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going by his build, will he suit reining

7K views 50 replies 21 participants last post by  StylishK 
#1 ·
i have a 4 year old stally who is going to the trainer soon. he has a strong reining and halter background and by all accounts should be built ok for reining but i want some other peoples opinions. western is a new thing to me and im not sure exactly what to look for when determining whether or not a horse is built for...anything western :) if you dont think he is built for reining, what would you suggest? im not keen on western pleasure or cutting or anything like that.

he does still have some more growing and muscle to put on but you can get an idea of his build by the pics




these last two are all i have of his rump at the moment. i know they arent great shots
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#4 ·
In all honesty... I don't like his build. He's got a shallow heart girth. His neck ties in too low to his shoulders and is quite ewe necked. I prefer a lower set tail than he has. I like it to be further down the POB. And his end legs seem to be post legged. Not sure what he could do well in.

Why are you keeping him a stallion? Just out of curiousity...how is he bred?
 
#5 ·
Although any horse can be taught to rein at a lower level and any horse can benefit from the training. To justify the expense of training and to be competitive you need not only a horse bred to rein which helps a lot but you must have a horse built to rein or they have a hard time doing the maneuvers and even more so staying sound.

Nothing about this horse scrams reiner to me. I would not give him a second look when looking for a reining prospect.

His hip is seek his stifles and hocks are too straight. His pastures on long and his shoulder and neck tie in wrong. His dose not look well balanced. Could be his age lack if muscling the angle of the picture or all of the above.

Again if you are looking for a lower level reiner he could work OK but you are going to have a hard time being competitive on him and you will have a hard time recouping your cost.


Here are a couple of good examples of what a reiners build should look like.



 
#7 · (Edited)
buckoff - i see your point about the neck but my opinion on that is that he needs exercise and muscle on his neck. that didnt pop up until he started putting on all the weight. he is still growing and stuff at the moment and he has already changed so much since we got him that there are some things that arent worrying about me at the moment. i probably should have waited until he stops growing and fills out more before i posted pics

i dont want to sound rude but i hate it when people ask why you are keeping a horse a stallion. and while it is something that i think is my business and no one elses i will explain myself. firstly, hes nearly 4. i got him 2 weeks after his 3rd birthday. he was so undernourished and his growth had been very stunted and through all that his boy bits hadnt dropped. its only been the last 6 weeks or so, since it warmed up funnily enough, that they have dropped and hes started to really bulk up. so lack of having anything to cut means i cant cut him. secondly, he is very well bred. his dam was a champ halter horse and his father was a good reiner. not the best but did very well for himself. going back about 2 generations there is nothing but reining and halter horse blood. the two generations behind that are all U.S. horses apart from two australian horses. ive looked into the horses i can find information on and while he doesnt carry all champion lines, he is for all intents and purposes, well bred. i do want to find out more information on his IMP lines though. and thirdly, thats just the choice ive made...at the moment. it may well change but if he isnt gelded by his 5th birthday i likely wont ever geld him.

honeysuga & dynamite - hes not really that tall. he is a tad under 14.2hh at the moment

and i know he doesnt look much like what americans are used to with their qh horses but i can guarantee hes a qh. he is registered and i have his papers.

i still think i will go ahead with the breaking/training. i dont want to go high level with it anyways. mostly i enjoy the discipline and level of training that reiners have. thanks for everyones comments
 
#10 ·
First of all reining is 10% confo and 90% skill he doesn't look like a reiner to me but once he grows some muscle that might change and second reining is a ton of work for anyone without expierence. I would try some trail or games.
 
#18 ·
I agree but I disagree at the same time. I think horses with some conformation faults that you wouldn't normally like can make great reiners (I had a mare and a gelding that were long backed, but they could stop when they want too)

However, now I have a more short compact mare (her back looks long because she is short, long maybe in proportion to her -- but really her back isnt long at all). Boy do I feel the difference. Everything is much easy for her.

A horse with good conformation is going to have an easier time doing the manuvers, which in the end may make them have more will. Horses with major flaws are going to have a hard time, it may even cause them pain which may reduce their will.

At the same time horses who may not look conformationally suited may be good at it.

I don't think you can put how much to weigh conformation and will in percentages. I think it varies on a number of things, such as how bad the conformation flaws are (there are some horses with such serious complications that they won't be able to rein that well no matter their will).

As for the horse in question...looking at him...if I personally was looking for a reiner I would pass him over. I agree with NRHA on his conformational issues.

