[omghorses]

I have been looking around recently for my first horse.
I am wanting something that would be calm, reliable, and steady since I am an advanced beginner (I've been riding for about 4 years but have had several setbacks: switching trainers, barns moving, etc.). I am looking to show and I am hoping to begin jumping in the nearby future, and looking for a horse I can move up on and hopefully keep for many years as I grow in experience. I have a lot of experience with dealing with different types of horses, and while I am lacking in experience in riding, I am very comfortable with all types of horses. I found this horse:

16.2 Dutch Warmblood Jumper - Petey

I was looking at his temperament scale though and it said a 4. Would you consider that too high for what I'm looking for, or just right?

 

[annaleah]

i think a 4 is good and calm...not too hot not too calm...sounds good to me!

 

[Sahara]

The temperament scale is way too subjective. What one person might consider a 4 another might rate it at a 6 or 7. It is a pretty worthless way to describe a horse's temperament. You are better off asking why the seller thinks the horse is a 4 and ask as many questions as you can think of. Then ask them again. You would be surprised how much the answers change!

 

[annaleah]

The temperament scale is way too subjective. What one person might consider a 4 another might rate it at a 6 or 7. It is a pretty worthless way to describe a horse's temperament. You are better off asking why the seller thinks the horse is a 4 and ask as many questions as you can think of. Then ask them again. You would be surprised how much the answers change!

I never thought of it that way...good advice! i will keep that in mind when I go to buy my horse. I thought for the most part,people would be truthful about that..guess not...thanks again!

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

The temperment scale is very subjective, as Sahara has mentioned. You are better off asking a lot of questions, watching the horse being ridden (if you're lucky and can have your coach or someone whos opinion you trust ride - all the better) and if you are confident you can handle the horse, riding it yourself.

For example I would say that my horse, for a beginner, because he is so sensitive would be an "8", but for an experienced rider I would put him at a "3" or "4" for the same reason (sensitive and easy to aid if you know what you're doing)... I hope that makes sense... So it's more important to be upfront with your skills and ask a lot of questions. Good luck!!

 

[hflmusicislife]

As others have said, it's very subjective, both on a day-to-day basis (for some horses) and by person. My mare doesn't do anything too bad for the most part, but when she acts up, she's an 8 or 9. On a good day I'd consider her a 3 or 4.

When I look up horses, I never specify a temperament. If you have a question why the horse is a 4, I'd just ask what he does to be considered a 4... When my sister was looking for a horse, she tested a horse who was listed as a 5 (she's a pretty timid rider.) When we asked why his owner considered him a 5, she said it was simply to discourage dead beginners from asking about him... So the whole temperament scale isn't exactly ideal and I wouldn't rely too heavily on it.