Would you buy a horse if temperment was the motivating factor?

[Marengo]

I've known a paticular gelding since he was a foal and I was always drawn to his temperment and personality. You know how some horses you just click with even when its not undersaddle. Now I wasn't in a position to buy him all those years I knew him growing up but fast forward 5 years later, he's going well undersaddle and I'm thinking about getting a horse in the near future. I got a chance to ride him and he's exactly the way I remember, just a puppy dog that wants to please. Here's the down side, he's around 16.2/16.3 and I'm small and would prefer something under 16 hands. He has very flat Huntery movement and I focus on Dressage. Riding is my hobby but still I'd like to have something that could be slightly competitive even if I don't plan on moving beyond third level. I'm not big on showing but I would still like to feel the spring in my horse's gaits. He is forward but because he's so laid back it doesn't feel like there is this powerhouse of energy under you. I'm sure he will only improve with more training but this is where the starting point is. His fetlocks are a bit upright, he has never taken a lame step but he would be a life time horse, I would hate for him to have to retire early due to unsoundness. His breeding is Warmblood/TB if that helps at all. He has a good home and I know he will only be for sale to good friends of the breeder/owner, she's not looking to sell him. I know there are so many other horses out there but I'm wondering if other COTHers have been in a similar situation. Did any one horse just feel like a kindred spirit to you? I'd much rather have a horse that I clicked with and enjoyed spending time with than a super talented horse I couldn't work with. Any advice?

[Traum]

I would and I did. And that was the best horse purchase I ever made. Sadly for us though, I lost him at 8 years old, in April of last year. He was going to be my forever horse too :sadsmile: Ollie was a draft cross, I mainly did dressage up til then but just knew he was for me when I saw him. We did everything, trails, cowboy shooting, dressage (heard a lot of what IS he? :) ) ponying TBs, teaching special needs kids to trot solo with their ponies heads tucked up on his butt. He was truly my heart horse.

So YES if this horse is all to you that it sounds like, GET HIM :D You won't regret it!

[Fairview Horse Center]

Buy a horse you love. You won't regret it.

[horse-loverz]

Abslolutey.. finding the one you "click" with is a lucky thing. :yes:

[J-Lu]

I think it is always amazing to find a horse you "click with". But I think you have to consider his and your fit more than personality.

Do you think you really want to be competitive in dressage? A larger horse for you, one with upright pasterns and more huntery-movement may not be as competitive in dressage as you want to be. If you're really happy with the possibility that you may never excel and are happy to be great partners rather than super competitive, then go for it! If you have loftier goals and envision that this horse will fulfill them with you, then you might want to take a longer look at buying this horse.

I think that sometimes when people decide on a "forever" horse based on personality, they can later become disappointed if the horse either can't/won't perform specific work or can't hold up physically. And that's never pleasant for the horse. It's something to think about. But if you're looking to find a horse you click with, to fall in love with, and are willing to be flexible depending on the health and abilities of your partner, then it sounds like you've found your horse. Who knows, maybe he'll excell in dressage beyond your wildest dreams!
J.

[fizzyfuzzybuzzy]

As a dressage rider myself (and with similar aspirations to you), I'd take temperment/trainability over most qualities! My coach had a horse that was born on the bit and could do any movement asked of him, but at 5 gave her the big horsey finger and said NOPE! Sounds like he could be a BLAST for you, and that's the whole point, isn't it???

[Gayla]

I have had a string of horses that weren't right for me. I now have a mare I bought from Craig's list and we are in love. I will never ever buy another horse because of what it might be for me some day in competition or whatever. Because day in and day out they have to be a companion and a pleasure to be around. But that is me and I value the relationship with the horse more than competition or movement. In any case, a well ridden and accurate dressage test on a calm and cooperative horse beats a big mover spaz any day! :winkgrin:

