What a great story! I too loved every second of my ride on Mr FSH. He had a bit of the noodle-y green horse (not totally between legs and reins), but that could also have been me … I was trying to be quiet and not ask too much, not knowing him at all.
And I just want to say a big general THANK YOU to everyone weighing in with their advice and experiences. SO valuable to me, as a rider without access to loads of barns and trainers and high-level horses…just trying to puzzle all this out.
I’ll be trying the Andi mare this afternoon. Hopefully enlightening.
The caveat being assuming he is in good health and at a good weight. If he’s underweight, I think it might be possible he gets livelier as he puts it on.
I’m not a Fresian person myself so I won’t opine on that, but as an amateur who primarily rides for pleasure I bought the horse that I couldn’t stop thinking about after I tried him. I had a barn name and training plan all figured out in my head He was a fresh off the track 3 year old, and luckily for me it worked out and 8 years later he still makes me smile most days.
And then the question is ‘how important is it that they work correctly through their backs?’.
If your competition aspirations are modest or non-existent, the most important thing is that you enjoy this horse, and the horse enjoys you.
There are a ton of nit-picky details about horses and their conformation, or way of going, or whatever, that friends and trainers bring up that have no real impact on what we want to do. Just imo, if someone loves their cow-hocked funky-moving horse and all they do is trail ride, none of the details really matter.
Someone I know doesn’t like my OTTB’s shark-fin withers at all. Frequently has something to say about them - all true remarks, but so what. They are not bothering or impeding the horse in any way. I’ve gently tried to convince this friend that I am unconcerned about the shark-fin withers, although friend seems to find that an alarming attitude on my part.
Sometimes we get hung up on perfect ideas, and as they say, the perfect ends up being the enemy of the good. Good is good. If good makes someone happy, that’s perfect.
Agreed.
If you really like the horse, don’t mess around too much bargaining. Try the horse again, set up a PPE, but don’t risk insulting the seller. He sounds like a gem and she probably knows what she can get for him.
There are three Friesian crosses where I board and they are all great young horses. One is kind of opinionated, but the other two are extremely tractable.
Excellent point!
And given some good, patient training some horses can move better than we would expect from their conformation. If you want to enjoy the dressage journey and see how far you and your horse can go, without specific level/scores goals then it doesn’t matter if it will be more difficult to do some part of the work.
Ride the horse you are comfortable on! Size, movement, temperament - it’s how YOU feel, OP!
This. I love this. I’ve been thinking about him every day since trying him.
I tried the Andi mare yesterday afternoon. Calm, willing, and in many ways still green (at 12 years old)…trot-canter transitions will need a lot of work, as will accepting contact and working off her forehand. Her trot was flat (and smooth), and her canter quick and also flat. She’s a bit pigeon-toed and paddles in the front. Substantial, and even at 15.1hh I did not feel out of proportion to her. She would be just as much a project as Mr FSH, I think…
I have a Friesian cross. He’s a sensitive sort, but a good boy. Very friendly and good work ethic. Plus I’m a weenie, flabby amateur and I’ve done all of his training myself; I think that shows his good character.
I have no idea about the horse market except what i read on here. But my approach to anything expensive in life is: Can i live without it? When the answer is no, i cannot live without it…then i buy. I do not try to dicker with the price. If i want it, that means the price is worth it…and i don’t want to risk having the opportunity to own evaporate before my eyes. Even Persian rugs…i buy at their price or i do not buy. (and ‘negotiating’ with persian rug dealers is pretty much a given!)
Totally agree.
My current (when I bother to train ) Dressage mount is an alleged - no registration - TWH.
Horse was definitely gaited when I was gifted by a friend who trailrode/horsecamped exclusively with him for 6yrs.
He’s my 3rd Walker & the breed has a natural “sit” & suspension.
He now trots when asked, gaits occasionally in pasture & canter U/S is a Work in Progress.
But he’s perfect for me & several years ago won his Intro A, 3rd in B - against purpose-bred WBs & others with more training.
The Andi mare sounds like a nice option, but you aren’t gushing about her the way you are about Mr. FSH. I would schedule a vetting with Mr. FSH, but don’t get too upset if it doesn’t work out. Several of my horses have been my second choice after the top choice didn’t work out. At the end of the day what’s meant to be will happen regardless of our efforts!
True but OP didn’t say anything about the horse needing to put on weight.
There are some Amish who actually feed their animals well.
I would take a 4 year old green horse over a 12 year old green horse! Have to wonder why the Andi isnt better educated. You sounded much more enthusiastic about Mr FSH than Ms Andi.
Listen to your heart. Then use your head with a good PPE!
Sounds like she didn’t make you smile like the Friesian did, which can you imagine just getting on and enjoying?
I have helped with the export of some equisite amish bred friesians. Top class. They understand they can make a lot of money selling nice friesians.
I agree that a 12 yo that is still greenish is a huge alarm bell
Considering that retraining a 12 year old to move differently would be considerably harder, body at that time is not as flexible any more, than that of a younger horse.
Is less painful for all to buy a horse that is already doing what you want, or young enough to teach it to do what you want, without needing to fight a body set now thru years long upside down balance.
Having started a 13 year old warmblood from scratch (she was kinda halter broke, but not really) it is not something I recommend. Horses that are started late are just…different than those started as babies. Every time I think we’ve finally grown up, I find another hole and wall of resistance. Maybe it’s a warmblood thing?
Give me a 4 year old gelding any day of the week.
OP - with time and training, the Andi mare will gain more buoyancy in her canter. The trot will most likely always stay smooth. A good farrier (over time) can fix the pigeon toes (ask me how I know). But you sounded much more excited about the gelding. Vet the friesian and put in an offer if the findings are within your range of acceptability.
I would agree… I started a 12 year old appy a few years ago. It was a difficult journey that I’m too old to repeat!
I’m like 8pond. I look within my budget and if I’ve decided I really want something, I’m not going to try and bargain and potentially lose it.
The FSH sounds nice, and appropriate, and an uncomplicated transaction. I’d go for it if I were you!
This gives me more confidence! I’m fit (a runner), but most definitely an amateur…thank you for sharing!