Thoroughbred lines known for quiet temperments

[Texarkana]

I’m another one who says judge the horse in front of you…

But Kingmambos have my favorite brains and personalities. When it comes to getting good temperament, he was incredibly prepotent. His get are almost quiet to a fault. The handful of Lemon Drop Kids I’ve known (his only influential US son) have been the same.

The Unbridled’s Songs I have known (sire of Even the Score) have also been extremely sensible and quiet.

Many of the other bloodlines being discussed at length here are now generally found too far back current pedigrees to make a significant impact IMO. Although I do have to chuckle at Damascus coming up multiple times… I have a Damascus granddaughter (by Crusader Sword) who is anything but quiet. She is the polar opposite of quiet. Two Punch is another who many love, but I’ve had so many bat crap crazy horses by him when I lived and worked in MD. Proving there are exceptions to anything.

[Ventril]

Deputy Minister close-up. Not always the simplest horses, as they are very very very smart, but super tractable. In my experience with TBs both on and off the track, if something crazy is going on and every other horse is freaking but one, DM is usually there My favorite line to see crossed on an Indy, Storm Cat, or Halo.

Street Crys, if you can find one, are super kind.

The A.P. Indys are super talented and brave but IME very hot and not always nice. Indy is not known for being kind, although he is not a mean horse he is “picky”. I stay right away from Bernardinis as I’ve met more than a few truly nasty ones, as in so nasty that they ruined their own stud careers. Tapits are generally hot and flighty but rarely actively MEAN (. . . Lani notwithstanding, it’s the Halo/Sunday Silence in him ;))

I just say no to anything with Storm Cat close up, unless there is a nicer line in there. Terlingua was something else and she passed it on to her foals.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@Simkie;8684691

I have an Even the Score mare who is SO easy and even keeled. She’s also tall, with good bone and a nice mover. Quite lovely. I’ve spoken with others who have get by this sire with similar reports.

I’ve got a LOVELY 4 year old by him. Great brains for a 4 year old…and a huge amount of bone. Also 16.3 and I think still growing. He is a forward ride but very straight forward and fun.

http://www.pedigreequery.com/quick+slant

I’ve also met some lovely easy ammy ride Bernardinis (including one still intact)…so it just shows that it really depends on the horse.

[Texarkana]

[QUOTE=BeeHoney;8684558]
Modern TBs are bred with pretty much zero concern for temperament,[/QUOTE]

Not entirely true. Sure, an ammy-friendly, show ring temperament isn’t a priority for race breeders… but successful race horses do need certain temperament characteristics. Trainability, sensibility, good work ethic… all are things that any racing breeder worth their salt considers. A stallion who doesn’t pass on these things isn’t going to be utilized very heavily in the long run.

I think the big difference between race breeders and sport breeders is that race breeders are more willing to look past a difficult temperament on the ground so long as the resulting offspring can do their jobs at the end of the day. Race horses are also never without “professional” riders, so there’s a lot more racing folks are willing to put up with in the rideability department.

[Simkie]

[QUOTE=Ventril;8684735]
I just say no to anything with Storm Cat close up, unless there is a nicer line in there. Terlingua was something else and she passed it on to her foals.[/QUOTE]

Oh, really? That’s interesting! Have also heard that Storm Cats were difficult, but never that about Terlingua. I have a Pioneering gelding and he is … interesting. VERY quick to react. Was very slow to mature mentally. He is lovely but he takes a pretty specific kind of person! He had a hard early life, though. Never knew how much of his issues are nature vs nurture. I do think he could have been a much different horse in different hands early. He’s pretty much everything this OP doesn’t want, I think :lol:

[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;8684737]I’ve got a LOVELY 4 year old by him. Great brains for a 4 year old…and a huge amount of bone. Also 16.3 and I think still growing. He is a forward ride but very straight forward and fun.

http://www.pedigreequery.com/quick+slant[/QUOTE]

I would love to see pics!

This is mine: http://www.pedigreequery.com/seven+springs4

She is very much a kick ride! Totally laid back. I find her a little boring, honestly :lol: But her brain and temperament just can’t be beat! I don’t think I have any recent pics of her…should really remedy that

[Timex]

Ammy friendly tb’s? One of my favorite subjects! Since I have some spare time on my hands…

I have had really good luck with mr Pro bred horses (most through fappiano). 3 of 4 of my lessons horses-the other goes back to Buckpasser/in reality/ribot: http://www.pedigreequery.com/hot+money9, http://www.pedigreequery.com/general+ryan, http://www.pedigreequery.com/coljak, the odd one out: http://www.pedigreequery.com/dalmatian4

My son has a mare that is fappiano/in reality/hail to reason/ribot that is super sweet, really willing, with one heck of a motor. Almost too much horse for him (he’s 12) but they adore each other and she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. (http://www.pedigreequery.com/short+fuse+tara).

