertising him.
In the E’Sop’s Fable case, the good mind seems to be true breeding. The Fable x TB cross had a son (with another hotter DWB stallion) who is huge, coming two and is remarkably kind and sensible. This comes from his owner who literally keeps him in her back yard.
But picking the good mind by breed or even bloodlines within them might not be the most direct path to the right horse for you. There is far more variability within breeds and families than between them. Of course upbringing matters, too.
Just go sit on a bunch that fit your other criteria-- size, training, cost, accessibility, and then let the pedigree take care of itself.
I am very much of the thought that bloodlines are not the way to go, unless you are buying something that you plan to breed. If you just want a horse to ride, then I agree with what some of the others are saying… get out there and start trying some horses. The connection that you have with the horse should be what make you purchase, not who its sire was (in my opinion of course). There is no guarentee that just because you buy a horse that has Roemer in the bloodlines that it is going to be the right horse for you. Finding the right horse can be a challenge. Where I feel riders get in the most trouble if when the buy a horse because of the look or the gaits they think it has. I strongly believe that the interaction between the horse and rider is what makes a successful match. If the horse has huge lofty gaits that everyone notices and if when you try the horse you are not bouncing around even though that is a beautiful horse, it probably isn’t the right horse. More often than not I see amatures buying said horse above, and end up having the trainer ride the horse a large percentage of the time. To me that is a waste… I obviously do not know anything about your riding, but from my opinion, try some horses and find out which ones YOU like to ride, and think less about all the other parts 
At the end of the day yours is the only opinion that matters when it comes to your horse.
I too recommend looking outside the box. I personally fell for the Irish Draught and sport horse because I wanted to be able to go from the ring to hacking out without worrying about the next blow up (like I did with my WB). If you are set on a WB, I like the G hano line. I would not recommend a SF, although I’m sure there are some nice ones out there.
I have two Warmbloods - a Trak and an Oldenburg. My Trakehner gelding is very, vey quiet, but has enough fire to be an eventer, and is pretty willing and submissive. He’s also one of the sweetest temperments i’ve ever found. He’s by Oskar II, and from what I understand, Oskar throws some very quiet, inquisitive, but easily trainable babies.
My mare is by Donatelli, and is only just 4. While she’s very quiet and an easy ride, she’s a bit wilfull and is definitely an Alpha mare. However, if you are firm, she’s putty in your hands. I wouldn’t recommend her to a timid ammy unless said timid ammy was very good at recognizing when she was being dominant and keeping it in check (like doing the two-step in the crossties, etc.) she’s quite an easy ride, though, and definitely has her daddy’s canter. All of this could be chalked up to her being a mare, though.
Beaulieu’s Coolman throws impressive gaits and an impressive jump, as well as quiet and brains. We had a son of his, Cool Eric, at our barn and he was dead quiet to hack out. However, he can be a bit dead-sided as well. Fancy mover, though.
You sound just like me, in your requirements!
I have a wonderful Trakehner that I have had since he was four. Forward but sensible! Now, I almost did not even go to look at him, because he is by Biotop!!!:eek: However, out of a Caprimond mare. He is very much like Caprimond. I have known many Caprimond offspring, and they are all really ammie, YR, Jr safe, but fancy and competitive.
Good luck in your search. But just with my Biotop, it’s not necessarily just the bloodlines!
Another thing to realize - when asking about bloodlines, you will get “general” answers. Just because some lines tend to be more ammie friendly - doesn’t mean there aren’t many out there that are hot and difficult! And the same with breeds - generally, the Trakehners may be more hot and sensitive, but boy, there are some nice quiet ones. Generally Dutch horses are hotter than Hannoverians - but that doesn’t mean you won’t find many nice, quiet Dutch horses, and many hot, difficult Hannoverians. Generally, draft crosses can be quiet (with no forward button), but there are some who are hot run away types. That is the problem with general statements about ANYTHING. The thing to do is go out and try horses, let local trainers know what you are looking for, go to shows and check out the sales horses in action, visit a few sales barns, try, try, try. And eventually you’ll find what you are looking for. If you DO find a horse you like - ask a lot, lot, lot of questions. Ask to see their show record (including test score sheets), ask how they are away from home, how they trailer, have they been on trails. Ask to try them in more than one location (but be aware that many horse sellers will NOT do that do to liability and protection of their horses). At least ask to see video of the horse working away from home (show video). All of that will help you determine if this is the horse for you.
I too was looking for a super ammy friendly ride but that was “fancy” enough to take me up the levels, I currently have a 4 y/o GOV gelding from Canaan Ranch, he is a “D” line (Donnerhall) by their stallion Donates and has the most amazing mind ever Easy, smart, confident and is really fun to ride. He had his first horse show ever this weekend and didn’t bat an eye at anything, I am starting to think he is a bit of a ham and actually likes the horse show attention! I can hack him out alone or in company and he was great in the packed schooling ring with horses coming at him from all angles, fantastic horse. His siblings are exactly the same too. They are here in VA as well as in TX right now, worth a look-
My TB is by Forward Charger(A Native Dancer Grandson). He’s pretty darn sensible!