Lower level reining sure, but I have a hard time seeing him being a really sucessful reining horse, doesn't matter if his daddy was....like any sire they have they good and their bad - not that he is the bad - but you can't base a horses talent completely of their daddy. Of course you breed to a good dad in hopes of getting a really good reiner, but that doesn't matter. In fact, the mare is just as important if not more important. Even then, you can get crop outs that just don't have what it takes. Maybe the sire and dam weren't suited to each other, maybe it was just an unlucky situation.

I think he's a cute boy, but doesn't scream reiner to me. Maybe he'll surprise me.
 
#11 ·
I don't think he's an all together bad looking horse. I don't like his neck attachment/withers or his pasterns, but otherwise he's not too shabby. However I don't seem like he would make a good reiner/performance horse conformationally.

Training though is never bad. If you just want to stay at low levels, go for it. If nothing else, he will become soft and responsive.
 
#12 ·
tasia - while this side of it is new to me my interest was piqued by riding a reining horse once and loving it. wasnt too bad at it either lol im also going to be continuing education for arizona and myself with his trainer so ill think we'll be ok considering im not looking at going pro or anything

spastic dove - its the soft and responsive part that really appeals to me ;)
 
#19 ·
tasia - while this side of it is new to me my interest was piqued by riding a reining horse once and loving it. wasnt too bad at it either lol im also going to be continuing education for arizona and myself with his trainer so ill think we'll be ok considering im not looking at going pro or anything

spastic dove - its the soft and responsive part that really appeals to me ;)
ok sorry I have a hard time telling a persons a expierencre level over the internet. If you are up for it I would do it. He may be a good starter reiner.:-p
 
#13 ·
I can agree on keeping him a stallion longer to help him physically. I've seen it done several times....ultimately, the horse was gelded but after the weight and muscle had been established. BUT the horse still have the "thought" of that testosterone running through it's system... so you have to be aware of what your doing. I wouldnt breed to your horse...but he does seem to be falling behind when it comes to maturing.

Lower level reining would be just fine. The true test is to get on him and see if he WANTS to do it. If he's fine with it, your trainers fine with it, and your fine with it... lower level is a good place to start learning.
I've learned with ewe necked horses that the topline can be strengthened...but you have to do it consistantly. Bring it up to your trainer once he's broke out.

Good luck.
 
#14 ·
nrhareiner - My horses i built JUST like your horse but mine is a cutter from Wyoming but ive started him in games. My horse is more of a buckskin and he has an JD brand on his shoulder but otherwise he looks just like him.

JazzyRider- I have a pro trained reining mare that i just found out was pro trained she is alot taller then your horses probably stands bout 16'1 and she is a great reiner i am tuning her up on her spins and her stops are coming great again but dont let people tell you that just cause the horses is tall means it wont be a good reiner my friend has a 15'2 hand 3 year old gelding that is breed for team penning and they own both stud and mare but the gelding stand taller then both and he's only three and my friends own dad told him that his horse will suck at team penning cause he's tall but thing is he already has acouple of champ titles under his belt so dont go off of what other people tell you!
 
#15 ·
He is very long legged, he needs more muscle build to him before you even really think about reining. Once his testorne kicks in, he will get the cresty neck, and will eventually muscle up. It also depends on your riding schedule, as well as what your feeding him.

I would personally use him for cutting, roping, or even possibly barrel racing.

he is quite a lovely looking boy though
 
#16 ·
if hes a quarter horse, i say those are the perfect all around horses. the best kind of horses in my opinion, other than a TB. and as long as he is willing you can get him to do what ever you want him to do. just make sure you train him properly, and just have fun with him. once he gets does growing completely, and you no his riding abilities i think you will be able to better judge what he can excel in. like my quarter horse, i just played around with a few things. First i started english, cause thats what I wanted to do, and then i tried jumping.. and well my horse is very stocky, and to be honest he looks weird in a english saddle.. so i figured english is not for him. he trail rides amazingly. and ive tried barrels now, and he seems to really like it and he has the speed and attitude to do it. so im sticking with barrels for now. Horses are so smart, im sure you could do a multiple of things with him, not just reining. try barrels or pole bending, i bet he would be good at that if hes got speed. and its completely your choice whether you want to cut him or not. who cares about what others say.
 
#17 · (Edited)
by op: honeysuga & dynamite - hes not really that tall. he is a tad under 14.2hh at the moment

ohhh, I thought he was much taller, on that note, I gotcha, he just needs a bit of muscle and hell look more qh-y. Though he doesn't look like an American qh, I was not at all meaning don't go for it. I think some people dont know that qhs look different in australia, I didnt till you told me... I say go for it, you never know he might suprise everyone and be a champ! What are his lines?
 
#21 ·
Training can do a whole lot about teaching a horse how to carry themselves. He would probably do okay at the lower levels but what really bothers me about him is that he stands so camped out. He may have trouble getting his back end up underneath himself to really sit down on his hocks. However, I would go ahead and give it a try and worst case scenario, you will end up with a well trained horse that you ride trails on. LOL.
 