I ended up with 2 former brood mares this winter, I leased them out to a pair of my 12 yr old students when the mares were about a week under saddle, they are that mellow and willing. Clueless, but hey, they try. One is a Danzig granddaughter (http://www.pedigreequery.com/angel+shark2), the other is a Caro granddaughter, with Buckpasser, Mr Pro and private account (http://www.pedigreequery.com/ensign+approved).

My eventer is a little quirky, but nothing too nutty. She was ridden by an adult adv beginner type for years:http://www.pedigreequery.com/desert+drizzle

my hunter mare: http://www.pedigreequery.com/dot+com+date. Very sweet, but can be a bit too smart for her own good - and mine. Lol

nothing beats the work ethic of this mare: http://www.pedigreequery.com/dancetothetune. She just wants to work. Too bad she’s quirky and on occasion, downright dangerous. I had 2 other mares by the same stallion at various points, this is the only one of the 3 that didn’t try to kill me.

My broodmare is lovely, easy to handle, very sweet and a great mom. stubborn cow of a thing under saddle: http://www.pedigreequery.com/golden+mesa

[Lord_Helpus]

I was going to say Dynaformer and his sire Roberto. But when I looked, Roberto was by HTR, who i love to see in a pedigree.

Many of the names we like to see are getting to the 4th, 5th and 6th generations.

Stallions in the 5th generation only contribute 3% of their DNA to a current horse. — Not enough to make much of an impact. Its too bad that those OBG’s have not been replaced with good sport horses in the 2nd - 3rd generations. Perhaps because of the TB falling out of favor in the largest sport horse discipline, we are not seeing enough offspring in the H/J rings to come up with definitive influences.

My first jr. hunter was by War Admiral out of a Blue Larkspur mare. It was horses like him that several decades later made Man O War a good name to see in a SH pedigree.

[Lord_Helpus]

I was going to say Dynaformer and his sire Roberto. But when I looked, Roberto was by HTR, who i love to see in a pedigree.

Many of the names we link to see are getting to the 4th, 5th and 6th generations.

Stallions in the 5th generation only contribute 3+ of their DNA to a current horse. — Not enough to make much of an impact. Its too bad that those OBG’s have not been replaced with good spoty hoses in the snd - 3rd generations, but with the TB falling out of favor in the largest sport horse discipline, we are not seeing enough offsping in the H/J rings to come up with definite influences.

My first jr. hunter was by War Admiral out of a Blue Larkspur mare. It was horses like him that made Man O War a good name to see in a SH pedigree.

[Big_Tag]

I don’t know if the reason for my OTTB’s marvelous temperament is his breeding, but he’s an Afleet Alex out of a Citidancer mare, and he is easily one of the best-minded horse I’ve dealt with in 25+ years. He is so sane, and loves to work, and responds so positively to praise. He is confident and athletic. He’s not above some TB rambunctiousness on very rare occasions but I trust him not to do anything stupid, because he literally never has. I just love him.
I have heard through numerous sources that Afleet Alex was a very even-tempered, intelligent horse. Not sure if he gets that from further back in his pedigree or not, but I would love to find another of his progeny in the future.

[cristalle]

[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;8684365]
OP—don’t concern yourself about the pedigree. You state you will be looking at horses not straight off the track. So that much easier to judge the horse in front of you…not on paper.

The BIGGER issue is going to someone reputable for what you want…and then management. I sold one who was DEAD quiet at my farm…went with the first buyer and they had a ton of issues. I have no idea what they did to him…he came home, returned to his quiet self. Another buyer came a long…bought him, love him and he is doing great with them. He stayed quiet with his current owner.

Basically…it is finding the right match for both of you. And while a pedigree can give an indication…really, judge the horse in front of you and how you click with them…from a reputable seller.[/QUOTE]

I would agree with this. I bred TBs for racing and for sport, and there are certain lines I prefer for my own breeding program,
However, I do think you should judge the horse in front of you, because so many factors go into the temperament and behaviour of the horse.