[goeslikestink]

i have been in your situation with my now bonnie, i knew her as a foal and watched her grow up only the owner wasnt to clever in horse knowledge he fed her well and cared for her well but the actual education of the horse was something to be desired as she had his no and was a boulshy mare, and wasnt broken in, all he could do was groom her, she was pushy and hard to catch jumped out a lot so he was constantly on the move, he sold the mother and kept her,
then one day he had a heart attack and had to give up horses all together he knew i had always liked her as there was just something about the little mare as shes a welsh d, but a mordern type so not to heavy set as her breding has all the the top lines of all sections of the welsh, anyways while he was in hospital i took her on for him as a loan home until he was well enough to see if he had to give up for difinate or not i had the mare for 2yrs before i brought her
she with my better knowledge of knowing how to correct the spoilt horse has turn out to be one the most honest little horses she was 6when i got her and unbroken so after afew days
of breaking her in and getting out and about she gone on to be one of the top sj in the local area her jump is huge for a little horse and she has won constantly in anything i put her to
and i an say that with hand on heart and she has also won with other riders on her like my duaghter or my friends daughters , she has never ever jumped out from my yard, onto the roads and been loose like she did when mr m had her, and shes not at all baulshy with me as in nipped that one in the bud the 1st day she arrived home, was having bad manners
as i am also little, this little mare has presents, does well in all displines and is obediant and trys so hard for her riders even if you cant rider or arenew she knows to slow down and go in a slower gear for them , why i liked her becuase she had that something that you dont often find in a horse and i saw that when she was a foal and always claimed that if ever she was up for sale i want her been lucky on that one

a horse is what you make it, if you click with it you can make it work for you
as j lu says her points are also what i agree with but, some people arnt honest with them selves,
they say i can do this and that and i want to take the horse to the next level cause i ambetter than anyone else and i need it, when in truth they arnt at that level nor that standard of riding
so my advice is be hoenst with yourself before you even thnk of buying a horse
be honest with yourself as to what level of riding you really are,
see to me for instance the op horse is one that i could do something with all you have to do in my case would be to find his nitch, ie what the horse likes to do, so for exsample
ifs hes not that great at dressage but is good at x/c or sj, then he could make a low keyed r/c eventer, or lower level competition horse that has the stamina to stay
by that i mean if in a team one to relay on that you can get a clear round with,to gain points,
theres always a job out there for a horse to do if you find his nitch another is just a general all round horse that will do anything when asked so you can have fun on
if your not honest withyour self at to what level you are its wont be just the size of the that you have problems with being in the term as over horsed but also with the horses caperbilties as well
for instance if the horses educational side was far greater than your own, then you wouldnt match him and the horse would for exsample be to much to handle as he knows his job well
and you would have trouble containing him at lower levels and to handle him
or you give up becuase he doesnt do what you do, meaning you wont be able tosee a move feel a move or to correct a move
and this is what type of thing happens a lot the horse is to much for the owners then they mark him down as a pita horse a true comptetion horse is one thats fit adgile educated and do the job that it was a- trianed for or b breed for the ones that cant make the grade are sold onto as being able to do something else which might suit them better
so be honest with yourself inwhat you can really do otherwise you will buying the worng horse for the wrong job and then the horse will end up getting the balme - and then possiblay get sold and past on from pillar to post and on that note hence why the owner wants himt og o somewhere where he will be aprriecated for what he cna do and not what he cant do,
the horse sounds to me as if he would a gerneral all rounder probably be able to jump 3ft 9 or so
ad basic dressage and do a bit of this or that whic would suit a novice rider or novice owner
being that the horse is easy to do ride and handle, would be ideal at novice level which you could probably progress with as you yourself progresses rome wasnt built in a day and niether is the novice rider regardless of the size of the hrose if hes true novice then the size of him shouldnt be a problem so ask your self is he for you- your a novice and novice owner as a 1st horse i think this horse will prove to be an excellent choice

[wookiee]

I will never ever buy another horse because of what it might be for me some day in competition or whatever. Because day in and day out they have to be a companion and a pleasure to be around.

Couldn't agree more with Gayla. I am in love with my horse and he is largely unsuitable for the upper levels of any competitive riding sport. But then if I am honest, I would say that I am largely unsuitable as well.