If you do go the Thoroughbred route, I’d stay away from Halo babies. As with everything, there are exceptions but from personal experience along with stories from friends that have had one, they’re…less than level headed(to put it nicely:lol:)
I also had a TB/Trak (oh no:eek::eek::D) who was the BEST horse in the whole world. Unfortunately, I don’t know his breeding. I do know he came from a large eventing home sometime in his career. As someone else said, I don’t think he knew how to pin his ears.
Best of luck in your search!
not Trakehners
not Dutch Warmbloods
not ‘W’ Hanoverians
ridiculous :lol:
Many hannoverians have trakehner bloodlines that are super ammie horses. Hohenstein and Latimer are examples that spring to mind immediately but there are many others.’
Dutch warmbloods have foundation bloodlines are primarily french and Holsteiner. In the last 20 years or so, they have added blood from other registries. So your choice with this registry is wide open. I particularly like Rubinstein blood. Dutch sires by him are Iglesias, 007 and Ronaldo. I have a Ronaldo filly, who is a lovely mover with the best temprament. There are many other super lines in the Dutch book.
W line hannoverians are generally fine too!
Bloodlines can help narrow your search. Remember though in the end, you are buyin an individual.
I’d look for:
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general athleticism (not to be confused with build) with classically correct gaits (may be a more correct mover with significantly less suspension, don’t mix up the two).
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a horse who tolerates/likes students instead of bullies them.
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a horse who geniunely likes dressage and isn’t just trapped in a dressage body.
Okay :eek:, seems you actually do have breed/registry preference if you need the proven dressage bloodlines:
My filly is by Donatelli, who is by Donnerhall, and I agree with the BNT’s assessment - she DOES have a great mind.
price range?
Ummm, not to rain on your parade, but if you are going to pursue the WB bloodlines listed in this thread, especially for a horse already started with potential for 4th level, you are going to need a hefty budget. I didn’t see you mention what you are willing to pay. You will probably need a budget well in excess of $20k.
Now, for the non-WB breeds, you might be able to find a horse for much less - however, that kind of potential and brain will likely still cost $$.
Do you have an idea of what you are willing to spend? Is it reasonable with the requirements that you listed? Do you have a good trainer to help you with your search?
Just asking because when I set out to purchase, I ended up having to double what I was willing to pay to get what I wanted. My original budget was not at all realistic :lol:. I had a bit of a wake up call!
I ended up with a superb R-line horse with the best brain ever though :yes:
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Ummm, not to rain on your parade, but if you are going to pursue the WB bloodlines listed in this thread, especially for a horse already started with potential for 4th level, you are going to need a hefty budget. I didn’t see you mention what you are willing to pay. You will probably need a budget well in excess of $20k.
Now, for the non-WB breeds, you might be able to find a horse for much less - however, that kind of potential and brain will likely still cost $$.
Do you have an idea of what you are willing to spend? Is it reasonable with the requirements that you listed? Do you have a good trainer to help you with your search?
Just asking because when I set out to purchase, I ended up having to double what I was willing to pay to get what I wanted. My original budget was not at all realistic :lol:. I had a bit of a wake up call!
I ended up with a superb R-line horse with the best brain ever though :yes:[/QUOTE]
I have a price range in mind… just didn’t want to make it public I am pretty sure it is reasonable, but I will talk to my good friend/coach and confirm. Again, I have nothing against non-warmbloods (I have ridden them for almost ten years when I started) but the proven upper level potential is just not there. I don’t want to end up having to sell in 2-3 years because I’m ready to take it up a notch and the horse isn’t.
I have a Babar “baby” - he is 8 years old now. I love his disposition. Big, elastic gaits. He can be very forward - once he gets fired up. But he can be pretty lazy too.
He is a home bred out of my anglo-trakehner mare. I’m an amature and have done a good bit of the work myself. Have had excellent help along the way tho!
Trakehners
not Dutch Warmbloods
not ‘W’ Hanoverians
I have a 3 yr old gelding that is a mix of Trak. AND W line Hannoverian. I am a “cautious” AA rider who is old and DOES NOT have health insurance. I LOVE riding this guy. He has been under saddle 12 weeks. Having a blast (check out jklfarm on youtube links)! Perfect blend of lighness, superb gaits, forwardness and being sensible. I have already ventured hauling him to new places. My trainer has a whole pasture of these guys…love em!
FYI. Horse is three. That may change when he is strong, fit and full of beans. It is all new to him now and very interesting. He is basking in the attention and the newness of it all. Once it starts being work–or as Leena who posts here says “once the please bubble bursts”–things may change. Maybe not, but I’ve seen it happen many times…
Well I think you need a Knabstrupper
Not that I’m prejudiced or anything! But seriously Knabbies have fantastic minds and are all little workers. They come with a motor and are fantastically trainable and intelligent.
You don’t even have to have spots, I know several ‘plain brown ones’ who are the same biddable willing mind but less loudly marked body!
Lots of athletic ability and sane!
PM me if you need some contacts.
Yours
MW
