I really appreciate the kind and supportive words!! I’m fretting over this purchase because it’s such a huge time and money commitment, and it’s been 25 years since I last owned a horse. Plus we’re coming into winter – barn time is 
. I’m quite sure I’ll be coming to this group for more help. F’rinstance, I’d really like to have a training plan in place for him before he arrives. (I’ll create a separate topic on that.)
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Oh Dear.
This is NOT a riding horse…
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LOL…from the sounds of him, he’s not even a horse you can halter! He has passed from one TIP trainers-mustang makeover (or some-such BLM program or other) to another and they can’t do anything with him. If he EVER gets over those experiences, he might gentle a little bit. But i have zero expectations. And certainly NOT riding…so fine by me he’s not built for it. I kinda think it would be nice to give the poor guy a break.
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TRUTH.
There is a pasture somewhere that needs this ornament. 
I have no idea where. But even with all his attitude he needs a home just like every other horse. These ones are so hard to place. If he comes your way, all the best of luck! 
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I would say that feral one is part Percheron rather than Friesian.
But OP, I’d snatch that one you posted up if I were you!
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He seems to be wild all the way through… That, AND there is a deep good in this horse.
[ Mellany Miller ]
“A big camera, 50 mp and a long lens 400 mm allows me to get this close up even though I was about 100 ft away. When I was editing this image, I felt like I was right there and I had the privilege of witnessing this tender moment between Ink and “Old Man” Run free and wild boys!”[#saveouronaquiwildhorses](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/saveouronaquiwildhorses?
[ Mellany Miller ]
I always look for Old Man when in the Onaqui. When I was there recently, I enjoyed watching the inter-action between him and the other horses and there is usually at least one standing near him. This one could be Ink but not sure. [#savetheonaquiwildhorses]https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/savetheonaquiwildhorses?
[ Mellany Miller ]
Getting ready to go out to see the Onaqui horses after the round up last week, I was apprehensive about what I would see and which horses. The horses were not where I was used to seeing them and the bands were mixed up with horses I was used to seeing together were now with other horses. As I started out the first 2 track, my heart skipped a beat as I looked out and saw arguably one of the oldest horses and certainly one of the best known horses in the Onaqui, Old Man and his companion, a gorgeous black stallion. The affection between these two was beautiful to watch. Thank you Blackie (my name) for taking care of Old Man. It was good to see them all healthy and running free. Enjoy this
100/400 lens and cropped I found out his name is Ink.
This is “Ink” and he is Old Man’s new companion as of last week anyway. They are truly in love… I am so happy for Old Man and Ink. This horse is sold black, no faded brown just a black black. He is a very nice stallion.
©Judylneillphotography
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He is slightly downhill, but not bad… I think Friesians take a little longer to mature so that could be something he grows out of. Hoping for a clean PPE and that you’ll enjoy him. I over analyze purchases too. I call it analysis paralysis.
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That’s what we call it in engineering-land (from way back). I just have to try to foresee all the downsides before taking a leap…I mean, I’ve never invested the kind of time this boy will need since he’s young. It’s scary!
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He’s adorable! And for sure not done growing. His withers still have to “pop”
If he is sweet and kind with a brain that wants to work with you, enjoy him.
If I listened to everyone who saw our draft cross (also a downward back build… and you do need a saddle to accommodate that as specific models are designed for this back) he would have never gone 3rd level… let alone up to I1.
I had a few trainers who really believed in him and an owner who was excited to take the journey. (Made it easier to keep working and ignore those who said we couldn’t get there) Find a great trainer who believes in you both and enjoy your journey.
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I hadn’t heard this expression before! So will his withers ‘stand up’ more as he finishes growing?
Also…thank you for sharing your experience! The ‘great trainer’ part of it may be a bit of a challenge; I have 2 good, knowledgeable folks to work with but not sure yet if they’ll be able to help me formulate a training plan (which I really want!).
Much of the spine matures at 5-6, so that is where they usually gain some height and sometimes a more prominent wither. My mare is six this year and it’s been a subtle change but I think has improved her overall balance and ability to carry herself in the canter.
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THANK YOU for posting this!! I’d never seen this before – sobering food for thought…especially about what we ask of youngsters. (Racehorses 
).
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i use this drawing alll. the. time. on mustang people who can’t resist backing a 2year old. People just make me so mad sometimes…
Proof that a horse grows from the ground up!
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I’ve ridden a traditional Friesian trained to do all the GP. No one expected that when his ammy owner bought him as a 2yo, but he just kept showing up and doing the work.
There’s no sense in over analyzing things. More important than conformation is whether the horse is interested in doing the work with you. If they enjoy it, they will go further than the fanciest WB with the most perfect confirmation who just doesn’t want to play.
And as an amateur who wants to have fun you need a horse that you can ride and enjoy.
The rest is a crapshoot because that’s horses.
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This! thank you!!
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OMG . . . that is one fugly horse!
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hahahahahahaha! that he is!
i have four i adopted from longmeadow rescue ranch that are every bit as fugly, so he’ll fit right in lol
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I don’t know if he’s really ugly…I have a hard time calling any horse ugly. He is what I would call…distinctive! Unique! A beautiful color! I know its off track but good luck to you and this impressive fellow.
And OP-keep us updated-I hope it all works out perfectly!
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It’s hard to say from this photo for sure, but the only glaring thing I see is back at the knee. He looks awfully nice otherwise, and if he’s a good minded fellow I say go for it. Fingers crossed for the PPE!
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