And every day, I get to spend it with this amazing creature who makes me laugh and feel lucky to have him, even if he isn't perfect. I've had more "suitable" horses, but I never felt LUCKY.

Plus, at my age and riding skill, a good brain and a "I will take care of you" personality, based on our connection, beats talent any day.

Just like with your partner/SO/spouse... If you feel lucky to have them in your life, you will always work it out and end up happy.

[coloredhorse]

Marengo, my little competition horse is born to be a hunter, and has gorgeous hunter movement with no help from her rider. But she does quite well in dressage, thanks to her overall athleticism and the wonderful, willing temperament that drove me to buy her. She has to work a bit harder and be a bit fitter to get the same end result as a horse more naturally built for dressage, but she always gives her best try and has never said "no." I certainly wouldn't pass on a horse you love because he was "designed" for a different discipline. If you are like me -- indeed, like most ammies -- your horses are essentially pets that happen to have a job. Buy the pet that you love, that suits you now.

The size could be another matter. I have a bad hip, so a horse that is tootoo big (broad matters more than tall) doesn't work for me. I try to stay between 15 and 16hh unless a taller horse is pretty refined. I just can't ride well ... or pain-free on a larger horse. If you can ride this tall fellow comfortably and effectively, I see no problem. If his size causes you discomfort or compromises your ability to ride him well, you might want to have a hard second thought before you whip out the checkbook. If not ... I see tiny women foxhunting and eventing on very large horses all the time ... doing it well and having a blast.

[Marengo]

Thanks guys, its so helpful to have other opinions when you're 'stuck' on something. If I was picking out a pet there would be no issue. He is tall but the TB side seems to have influenced him more and he is not too wide for me. The issue is really that me being a smaller person and him being longer and taller (although he doesn't have a long back) its just hard to keep him together as he's still a bit green, especially turning. Of course this can be worked through, I've owned a horse this size before. Its just that when I owned the other tall one I was saying to myself that next time I would get a smaller horse that was easier for me to keep together. I don't know much about upright pasterns, so I don't know how much they can affect movement and soundness. The good thing is that I can ride this horse as many times as I like, perhaps I could even part board him. The trouble is I know myself and if I spend a lot of time with him I'll just end up listening to my heart and not my head.

[sublimequine]

Definitely yes I would. And I did! :D

Before I owned my current horse, I did not want..

- A mare
- Anything under 16hh
- Anything not trained english
- Chesnut or gray

What do I own?

A sorrel QH mare, just barely 15hh, whose real calling is trail riding. The closest we've ever come to an english discipline is throwing ourselves over a 1ft "jump" (more like cavaletti :lol: ) and hoping we both land on the other side in one piece. :winkgrin:

But ya know what? She's kind, has a good heart, and really does aim to please. We really "click", and I wouldn't trade her for the world. :)

[HezaKeeper]

I would and I did! I bought a little Appaloosa gelding because I just loved his personality and we just clicked from the first moment we met. He may not be the prettiest thing and he's certainly not built like I'm used to..I used to show dressage and now I just want to trail ride western so it doesn't really matter that he is a WP and halter bred guy. His personality is what sold me on him, because he's not the prettiest thing to look at in the pasture! He looks better with a saddle on :lol:

[SarahandSam]

That's my Sam... I bought him for personality. Turns out he seems to be pretty athletic too, but I couldn't have cared less about that... he's my buddy, whatever he wants to do with himself.

[FlashGordon]

Temperament is the only thing that I'm really decisive on.

Everything else, doesn't really matter.

I think as amateurs, who do this as a hobby, temperament is of utmost importance. I see people sacrifice temperament for other things-- movement, athleticism, scope, etc. and in the end it does no good. Who wants a big fancy mover with a bad attitude? Just means you'll be watching the pro ride it instead of riding it yourself.

Of course finding the total package is difficult, expensive and next to impossible... I have been lucky enough to find that once, thanks to a friend's generosity, but I probably never will again.