[Obsidian_Fire]

Good Lord 2 pages of replies to one question… :eek:

What has me laughing tho, is the horse I currently ride is a Slew grandson - and I love the heck out of him. I want another him. As for sporthorse ability - he schooled PSG and showed thru 3rd level. He’s also been ridden by quite the variety of people - from 4H to and old lady (not me, LOL).

He’s far from a deadhead, but he isn’t stupid about it. I guess that’s what I really mean when I say “quiet”. I like a forward horse who’s interested in life. What I don’t like, is stupid-hot.

I grew up with Arabs, so I understand hot, sensitive, thinking horses.

And yes, there are exceptions to every bloodline. But “in general”, the “more likely to be more than I want to handle” lines, that’s what I was looking for.

I agree too the horse in front of you is way more important that what’s on his papers.

Somebody said maybe I should be asking who the reputable sellers are… so if anybody wants to chime in on that, or PM me, please share!

[ThirdCharm]

My Slew grandson (also Fappiano/Gone West) was super quiet, forgiving, great jump, movement, brains, and work ethic. Just sold to be an Ammy horse

Had another Slew who was smart and sensible except for shoeing and claustrophobic due to some bad experiences. But she was a gorgeous mover and could jump anything. Very trainable.

Jennifer

[Ventril]

@Simkie;8684760

Oh, really? That’s interesting! Have also heard that Storm Cats were difficult, but never that about Terlingua. I have a Pioneering gelding and he is … interesting. VERY quick to react. Was very slow to mature mentally. He is lovely but he takes a pretty specific kind of person! He had a hard early life, though. Never knew how much of his issues are nature vs nurture. I do think he could have been a much different horse in different hands early. He’s pretty much everything this OP doesn’t want, I think :lol:

Oooooh yes, she was named Terlingua after a town known for its hot chili She was a horse Lukas truly did love, and he did quite well with both her and her descendants. They made his career, after all (. . . As well as crippled his son). He used to gush about how Storm Cat is all Terlingua, looks and attitude. It should be noted that due to a

Granted Terlingua was MUCH kinder than her male descendants, especially as a broodmare. She was mischievous, and I hear constantly about the “Terlingua test” from my boss (and how he needs a difficult enough mare to do it himself, lol). The broodmare manager at Overbrook would have new employees try and lead Terlingua out of her stall to see how they reacted, as Terlingua would explode out every time a new person tried. Once they proved worthy to handle The Crown Princess, she’d never try that trick on the person again.

Oh! Two sires that recently passed, Smoke Glacken and Not For Love, are great at throwing good-minded Ammy babies. Smoke Glacken mares in particular are among the least “mareish” mares I’ve ever met, really good horses to be around.
Not For Love was ( ) IMO the best-looking son of Mr. Prospector. A little quirky but very fun horses, somewhat easier than close-up Fappianos. His kids are just super jumpers and very brave, not to mention sound as you can get! I attribute most of California Chrome’s success to his female family, and Not For Love is his damsire.

Dynaformers are also incredible jumpers and athletes, but they’re reaaaaaaaally difficult. Grumpy grumps. Barbaro would take a chunk out of you if you looked away from him. There have been quite a few of his difficult but talented sons gelded and turned into top-notch steeplechasers.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

[QUOTE=Obsidian Fire;8685044]

Somebody said maybe I should be asking who the reputable sellers are… so if anybody wants to chime in on that, or PM me, please share![/QUOTE]

looks like you are on the West coast. I only know east coast connections but perhaps others can chime in.

[beowulf]

[QUOTE=Timex;8684796]
Ammy friendly tb’s? One of my favorite subjects! Since I have some spare time on my hands…

I have had really good luck with mr Pro bred horses (most through fappiano). 3 of 4 of my lessons horses-the other goes back to Buckpasser/in reality/ribot: http://www.pedigreequery.com/hot+money9, http://www.pedigreequery.com/general+ryan, http://www.pedigreequery.com/coljak, the odd one out: http://www.pedigreequery.com/dalmatian4

My son has a mare that is fappiano/in reality/hail to reason/ribot that is super sweet, really willing, with one heck of a motor. Almost too much horse for him (he’s 12) but they adore each other and she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. (http://www.pedigreequery.com/short+fuse+tara).

I ended up with 2 former brood mares this winter, I leased them out to a pair of my 12 yr old students when the mares were about a week under saddle, they are that mellow and willing. Clueless, but hey, they try. One is a Danzig granddaughter (http://www.pedigreequery.com/angel+shark2), the other is a Caro granddaughter, with Buckpasser, Mr Pro and private account (http://www.pedigreequery.com/ensign+approved).

