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Overlooked Horses.

5K views 21 replies 21 participants last post by  OneFastHorse 
#1 ·
The thread on horse racism, set me thinking about some breeds which are often overlooked by the average equine enthusiast. Maybe more especially, by newcomers to the horse world, who automatically seek to purchase a horse of the more common breeds, without looking into many other breeds.

One breed which comes to mind, is the American Saddlebred. Many seem to have a fixed idea that they are just high-stepping horses, suitable for nothing outside a show ring. So untrue. They make wonderful dressage horses and very good trail mounts, given the chance. Doesn't hurt that they are also beautiful.

A few years ago I would have added the Gypsy Horse/Cob/Vanner, but they have and are, still gaining a steady popularity, in spite of many who seem to wish to put them down at every opportunity.

I expect some of you who own different breeds, would like to 'sell' your own breed, to the horse buying public and tell why they shouldn't be overlooked.

Lizzie
 
#4 ·
I'd have to say GOOD draft crosses. I emphasise the "good" because I've seen some not-so-good ones.

We joke that my coming 4yo draft cross was born broke. Things that even more experienced horses freak out at don't bother him at all. He leg yielded on his first ride and picks new concepts up incredibly quickly (except neck reining...he just can't figure out what we want lol).

I think draft crosses make good beginner or newcomer horses because many of them inherit the steadiness of the draft with the usually somewhat smaller (and less intimidating) size of whatever they're crossed with.
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#5 ·
I'd like to add Morgans and Canadian horses.
I feel like Morgans were a fad for a short while that came and went, but they're amazing horses - particularly the older style ones with less Arab influence (not that those aren't fantastic, but we already have Arabs :P) They're fantastic endurance, dressage, jumping, even western horses - and many have pretty level heads, we have 2 in our therapy program, 1 old style 1 new.
Canadians I feel are SO forgotten! They're this perfect blend of solid, drafty horse with sporty, high action type horse! They're the ancestors of breeds like Morgans and saddlebreds, but with a much more 'solid' build. They look like a Percheron, Morgan, Friesian blend. They're incredibly sporty and make fantastic jumping horses, as well as being strong working/carriage type horses and good for endurance or really any other sport!!
Some Canadians:
My mare:



They're used by mounted cops in Canada:
Canadian Horse - Cheval Canadien | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Look them up - they're fantastic!!
 
#6 ·
Honestly I'd say grade horses. I've met, ridden and seen some awesome horses "of questionable backgrounds". I don't own a "papered" horse anymore. Owned zippos rookie. Papered to the moon. Sold him. I personally want a horse that can mentally and physically do what I need out of it. What it's breeding or bloodline is means very little. To me.
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#7 ·
I am going to add Shires.
It seems most people see a big blaze socks and feathers and are like Clydesdale cross! And then I am like no her mom was a shire. . .
There is a stable here that specifically breeds shires sport horses (where I got my mare) and people always look at them as Clydesdale crosses or "Budweiser" horses, I love Clydes but Shires need some spot light too, they are different!
 
#9 ·
I don't understand why so many people are so down on Friesians. A lot of people say they are great cart horses, but not so good for riding. There are two types though, cart horses and then the dressage type. Granted, I have only ridden a Friesian once, but they were incredible horses (of the dressage type). They just have this presence that captivates me like no other breed. Riding one is like a dream. Like seriously, when you have a dream about riding a horse, all floaty and magical, yeah that's what riding a friesian is like. And I'm a western girl! I ride QH's the majority of the time. I'll never forget that one day with the Friesian though. :)
 
#10 ·
I second the motion on American Saddlebred horses. They are so incredibly athletic and a little known fact... they are super sensitive to their people. They make amazing family horses though most are seen in the show ring only and those are often very hot and forward and would be too much for the average rider. Take that same horse home, give him some quiet time and time to bond with you and folks would be amazed. They can also learn to shut it off on the trails and turn it back on in the ring. They bond with their person and they will do anything you ask.

I love Friesians as well but admittedly, I want to shave their legs. LOVE the mane and tail but the hairy legs are messy and just not my cup of tea. Amazing horses though for sure. Same for Shires.

Arabians in this area were a dime a dozen several years ago but when one sees a well bred Arabian (different then most of the ones seen around) they are jaw dropping. Their grace of movement, temperament and athletic ability is phenomenal. Is there anything more fun then a native costume class?