So temperament is the priority on my list. And I'm specific about the temperament. I know exactly what sort of disposition/personality I like and enjoy, and which do not mesh well with my own personality/skills/ability.

Now if more breeders were breeding for amateurs... athletic, kind, honest, nice looking horses... that would be fab. And in fact I know there are many COTHers trying to do just that.

Anyway, if you love the horse and enjoy his temperament, go for it. I am sure you won't be sorry.

[Saidapal]

I did and I don't regret one minute.

I bought a cantankerous, ornery, in so many ways unsuitable OTTB I wanted to do dressage with. She was for sale because she kept running away with little children over fences. I was advised to not get her, but she called out to me in a way I can't describe and I bought her anyway. She was with me for the rest of her life and taught me more about training and riding horses than I every thought possible.

Years ago I sold a horse I had that kind of bond with, and I still regret it to this day.

Its rare. Treasure it. You can overcome everything else.

[War Admiral]

Sure. But then I'm not married to excelling in any particular discipline; I'll go wherever the horse wants to take me.

I bought HRH Avery for his personality - knowing full well he would never be seriously rideable - and have never really regretted it. He had the whole barn staff in stitches yesterday with his antics, and we concluded that even though he's not rideable, he's still worth having around JUST for the entertainment value!

[Anselcat]

I think that sometimes when people decide on a "forever" horse based on personality, they can later become disappointed if the horse either can't/won't perform specific work or can't hold up physically.

I've seen the opposite happen much more often. Someone buys a horse based on its potential, or show record, or competitive ability. And then they realize they don't really enjoy the horse itself, and they are going to the barn only to ride (rather than enjoy their horse)....

I also think deciding on temperament and personality has to be distinguished from people who buy on impulse and fantasy.

(This is just me rambling, not a response to the thoughtful OP or any kind of slap at J-Lu)

And for full disclosure, I bought my gelding primarily because of his temperament. While we haven't succeeded beyond my wildest dreams in dressage, we are progressing and I've done more and had more fun than I ever imagined.

[lesson junkie]

If this horse's temperament and personality click with you take the gift and go for it-it's a special thing.

If the horse is not a perfect fit physically your horsemanship will have to improve-another good thing. You can take advantage of your horse's natural talent and dip into the hunter discipline. You don't have to loose your dressage focus. Embrace your inner princess!

I bought my DWB because of his temperament. He's too big and powerful for me, and I've had to improve my riding to take advantage of his talent. He also hates fox hunting-my first love. I have learned to enjoy the horse shows, to my surprise.

Go for it.

[Chief2]

I have purchased a horse whose personality and temperament clicked with mine, but first I got a PPE done to make sure nothing was wrong and the he was suited for what I intended to do with him. I confess that I held my breath all the way through it, praying all would be okay, and it was.

I would suggest doing the same for any horse you wanted to buy.

[Ambrey]

I bought both of my horses for their temperament :) Like some others, it required some adjustments in both cases, especially my big guy (he's huge and it took a while to figure out how to manage him), but I've learned a lot about myself in the process!

I've realized that I am extremely partial to loving, social, people-oriented horses. In some ways they are their own challenge, but you need a horse whose personality fits with yours!

[saddleup]

Horses are just a hobby to me...an all-encompassing one, granted, but still -- something I do for fun.

Because of that, an emotional connection is paramount to me. I had one that I didn't really click with, and it left me feeling that horses are just so much work, and questioning why I did it. Once I found him another home, and replaced him with a new horse that I feel more connected to, I'm back to ignoring the cost and work involved and just loving having them again.

Bliss is better than stress, believe me. Go with your heart on this one.

[Bluey]

In some disciplines, coming first is important if you are competing, but in Dressage, I think that you do the best you can with the horse you are riding is what is important.

I would take a less talented horse that fits me and I like any day over a very fancy one that I don't especially care for.
That is for very super competitive professionals, the rest of the riders don't have to feel that way, they are not making a living with their success in wins at shows.
Personal success is to have you and your horse do your best, not compared with the others that day at that show.
You can go for your personal best, not to beat others at the highest score.