My eventer is a little quirky, but nothing too nutty. She was ridden by an adult adv beginner type for years:http://www.pedigreequery.com/desert+drizzle

my hunter mare: http://www.pedigreequery.com/dot+com+date. Very sweet, but can be a bit too smart for her own good - and mine. Lol

nothing beats the work ethic of this mare: http://www.pedigreequery.com/dancetothetune. She just wants to work. Too bad she’s quirky and on occasion, downright dangerous. I had 2 other mares by the same stallion at various points, this is the only one of the 3 that didn’t try to kill me.

My broodmare is lovely, easy to handle, very sweet and a great mom. stubborn cow of a thing under saddle: http://www.pedigreequery.com/golden+mesa[/QUOTE]

In many of these pedigrees the names you are crediting to quietness are three to four to even six generations back… IME, parents contribute the most to personality.

That being said though, looks like you’ve had some lovely horses.

[beowulf]

[QUOTE=Ventril;8684735]
Deputy Minister close-up. Not always the simplest horses, as they are very very very smart, but super tractable. In my experience with TBs both on and off the track, if something crazy is going on and every other horse is freaking but one, DM is usually there My favorite line to see crossed on an Indy, Storm Cat, or Halo.

Street Crys, if you can find one, are super kind.

The A.P. Indys are super talented and brave but IME very hot and not always nice. Indy is not known for being kind, although he is not a mean horse he is “picky”. I stay right away from Bernardinis as I’ve met more than a few truly nasty ones, as in so nasty that they ruined their own stud careers. Tapits are generally hot and flighty but rarely actively MEAN (. . . Lani notwithstanding, it’s the Halo/Sunday Silence in him ;))

I just say no to anything with Storm Cat close up, unless there is a nicer line in there. Terlingua was something else and she passed it on to her foals.[/QUOTE]

Except Halo and SS both are notorious for difficult get.

Street Cry you couldn’t get me to buy any of his kids, no matter how nice. If people truly believe in frail lines I think that is one for sport.

AP Indy, I have to disagree: HE may not have been nice but his babies were some of the sweetest I ever met. Many of my friends are exercise riders for race stables like Darley, and they practically fight over who gets to handle the AP kids.

SC… well… you like DM, but you don’t like SC? The two practically make the same type of horse: sensitive, quirky, but tractable… I love SC in the pedigree, though now he is usually farther back. One of his sons, Delineator, is one of my favorites - he did not cover a whole lot of mares but has a lot of jumping product on the ground. Terlingua, if you can find her twice in a pedigree, is a very good thing to have for eventing IMO.

[fordtraktor]

@beowulf;8685380

Except Halo and SS both are notorious for difficult get.

I think that poster was blaming Halo/SS for Lani’s difficult personality.

I like Deputy Ministers and Storm Cats. And they do make the same type of horse, and it isn’t just the personality – it’s those powerful hindquarters and compact, well balanced builds both seem to pass on. I think they tend to make excellent jumpers.

[beowulf]

[QUOTE=fordtraktor;8685546]
I think that poster was blaming Halo/SS for Lani’s difficult personality.

I like Deputy Ministers and Storm Cats. And they do make the same type of horse, and it isn’t just the personality – it’s those powerful hindquarters and compact, well balanced builds both seem to pass on. I think they tend to make excellent jumpers.[/QUOTE]

Glad to see there is another SC fan on this forum. I think SC gets a very unfair rap. Do I think he is an UL horse? No - but he has several turf sons and they make very good event horses.

I totally read that person’s post to say Lani was not mean/flighty in spite of being Tapit thanks to SS/Halo, was it meant the other way around?

[Foxtrot_s]

Nature vs. nurture…makes a difference in how they were raised and by whom

As far as being further back in the pedigree, good movers can be traced was back, by passing their ability down through their get…Jump ability and desire, likewise.

I have had TB’s and their bloodlines were selected for sport horse breeding, not speed. Quite a different animal. In fact, Final Pool made $800.00 on the track, but his movement, jump and temperament were perfect for sport.

[Ibex]

I’d differ on the Final Pool temperament assessment. I’ve known a bunch, bred and raised by different people, and they were all @ssh*les, crazy, or both. I would NOT under any circumstance recommend him, or his bloodlines, to someone looking for a quiet horse.