Opinions?

I'm considering checking out this horse:



I'm looking to for a horse for recreational/trail riding, companionship. Seller says he's sound, no history of injury/lameness. He's 10yrs old, 14.3hh, registered TWHBEA.

"He is UTD on teeth, hooves, shots and worming all he needs is a new best friend. Great horse will go all day/night on trails - loves it!"

They are selling due to the economy, reducing their herd size.

Price is $800 (negotiable)

Does anyone see any red flags in his movement or conformation?

Well he parks on command lol. The guy seems a little forceful. The horse doesn't look fun to ride. Looks like he is spooky and has to be held back.

I don't like his handler at all.... :-/

But you should go ride him, he looks really cute and like he would be a great horse if someone gave him some true love and attention...

He looks a bit spooky to me, and I wouldnt say he is incredibly trained or anywhere near ten

I agree, I'm not too fond of the guy handling him... I'm trying to look past the dude and see just the horse. The first video he seems a bit spooky, but its right when a dog starts barking in the background and I wonder if that's the cause? I also wonder if the way the guy is riding/handling him is influencing the spookiness. Maybe with a slightly softer/kinder handler he'd be a bit more relaxed?

He seems less spooky in this video. Although again the guy riding isn't helping to flatter the horse in any way:

I'm thinking for the price, especially since they clearly stated the $800 is negotiable, he might be a good option for a trail/recreational horse for me. I'm just looking for a good companion to hack out on the trails and enjoy the ride. I won't be showing or competing, he's far from that kind of horse for sure!

Bubblegum, do you think he's a young horse (not 10 yrs old) or just not well trained so he's at the level of a younger horse?

First, what level rider are you? Beginner, intermediate or advanced? IMHO I wouldn't go near him, he looks too spooky and I don't think the dog barking is what is causing it in either video. I had a horse like that and I never could get him past the trust issues which we can see when the guy walks to him and he backs away. At that price and even lower you can pick up good sound registered TWH and gaiteds with the current economy and the fact that winter is on the way.

To me... he doesn't look "spooky", he simply looks like a looky loo, like he looks around a lot. I mean he's not jumping or tossing his head or misbehaving. I don't know, I think in the right home he'd be okay. He'd be a lot of work though to get to that point!! I wouldn't recommend him unless you're very experienced...

totally but he's seems kinda spooky 2 me :/ I don't like the handeler he uses power and force and held his head too high

Ok heres my opinion...I don't think the guy is flattering but don't see anything wrong with how he asks him to park out. While we baby our horses, to many ppl they are a work animal and you can tell the horse obeys. Also don't think the horse is spooky, theres no movement in the ears, no jumping around, no tail swishing, and you know how they look at something, completely cocking their head to the side as they rush past the "spooky object" yea theres none of that either. He is simply weaving, gosh if you guys saw how bad our horses weave on the trails sometimes...u would think our horses are scared of their own shadow! Lmao. I say he's wonderful and go for it. Also walkers are supposed to have their heads up high when they are moving, its a positive thing not negative and he doesnt appear to be EWE necked. He does look 10 in the videos, I wouldnt say younger. He is completely filled out and has no loss of muscle tone like an older horse would have. Also if you watch the vid where he parks out he isnt shying away from the guy when he comes back up to him (not acting afraid) the guy may have trained him a certain cue to release him from the park position. GO SEE HIM AND TRY HIM OUT!!!

^ I agree about the signs of spooking, I think he's just looking around... he's not shying away from anything. He's moving forward, maybe a little crooked, but that could be how he's being ridden, too. That man is holding him *very* tightly... poor thing probably can't check things out as much as he wishes he could...