Now, I understand what you say about the height, being very short myself.
If that is important, as it is to me today, because out in the pastures I have to get off to open and close wire gates and getting on with a bad knee and hip is impossible, without doing more harm to those, that would be a serious consideration.

If you are getting on from a mounting block and don't have to get off until you are thru riding, how tall a horse is may not matter so much.

You may also think that there may be another horse out there that fills all your requirements even better than the horse you know but have doubts over.
May want to keep looking a little longer.

[TB or not TB?]

I agree with GLS - it's time to have a heart to heart with yourself on your goals and priorities, and really evaluate your desires for your next horse. If you do have competitive aspirations, no matter how small, and you're set on your chosen discipline, I would have a professional evaluate this horse's suitability toward those goals, and pass or accept based on that recommendation.

You and the horse could wind up very unhappy if your expectations aren't a match with his capabilities. He could become depressed or frustrated if he knows he's not satisfying your hopes, and you might feel discouraged, angry, or guilty that you're pushing him beyond his abilities or that he's not able to progress with you. It's awful to have to decide if the horse you thought was your "forever" one still makes you happy.

If your goal is to show a few times a year (at any level) and hit the trails on Sundays with your buddies, go ahead and get the horse you *like* the best. If you want to someday compete at 3rd level, choose a horse that is physically and mentally able to do so. Once you've narrowed the field, then find a horse that you really click with. Easier said than done, I know, but you need to start with all odds in your favor.

That's assuming that you only can have once horse. If you have the means for two, then it's a different story. Also, if you're interested in trying new disciplines to see what the horse most excels in, then go for it!! :yes:

As bad as the tiny lady with the giant WB who only Trainer can ride seems, equally disconcerting is the woman who is convinced her Perchaloosabredian trail horse is destined for greatness in the GP jumper ring. Such is the nature of the horses.

[Kairoshorses]

It only took me about 40 years (ok, but I was about 45) before I realized that I was MUCH, much happier with a moderately talented horse w/ a loving, giving personality than a really talented shit.:lol:

I'd go for personality again ANY time. In fact, it's the primary thing I'll be looking at if I ever end up looking again.

[LDavis104]

That's basically why I got Peppy, because of his personality, laid back but a want-to-please attitude. I got him from my father in law, and my father in law bought him solely because Peppy followed him around like a puppy dog. To me, that "click" of personalities is what makes a great forever horse.

[Let'sTalkAboutHorses]

You had me at "wants to please".

[arabhorse2]

I changed breeds for temperament, so that says it all! ;)

[Trevelyan96]

I bought my now 12 yr old as a 2 year old strictly on his sweet disposition, cute face, and acceptable conformation. I've seen a lot of friends, and 1 trainer, frustrated and heartbroken by buying horses with tons of athletic ability but they couldn't do what they wanted with the horse because of huge tempermant problems.

IMHO, unless you're a real pro, you can do a lot more with OK conformation and a great temperment than you can with great athleticism and a bad mind.

[mayhew]

Temperment is just about the only motivating factor that I have when buying a horse. So long as the horse is reasonably sound, I'll adjust my riding to do whatever the horse is best at, if we really click. And if we don't click... I keep looking.

[EqTrainer]

Oh, to have your problem :)

Buy the horse. Dressage is about training your horse. You didn't say he is an incorrect mover; just that he has no suspension.. but nowhere in the directives does it say a horse must have suspension to do dressage!

And psssst.... you can make a better trot. How is his canter?

[Ambrey]

Oh, to have your problem :)

Buy the horse. Dressage is about training your horse. You didn't say he is an incorrect mover; just that he has no suspension.. but nowhere in the directives does it say a horse must have suspension to do dressage!

And psssst.... you can make a better trot. How is his canter?

Yep, that's the main complaint about my big guy too... but I figure as long as his trot is balanced, rhythmic, and forward it won't keep me out of the show ring!

