Confo critique on possible 'buy'

Well, here's the case: my grandfather owns two horses that are on the neighbor's farm. The neighbors want to move, but can't find homes for the horses, even though they are free. One of them is a Haflinger gelding named Stormy. Right now, he's a fat pony from not being worked regularly for the past 10 years or so. If other people think he has the right conformation for jumping, I wouldn't show him over 2', unless he showed really impressive athletic ability. I would focus on shedding weight until he's normal pony size, then focus on flatting and lead changes, than jumping. He is around 13hh, and he has a very hunter-type flat kneed trot. I know these aren't from the best angles, but they're all I have for now! If other people decide he has potential for the Modified Ponies and Pre-Children's Ponies over 2', my mom might convince my dad to take him!

These aren't critiquing quality pictures. You need him to be standing on flat ground (concrete or smooth dirt), squared up, with a picture of his left side, right side, front (chest to toes) and back legs (with tail braided or held out of the way.) Since you want to jump, a picture of his shoulders and his hips would also be helpful.

Quite the cutie though!

I have better conformation photos of him on my phone where he's standing square on 99% level ground! My dad can't remember how to get them on my computer, though. They'll hopefully be up soon, though!

Ok, here are some better photos! They still aren't very good, but they're better. He's on concrete ground. I also just found out that Stormy is only around 11.2-12hh, if anyone needs to know

Like some haffies I have seen, he has a longish back and short legs. One would often think this is not what you would look for in a jumping horse. However, the few haffies I have been around were very willing, quick learners (especially if treats are in order ;) ) and quite athletic. These may overcome any conformational problems he might have.

Heart is more important that flawlwss conformation, IMO. And if you are mostly doing under 3', he would likely easily do that. The real question is....is it something he wants to do?

The "sway" in his back is more pronounced in the later photos. How old is he?

He's 18 years old,, but 3 at heart! He also has a bucking issue, me and his owner are the only people he hasn't bucked off...

Bump! Be as harsh as you want!

That's a long road to take. An 18 year old that hasn't been ridden regularly, is way out of shape, and typically bucks off his riders (except you and your grandfather). I don't think this pony is a good prospect.

Personally, I wouldn't see why not. If you do not have any horses and have horse experience, then it would be a nice oppertunity. If you can work through the problems that they might have and take lessons with a good trainer. I have to warn you though, even if these horses are relatively healthy, old horses are set in their ways. While you can "teach an old dog new tricks", it might prove very difficult. If he is bucky, you will have to train him out of it. Even if you haven't fallen off of him yet, there is no reason that he won't buck you off. Since he is older, I would see if you could get a vet or trainer to go with you to look at him. Make sure they know their stuff, and know if he is healthy enough to do what you want of him.

Keep in mind that he won't be able to jump forever if he can at all. You might have to just settle with a trail horse, which isn't nessisarily a bad thing. I don't see anything strikingly wrong with him. His back is swayed, but it seems just like that of an old horse.

I think you could find a better prospect, IMO. Eighteen years old....If he had been worked regularly and kept in shape, I would say go for it. However, Since he is not in shape, has that bucking fix, and that swayback concerns me.