[SophieLee]

hmm....titles good enough.
Just wondering if you would tell me if theres anything wrong with this 18year old Standardbred Gelding
My friend is thinking about buying him, but she and i are horrible at checking conformation, so help would be wonderful.
BTW this is the owner riding him.
She wants critique on her riding too, if you dont mind ^^

 

[RedTree]

what does your friend want to do with the horse I'm not very good at conformation but if she just wants a horse to ride go on trails and go to the occasinal show, this horse looks like he would be great, very relaxed

 

[SophieLee]

Yeah just a trail horse really. And Pony Club. The owner says he gets real fizzy sometimes, and likes to bolt. And is spooky around puddles and other things. He also cant jump over 40cm. Ha im babbling on now

 

[brighteyes08]

well, hes a typical STB. Personally I wouldn't buy a stb unless its just for trails and to enjoy, they won't get you very far in a show ring. I personally think hes terrible looking, almost no hip, has a wonky back and fugly neck.

would this be her first horse? She should go for something younger and not stb. The only way getting a older horse would benefit is if it was a completely broke, been there, done that kind of horse, but it sounds like this isnt the case for this horse.

 

[Mercedes]

Conformationally, he looks like a Stbd and he's pretty solid.

Having said that, Stbds aren't built for 'riding'...they are built for 'racing'. Even though you can get on them and ride them, they continually have to fight their racing conformation.

The biggest issue for this guy in terms of riding would be that he's a bit long through the loin, and lacks some pelvic length. He also has the straight hind leg construction of a racehorse, which affects the ride itself and ability to engage.

Even more importantly though, his back is quite tight and he lack proper musculature particularly over the hindquarter. He probably needs to be seen by a chiropractor.

He has some great features like that front end and the amount of bone he possesses and good feet. This guy is solid and could stand up to a lot of pounding and still stay sound.

I have no idea if this horse is a good candidate for your friend.

 

[shesinthebarn]

OK, first off I have to stick up for all the wonderfull STBDS out there that are looking for homes. There are many STBDS out there that are very attractive, well put together and are quite aqble to be competetive in varied disciplines. My friend events with hers, and does "A" jumpers with him. She cleans up regularly. You would be hard pressed to find a breed of horse that is better minded, easier to work with and that is a harder worker.

The horse in these pics has an old-type STBD head, but a kind eye. He lacks muscle in the hip and stifle, but if your friend is just looking for a trail horse, he looks like he's a great candidate.

 

[SophieLee]

STBs ROCK MAI SOCKS! I will pass this on to her. Thanks alot for that help guys! ^^