#29 ·
Training can do a whole lot about teaching a horse how to carry themselves. He would probably do okay at the lower levels but what really bothers me about him is that he stands so camped out. He may have trouble getting his back end up underneath himself to really sit down on his hocks. However, I would go ahead and give it a try and worst case scenario, you will end up with a well trained horse that you ride trails on. LOL.

I agree reining training can benefit EVERY horse, and if it works out and her turns out to be suited to reining then perfect!!!! But if he doesn't its not really a waste of time or money because your going to have a horse that is soo well trained.
 
#23 ·
^^Agree with the above. People always underestimate each other and be rude. The OP are not going pro, I see no problem with you and your horse learning reining. You are in it for the fun and joy, not money. Go for it! =]

Nothing in life is easy, I don't know why people try and crush others dreams. You may not have the best horse for reining, and you are a beginner. So what? I know that my boy isn't the best horse for barrels, and I have no expierence. But will that stop me? No. People can put my and my horse down all they want, but I won't quit.

Live your dreams and desires, just get out there and do it. We (even they) started somewhere. No one is 'born' a perfect reiner, and no horse is 'born' a perfect reiner.
 
#26 ·
All I have to say is that even though most of the people on here say he does not look "conformationally" fit to be a reining horse, does not mean he can't do it or shouldn't. Like you said, jazzyrider, he is still young and has a lot of physical growing up to do yet. If you want to make him a reining horse, than you go for it girl! And once you get him, even close to where you want him, physically and decent at reining, I want to see a video and I want you to show everyone on here just how well he does. I'm not disagreeing with anyone or trying to start a confrontation, just giving some extra support cuz I know when it's needed, and it's needed! lol GOOD LUCK!
 
#30 ·
hey thanks guys. i feel the very same way myself. ive tried nearly all disciplines except this and with a solid background its more the intricacies that need refining. wow thats a lot of big words lol as has been said everyone starts somewhere. this horse cost me nothing to buy and yes, he will cost me to have him trained as i am sending somewhere good but that training is going to be with us not just through low level comp, but out on trail rides and on the ground for the rest of his life. if i do well but he doesnt excel then i will upgrade. i have a little filly here who is also a reining posibility. that girl can stop and turn on a ten cent piece :) anyway, getting off track a bit. all im saying is you cant take part in a billy cart race in a finely tuned sports car. nor can you learn to drive in one...get my drift ;)

lacyloo - dont worry. there will be more pics

pechos - hehehehe i will get video. i will never argue with people that they are wrong...i will show them they are wrong ;) im not implying anyone is wrong in their opinions by saying that either ;)

but all in all, we'll just see how he goes. hes still a teenager in people time. im hanging out until he hits his mid twenties and buffs up a bit more lol
 
#31 ·
Hi Jazzyrider,

We are lucky as QLD has one of the strongest reining comunity in the country & you are situated close to many top trainers and competition grounds. Reining is a great sport and the foundation your chosen trainer puts on your horse will be inavaluable to all aspects of your horsemanship, even if you just choose to show at lower levels. There are pleanty of beginner clinics on throughout the year and beginner shows to make it easier for people to enter the sport. There will even be non-sanctioned beginner classes at our state show.

But beware, once you start Reining.....you will become addicted!

If you want more information on reining in QLD visit our new website: www.qrha.org.au. You should try and come along to the QLD State Show at Gatton to get a better feel for the people, horses and the sport!
 
#32 · (Edited)
OMG!!! i rang you about 6 months ago regarding this boy. i was the chick who called you from greg grants :) hahaha thats trippy :)

he is broken in now but i ended up sending him somewhere else for breaking and then was going to approach you about training. sadly i made a bad choice with where to send him for breaking and had to pull him out early and now have a horse who i am struggling to remouth and am nursing a slipped disc in my neck from him at the moment :( and one day when i can get him following his head and moving off my leg ill be a happy girl. very very poorly broken :(

its gunna be a long, slow track getting him to any point where i can even think of what discipline he will be good for now which is sad. he is a wonderful horse that was messed up by the person i sent him too. you probably know them actually, they know/know of you but i wont mention their name in here.

will definitely be at gatton. was there last year with lorelei payne and neil watson. thats where i first saw you do your thing with your horses ;) wont be riding obviously but will be there to watch

and dont worry, i know ill get addicted ;) just need to get myself a horse going so i can start ;) i have a 2 year old filly here who, i think, is built much better for reining. problem is the poor darlin forgot to grow lol shes a whole 13.1hh :(
 
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