UPDATE....Dressage Prospect Comparison

[Tiligsmom]

Hi All - Especially SLC :),

Well.... I just got a call from the owner of a little Morab that I test rode a while back indicating she needs to sell him for a rock bottom price due to a divorce.

For those of you who have followed my journey, you know that I am getting a vet check on a little Fjord on Wed. Given this new development, would you mind watching both horses and giving me your opinion on the better prospect for dressage?

Morab
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pJl26gU8-T8

Fjord
http://youtube.com/watch?v=U6H43z1vZNM&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Apd--5J23x0&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fvUIxDoY7MM&feature=related

[PiaffePlease]

Im assuming its the same person riding both horses?

I personally like the Fjord better. nicer transitions for sure

[sullyce3]

Fjord, definitely...

[Ange]

I preferred the morab. He looks less sure of his training, but I liked his adjust-ability. At time he came more uphill, and at times he fell on his forehand and elevated his croup. The Fijord stayed in pretty horizontal balance no matter what the rider did. I also preferred the bend in the hind leg joints in the morab in the canter.

[2Mares]

Well I guess it depends what you want. I agree with Ange, the Morab is a better mover, but the Fjord is more consistent. That's the nice thing about those little Fjord necks, not much place to go. :) From the videos, I'm guessing the Fjord is more versatile (probably jumps, does trails, etc), but not sure if that factors in for you. Consistency matters a lot in dressage, which I think he will have. Plus you can roach the mane and won't have to braid! However, the Morab has some lovely movements in the video, probably will be more work though. Good luck. I like them both. Let us know which one you choose.

[friesian4me]

That fjord is just adorable. Both are nice prospects but it depends on how you felt when you rode them. Which did you like better?

[veezee]

Both are nice. I guess the biggest question is which did you like the best? Which one did you feel more secure with? They were both very nice. :)

[rabicon]

There both cute. I think the morab seemed a little aggreviated though. Don't know why but he had alot of tail swishing and didn't have a very nice transition to the canter. I liked his movement though when he did move out.

The Fjord is very cute. He seemed happier and more consitant but not as nice of a mover, even though I loved his walk much better than the morab. They both need alot more training (and I'm no expert:)) it seems so it just depends on what you really liked when riding them. Did you click with one more than the other, did you enjoy riding one more?

Good luck and let us know.

[Ashby]

I like the Morab far better. I think there's more potential with him, even though he may initially appear more problematic. The Fjord is cute, I doubt you'll ever get a pure and beautiful reaching extended trot and canter from him. He's constantly ducking in and out of contact, above and behind the bit. Don't mistake that big crest for having a neck that bends properly at the poll. He's never going to be elegant, even though heavier horses and ponies really can be elegant.

BTW, what is the great music playing in the background on the Morab vid?

[Ambrey]

Get whichever one made you smile :)

[slc2]

you're not smiling, that's the difference.

[Tiligsmom]

Thanks for the feedback!

They are both green, green, green. The Morab has better steering, as he is more in tune with the seat/weight aids. The Fjord has no awareness of seat leg, so only knows hand right now, but that will/can change.

Both mounts are super safe, super fun. I like the walk on the Fjord better as well, but thought the Morab looks a bit fancier over all.

Truth is.... my soft spot is for Fjords, so you all just helped me confirm my decision :)

He gets vetted tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed!

BTW....the name of the song is Gabriel's Oboe. You can find several versions on iTunes :)

[merrygoround]

Oh Well. I see more future in the Morab. A little slower rising trot would have helped. And don't ever slight the tendency to follow the seat. Give me an adjustable horse like that any day, over a steady Eddie. The transitions are a matter of work.

[rabicon]

I have to agree, I see you going farther with the morab but it all matters how far you want to go with this horse. The Fjord with proper training I would think could go atleast 3rd but the morab with proper training could probably take you to at least 4th if not a little farther. Like I said before though I'm new at this and well from what I've learned and watch thats MHO. ;) Good Luck

[Robyn]

Morab. Those Fjords, as cute as they are, are more limited and when they decide to use that neck against you, well.........

JMO which is biased on the Fjord (sherman tank) that I knew a while ago.

[neVar]

ok the fjord is adorable as all get out.