Hackney horses are another one. WOW! Would love to see more of those and Irish draft horses. Yeah, not the same type at all but I am somewhat diverse in what I like.
 
#11 ·
Hackney Ponies!
When I was getting my mare, I had several people nearly beg me to get my money back and not drive almost three states away to get her.
Almost everyone I talk to shy away and think mean and snobby with a horrible trot for riding. But personally I find her gait to be the most comfortable thing I've been on. And her temperament is beyond amazing.

They're beauty is beyond anything else I've seen, too. I'm talking about their natural gait, not the one that is furthered by training. Bunny's trot is so graceful, poll at the proper place and her back rounded, all just while playing in the pasture!

Their versatility too, beyond being just cart horses, I take Bunny on trails, LONG (25mile) rides, gymkhana and how much she loves jumping is incredible!

I could go on... :)
 
#12 ·
I vote Eriskay ponies!!!

They are a rare breed now, only about 400 left in the world. They are a west coast relative of the Highland pony, only purer, without the Hackney/Arab/Welsh blood that went into Highland ponies. They are around 13-13.3hh, and are stubborn little sods... but make great kids ponies, can carry adults, can jump, and have so much character...

Here are two of the six Eriskays I have known personally, just after I broke them in (they are full sisters), with myself and my sister on them :)
 

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#14 ·
I'll throw a couple out there that I think are under represented and I'd like to see more stories of.

Standardbred's - These guys can make some of the most awesome family horses and typically I always see them making funny faces. Cracks me up. I've never owned one though.

Appaloosa's - ORIGINAL kind. Not a spotted Quarter Horse but the real Appy's with the rat tails and weird coarse manes. Big hard feet and the attitude. Seems like they can go for days.
 
#18 ·
Most of the best beginner school horses I've known were OTTBs!

I'd vote for Standardbreds too - yes, they are mostly butt-ugly (although I've known a few pretty ones) but gee they're willing, sensible and up for anything once they're retrained for saddle.

I'm also going with Phly on grade horses - while I don't approve of deliberately breeding them I'd never write off a grade horse as I've known a lot of ones that while sometimes a bit funky looking did not have problematic conformation and had splendid temperaments. So if I saw one for sale I would definitely not just flip past it. My horse is grade - he doesn't have the awesome temperament but he is the most intelligent horse I've ever met (too intelligent...) and has got a truckload of pizzazz that would put the most hubristic Arabian colt to shame (and has before - Brock gave him one snort, arched his neck and the poor colt ran away!).
 
#16 ·
As a south african on this forum, it seems as if in the usa, everything BUT the quarter horse is an overlooked breed!ha ha!
I think here though, they themselves are overlooked... I don't see them around at all. Its all thoroughbreds and warmbloods and friesians.
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#17 ·
Miniature horses

I feel like a lot of people like them for their cute factor but don't look at what all they can do. They also get a reputation for having the pony attitude. I never thought they would be much fun until I got one, but they are the true potatoe chip breed.

Fell ponies.

They are just so awesome and sturdy looking. What's not to love?
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#19 ·
I am voting Standardbreds as they are often overlooked. I have never owned a horse that wanted me to fall off even less then I did. They do anything to keep you topside.

I also have to say I see a lot of people under rating drafts of any kind. They seem to think that in order to be a good horse it has to be crossed with something else. I have met some of the absolute sweetest drafts and they seem so willing.

I will also say that mules don't get enough respect in my book. A good mule is a great thing.
 
#21 ·
Minstrel those ponies are the cutest, Loving the hair!
How about Icelandic ponies. They are so much fun.
I agree with the Canadian too, my friend has one and she is awesome! My friend bred her to a friesan and she has the most gorgeous big black monster of a horse. I rode a friesan once and I giggled the whole time as he was so bouncy.
 
#22 ·
The Paso Fino.
A lot of people are pretty against any gaited breed, but the Paso Fino seems to get the worst reputation simply b/c people don't understand the breed or how to deal with their forwardness.

I love the breed and I'm an AQHA girl from waaaay back. I adore my Paso. He is quirky, dorky and one heck of a smooth ride. He is forward, but he is not hot. You can't just sit there and expect them to do their thing on a loose rein like a QH. You ride with rein contact and drive.

Very fun breed. Very smart.
 
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