Critique potential new horse

Thinking about getting this horse. He is a TB gelding, 16.3 HH advertised.
I'm about 200 lbs -- planning on trail riding, and maybe (very beginner) dressage lessons. Not very interested in showing right now but I've always loved watching dressage. I grew up riding Western though and it's been years since I've really ridden. I am working on loosing the weight (lost about 50 lbs in the last year) but slow going, esp going into winter when it's dark so early, and I would like to ride now, without fear of hurting the horse if we go for a longer ride & run a bit.

So -- critique away. =) Let me know, honestly, if you think he can handle the weight (he's not a little guy, so...). This is the only picture I have right now (well, plus a head shot, but that doesn't tell a lot)...may be able to get more in a couple days. (Haven't gone to see him in person yet, hoping to get some advice/info here before I do)


ETA - I'm having a hard time deciding if that back ankle is swollen or if he's just standing funny.

He's nice looking. As far as weight bearing...I weigh about 200 and ride a 15.1 RMH. She has NO trouble carrying me & we ride from 5-7 hrs at a time over some very rough terrain. I also have a mustang mare that is 14.2, she is 3 1/2 and just started under saddle, but I have no qualms about her ability to carry my weight. IMO people get too worried about their weight vs the size of the horse. Bigger is not always better.

Should be fine as long as he's sound.

He's a nice looking boy, good coat and decent muscle build. If you're going to start slow with just trail riding and light dressage I'd say he'd be fine for that.

Conformation-wise: He initially looks like he has a large head, but on second look his head looks like it fits his body. The eye then looks at the neck. His head looks larger due to his thin neck. That is something you can work on in your dressage lessons, just let whoever you take lessons from that you want to work on building his neck.

As for the fetlock on the cocked leg, I would definitely take a look at it if/when you go look at him. Have the owner walk and trot him and look for any sign of him being off or lame or any jerky bobbing of the head. If you have the slightest doubt make sure to mention it to your vet for them to check out when you get him vetted.

Also, the muscling on his hip, above his tail base, looks weird, but that may be because of his cocked leg which is throwing the angle of the picture off. He seems to have good strong legs for his build.

Overall, a nice looking boy!

Thanks, you're right. Definitely some shorter but well-built animals that can carry heavier weights well. I guess I'm more worried about the combo of me being at a beginner level (fitness wise) and being heavier; I know I'm going to bounce around some if he gets moving, and not be well balanced, at least initially.
And I would like to eventually get up on Sat. Morning, do chores, then head out and spend most of the day riding. Without worrying about lameness or soreness. (I know we'll have to build up gradually to that, to develop my muscles and the horse's).

Thanks for the feedback! Do you think there's something wrong from the picture, or just something to check on?

I don't necessarily think there is something wrong, it could just have easily be the angle of the picture and the fact that he's got the hoof cocked. I would possibly request another picture from the seller with him squared up on all four feet, and even better a video of him moving. That could give you a better idea if it's something you need to be worried about or not, at least until you can go see him in person.

The state of the legs is something you should always check in a potential horse regardless. Without sound legs, you can't do anything with the horse.

I hate to say it, but I actually really don't like him.

Horrible ewe neck, unattractive head. OK shoulder and nice short cannons but that's about all I like about him. Too much slope in the pasterns, and I don't like that hindquarter. The hip angle is too flat, he looks goose rumped (no curve to the top of the rump) and his hocks look upright. Sway back, and is it just me, or do those front feet turn out?

As a weight bearing horse I would avoid him. His sway back and weak pasterns are all wrong for it. If you're concerned about your weight you need a horse with a strong, short back that is not too curved nor too straight, and with pasterns of correct length and slope. CORRECT LEGS ARE VITAL. The rest isn't such a big deal but those pasterns and that back bother me.

Sorry to disappoint you. I just don't want you to end up with a horse that's not what you need and he's not put together right for your needs.

I don't see a "sway back" at all. He has a fairly prominent wither (not a bad thing), but his back is pretty short & looks fine to me. I also rather like his back end, nice long hip. I would agree about his neck not being his best feature, it doesn't really look like a ewe neck, more just skinny and "shapeless". All in all, I say go for it if his level of training and temperament are a good fit for you.

If it's just prominent withers then I have another fault to add to the list... downhill! There is way too much drop of the back from croup to base of the wither and how level the BACK is, is how we measure whether the horse is uphill or downhill (or level... I like slightly uphill).

I don't know. His back might not be as bad as the photo shows, but those pasterns aren't great. Too much slope (front pasterns, not hind). Makes for a comfortable ride, but it also makes for lack of strength and durability.