BUT i like the morab alot more- i think if your goal is of moving up he'll be one that will give you more ability all around (Collection and lateral- where the fjord will probably collect well but lateral will be tougher for him IMO as he's quite tight in the legs)

[MyReality]

I like the Morab more... generally more athletic, lighter. He is quite quick, need to slow down the rhythm. You did say prospect, so I am strictly referring to horse's ability to move up the levels as in showing. I don't like Fjord, it's too 'thick', close throat latch, looks laterally stiff and front heavy, can't see where his lateral and extension going to come from. But I am not familiar with this breed. The Morab looks like a more difficult and careful ride, but still very reasonable.

[InsideLeg2OutsideRein]

Disclaimer -- I'm nooo expert on picking good prospects and just chiming in for fun.
I liked the morab much better. Yes, a little fussy with his face, but for a green horse, especially Arab, not that unsual. The Fjord is cute, but I really don't see how you can get far with that thick neck and throatlatch.

[FEIwannabe]

disclaimer: I'm not even remotely an expert, by even an extreme stretch of the imagination.

I guess this is more a question.
To me it looked like the fjord was bending his hocks more. First, is that the case? Second, if yes, isn't that more desirable for dressage?

[BaroquePony]

I felt like the video of the Fjord was a little more jumpy so I couldn't see some things with the back legs that I look for. Plus the Fjord has a lot of fur, once again making some things difficult to see. I was concerned that the Fjord might be a bit straight in the hock. However, a lot of the movements seemed as if he was quite flexible in the hocks. Yes, he is behind the bit a lot. The only way I know how to correct that is to actually lean forward far enough to literally pull the nose up with the reins every time he does it. It is awkward, but it works.

As far as the Fjord's throatlatch goes and consequent correct flexion of the poll. The rule of thumb on that is ...IF the jawbones are far enough apart to allow the neck to fit between them comfortably then it usually is not a problem ...there is room for the windpipe and esophagus to fit between the jaw bones. If the jawbones are too close together, then there is not enough room for the windpipe to fit in between during correct flexion and it will never be comfortable for the horse to try. Won't be able to accurately put him on the bit and/or on the aids. That didn't really look to be the case, but you are there with him and can check the neck/throat area close up.

Think the Morab has an Arab set of haunches, perhaps even the "missing vertebrate" in the back, indicated by the high set dock/tail, the flat croup and the way of moving. She looked almost "built slightly downhill". If that is the case, you will never be able to properly engage the hindquarters of the horse. While she is "pretty", her gaits seem short and fast. Didn't show a lot of impulsion or suspension. Dainty and pretty.

Personally, I love the Fjord. His walk is outstanding. He showed an excellent lenght of stride and especially for such a short chunky thing. The walk is usually an indication of the other gaits. He also showed some lateral potential just messing around (accidental).

It is possible that he has been ridden in the mud a lot and actually is just trotting and cantering in a choppy way so that he does not slip and fall. That is a very good possibility. He sure handled himself well in the muddy forest jumping escapade.

Also, even though the Fjord is quite chunky, he does have presence and he has a balanced overall look that is quite nice.

Just concerned about his being too straight in the hock.

With work, getting him to stop dropping behind the bit first, I think the Fjord is really nice. Winging and all. Could just be bad schooling.

Quite fankly, I love him. I'd buy him before the Morab anyday.

But I like "cheeky".

[ESG]

IMO, the Morab's the right pick. Its gaits are better by far than the Fjord, although he is as cute as a button. Aso, as others have said, the Morab is more versatile, and has greater dressage potential. I'd like to see different riders on both horses, as I don't think you can get a good feel of what either horse is, under that one. :winkgrin: Fjord is, .......well, a Fjord, and if that's what you want, go for it. But if you're looking for a dressage horse, buy the Morab. You will go much further without as much hassle. ;)

JMO. :cool:

[madoy]

The Morab has much better quality gaits for dressage, if you want to progress up the levels you would have a much higher success rate with him if you had proper help. That said, it is a personal choice for you and you alone - you need to ask yourself what your goals are, what you want/need out of a horse, and which one you personally are happier riding, seeing as this is supposed to be fun after all! Good luck and let us know!:)

[Philosopher]

What is a Morab?

[Tiligsmom]

Morgan/Arab;)

[egontoast]

They are both nice.:)

[~Freedom~]

They are both nice.:)

I have to agree but overall I think the Morab will take you farther with proper work done on it.

[Tiligsmom]

Hi Everyone,

Well, we had the PPE today and the cute little fjord was lame on his left hind, so no Fjord for me right now.

I'm also going to pass on the Morab....

Thanks for all of your insights.

[BaroquePony]

Sorry about the Fjord. FWIW, I think you are making the right decision on the Morab.

[DiscoMom]

Sorry to hear that...it sounded like you were really excited about the Fjord. But, don't worry, the perfect horse for you will just show up one day. Best of luck!