Life is too short to ride cranky horses ;)

[actcasual]

but under saddle is something else.
I didn't buy the horse that I "clicked" with. At that time I was riding plenty of horses for other people and saw no reason to own.
Plus he was only a foward going, bay TB gelding, probably scoped out somewhere about 3'9" -- not stylish enough for a hunter or athletic enough for a big jumper. Those are a dime a dozen, right? He didn't fit my competitive goals.
He got passed around a bit, always to what should have been wonderful homes but he didn't fit in with the program anywhere. An elective surgery later, he's a pasture ornament before age 10. (Meantime, of course, I haven't been on track for those all-important competitive goals in years.)
Turns out not everyone thought he was as much fun to ride as I did. Since him I've ridden horses that were more talented in a hundred different ways, but I've never been on one that made me feel more like myself.

[nightsong]

day in and day out they have to be a companion and a pleasure to be around :winkgrin:

THAT is what it is all about.

[nightsong]

if you click with it you can make it work for you

Yep.

[citydog]

Buy him. :yes:

[Sebastian]

Any advice?

Buy him. :winkgrin: :yes:

Seb :)

[fivehorses]

any update?

[coloredhorse]

I've ridden horses that were more talented in a hundred different ways, but I've never been on one that made me feel more like myself.

What a wonderful way to put it! :yes:

[Wigwag]

I absolutely would, and I did. :) I was looking at several weanlings and yearlings when I went to purchase my boy (now 6 1/2), and just fell in love with his personality. He didn't have any training to speak of, was not even halter or lead broke, so all I could like was his personality! There was just something about him that said, "Pick me, I'm the one...."

Now, 5 years later, he's on paddock rest from a tendon injury incurred in turnout. And I still know he's the right one, sound or not. I would not buy a horse with major horrific faults, but upright pasterns? You'll never find a horse who is perfect (I'm sure you know this, so please don't take offense), so buy the one with the personality to last. The horse could be 100% perfect and take a wrong step one day in the field and end up lame. Don't let one minor conformation fault be a deciding factor.

I, too, know many people who have purchased horses due to pedigree (they weren't looking to breed these horses!) and "future skill." I've never met someone who was unhappy with a horse they loved because the horse could not perform up to expectations. As the other poster said, I have - however - met many people who had horses who could perform, but were unhappy because it just wasn't the right fit personality wise. I can not imagine that a tall leggy warmblood can't take you somewhere in dressage with some time and training.

[Marengo]

Wow, I'm am awed by all the great wisdom on this board. And so many people have added their voice to this topic, COTH is great. In this situation I do have the luxury of time and I can even ride him more often before I make any decision so I'm not going to be making any quick horse purchases. I'd love to be able to come on this board announcing that I bought him and sharing pictures but I just don't make decisions that quickly. Plus his owner/breeder is a really good friend of mine so I want to be sure before I go down this route. Thanks so much everyone for sharing your stories about how you found the horse you clicked with.

[Tiger Horse]

that my mare is the smallest horse in a barn full of elegant h/j and that she's not an OTTB . . . BUT, then I come to my senses! I can't wait to get the barn every day - I enjoy every ride and I feel confident enough to go anywhere with her. We click - and as the barn owner/manager/trainer pointed out one day - who has more fun than you?! Now that's what it's all about.

[magnolia73]

When I was shopping, my biggest factor was temperment. I actually settled a bit on a soundness item to get a horse with the temperment I loved. Notably, I have improved her gaits quite a bit and she looks more like a dressage horse every week. I think the benefit is that because her personality clicks with mine, I have been able to push her just enough and keep the harmony and agreeability to really train her very easily. And she responds well to my riding style. Actually- my 5yo green TB mare goes better for me than pretty much any horse I have ridden- and I have ridden some fancy, nice, well trained horses that weren't quite the right temperment.

I think temperment is the one thing you should not negotiate on- if you don't like a horses temperment, you won't change it. It's hard to make a hot reactive horse steady and hard to make a steady eddie sharp and responsive. Plus frustrating.