[Dune]

, so no Fjord for me right now.

I'm also going to pass on the Morab....

Thanks for all of your insights.


Since so many of the "insights" picked the Morab, I'm curious as to your reasons for passing on him...:yes:

[goingforbaroque]

Since so many of the "insights" picked the Morab, I'm curious as to your reasons for passing on him...

Hi Everyone,

Well, we had the PPE today and the cute little fjord was lame on his left hind, so no Fjord for me right now.

I'm also going to pass on the Morab....

Thanks for all of your insights.

[slc2]

i would also pass on the morab. the fjord is a much, much better mover, he's much looser and more supple, the walk especially is drop dead gorgeous and the horse looks very forward, eager and rideable and trainable. the other is tense, hollow and apprehensive, and may be worse at new places like shows. i think it's important to look at the individual, not the breed, and the situation.

but if the fjord was lame for the prepurchase, i'd pass on him too! there are enough horses for sale out there to not risk that it wasn't 'just a bruise'.

in general, if i have a choice between pretty and dainty and a better mover, i'll take the better mover every time. i did many years ago and never ever regretted it.

[Ambrey]

Aw, failed PPEs are a b%$#@. Sorry about that :(

If the Morab didn't do it for you, then keep looking. As much as "potential" is important, you have to work with the horse and chemistry counts too.

[Tiligsmom]

You know.... I received excellent feedback on both prospects. I passed on the Morab because I also thought he was a bit stiff in the back and a bit more tense. His walk and canter weren't great - no overstep, no swing. I've always been taught to purchase the walk, build the trot :)

Plus, I was reminded by many of you how happy I looked riding the little Fjord. Because I'm so fond of the breed, they give me that extra level of joy that no other breed does....

Thanks, again! It's wonderful getting so many different insights/opinions. My trainer is great, but she has her own set of biases and I'm not the kind of person who relies on 1 single POV or filter for decision making. (Was NEVER a good Catholic who needed to work through a priest to get to God:D)!

[slc2]

Alot of times 'trainer bias' makes a lot of sense...I wouldn't discard it out of hand. Alot of times the buyer gets the feeling the trainer just wants them to spend a lot more money or get more of a show horse...it's very hard to evaluate advice from someone you're paying a commission on the horse! It might be sounder advice sometimes than it seems, but being able to sort that out isn't simple or easy.

I've seen trainers leap at the first prospect that comes along without really looking at it, especially when commisions are low and the person is taking alot of lessons - there's a pressure to keep that lesson income flowing in. I've seen trainers push people to spend more than they want to, hoping for a big commission and perhaps a boost to their own career if the horse turns out to be too tough. And i've seen trainers simply refuse to help at all then get angry when the student gets an inappropriate horse.

But I've ALSO seen them think it through very carefully, and understand what has to change for the rider to reach their stated goals. Maybe they are pushing the rider a little, just to the edge of their comfort zone, and that's good...maybe they know the market better than the rider and know the kind of horse the rider wants just isn't cheap.

It's very difficult to tell which is going on.

For that reason a lot of people will go to an outside person, someone they probably won't ever work with or deal with again...and pay them to evaluate or offer an opinion on a horse. It tends to work - especially if the person is concerned their own trainer has a bias. The disadvantage is that the home trainer may also want a commission, may resent not getting one, or may refuse to teach the student who gets a horse thru someone else! Commissions and purchases can and have caused rifts between student and trainer, especially when someone else gets the commission.

Buying a horse is never easy. I think it's toughest when the person has specific competition goals or will be very dsappointed or financially hurt if the purchase doesn't work out.

[tiggger]

Tillismom, I am not sure where you are located but if you are still interested in a fjord let me know, I am a board member of the Northeast Fjord Horse Association and I know a ton of breeders and Im sure one of them would have something that would work for you....

I see you are in Washington.. let me know if you want some contact info....

[Tiligsmom]

SLC....so true about trainer bias.

I've ridden with a few different types - those who are very possessive and try to control every aspect of your horse experience and those who are "live and let live".

I've settled on one who falls a bit in between - She's highly ethical and will push hard for her POV, but will support you if you make a decision that isn't hers.

Really a very fine human and teacher :)

[Tiligsmom]

Tigger - I'll send you a Private Message :)

[Thomas_1]

Neither strike me as dressage prospects at all.

The Morab looks like it moves better than the Fjord though.

[tiggger]

I read your pm and sent you a link to some breeders and will send you more in a few days!