Thoroughbred Hunters

[SquishTheBunny]

Anyone own a thoroughbred hunter that currently, or recently has competed at the bigger A or AA shows? Do you find most judges dont notice a difference between the nice TBs and nice WB's? Do either have an advatage over the other?

Its been YEARS since I have shown core division AA hunters (have just recently switched back from the jumpers). Got a new horse the middle of last season which I did some B shows an non-core (modified adult) AA shows with - at this level he always had top pins, but now venturing into the world of core division AA's, just wondering if im in for a disappointment? I have only had warmbloods for the past 15 years (but all jumpers) and when I bought a Thoroughbred as a hunter, I got a lot of strange looks....??

Anyone out there at WEF or any other big shows with a Thoroughbred?

Adding a few pictures
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2387659600081786972rEqKnj - Hack
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2389387180081786972UwcvhC - O/F
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2589643670081786972hzUcKz - O/F
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2369798440081786972wgcpRG - body shot

[Dirty Little Secret]

some judges even (gasp) LIKE thoroughbreds! George Morris being one of them.
A nice horse is a nice horse regardless of the breed/brand. I believe that most judges feel that way.

[foursocks]

Actually, what one BNT at a clinic told two friends of mine with classic, elegant TB hunters was that they would be very competitive because their horses would stand out in a good way from the more WB-looking types. Some judges prefer a certain type over other types, but a super-fancy TB doesn't seem to be a liability!

[mroades]

My tb pre-child hunter won two classes this past weekend at an AA against three 6-figure wb's.....

[309016]

Some of the best hunters I have seen have been TB's. But its all about what the judge likes, so somedays you may get a judge that likes clunky warmbloods, and others you'll get ones that like the clean "sportscar" lines of the TB (not to say I have not seen TB's fattened to look like warmbloods :lol:)
You should be fine, if your horse has great movement and a good jump, he should be able to hold his own regardless of what breed he is.

[findeight]

I do.

Nice AA level 3'er until age took a little toll, she can still do the job on a limited basis.

I stay mostly local these days and it's not because of her breed.

[supershorty628]

My horse did the junior and green conformation hunters with pretty good results in both at A and AA shows. I only did the juniors for about a year in total with her before we switched to the jumpers, but generally with her, if we lay down 8 beautiful jumps, she would place well.

[meupatdoes]

I do.

He is WONDERFUL.
He requires zero maintenance or prep (he literally walks off the truck, goes in the ring, and gets his ribbon, and his At Home schedule is mostly trail rides and light hacks with jumping only specifically for shows).

He goes in every time and lays down eight nice jumps with his changes and a pleasant expression.

Some of the judges really like him, some of them seem to prefer a different type. It doesn't matter much to me because he always does his job and I am always so pleased with his effort.

This judge liked him and he beat a lot of warmbloods:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZViMJAGsvTg

This judge not so much (even in the rounds where I remembered to steer) and he got beat by a lot of warmbloods:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM98lJlEG7g

He is having the winter off so I can concentrate more on bringing my young horse along and getting a sale horse done, and everytime I step in the ring on somebody else a thought goes through my heart that I miss my best co-pilot.


(Oh, btw those vids are not A shows but he did place at Middlesex this year, and the year before at Monmouth, and I rode like a TOTAL ASS at Monmouth so that was really all him.)

[Trakehner]

I'm "geezing" now, but rode only TBs at Upperville and up and down the East coast in the late 60's and 70's.

I'll still futz around lower level hunters (don't want to pay the new and improved entry fees, stall fees etc.) and will ride mostly TBs (or an occasional Trakehner). Way too many fat cows of a dumblood clumping around, no style and you know if there was a real hunt they'd be dead in an hour.

Of course, a sewn-in bit and reins would be a nice touch no matter what the breed.

[Diva98]

As has been said many times here "a good horse is a good horse". I have shown both TBs and Warmbloods in the hunters and a good trip gets rewarded, no matter the breed. I personally prefer the TB ride - at least the ones I have gotten to ride most recently - over the WB and I love the look of a TB hunter.

Your horse is very nice, btw, and I don't think you should have any problems. Good luck!

[snaffle635]

We've got a couple TB's in our barn who are not all that fancy and don't carry the high price tags of the warmbloods...but they kicked everyone's butt in some HUGE classes last summer at AA shows. See the thread on what it takes to be an AA hunter...nice stride, great jump, and 8 great jumps. It doesn't matter if it's a TB or a warmblood.

[DMK]

Honestly I don't think I've ever been dinged by a judge for riding a TB, although I've heard plenty of bias outside the ring. I do think I get "bonus points" from some judges when they get a classic TB style horse walks in the ring when they are judging. However I don't think they care what the horse's pedigree is, but they see a horse walk in the ring with a lot of type and a look that implies a bit more blood, and they likey. Mine happens to come with JC registration papers, but there are plenty of non-TBs that have that look as well (see the whole move to a "modern type" WB). Of course if I screw up or my horse didn't jump well, I lose all those "bonus points" in short order, but that's life.

[see u at x]

I do.

He is WONDERFUL.
He requires zero maintenance or prep (he literally walks off the truck, goes in the ring, and gets his ribbon, and his At Home schedule is mostly trail rides and light hacks with jumping only specifically for shows).

He goes in every time and lays down eight nice jumps with his changes and a pleasant expression.

Some of the judges really like him, some of them seem to prefer a different type. It doesn't matter much to me because he always does his job and I am always so pleased with his effort.

This judge liked him and he beat a lot of warmbloods:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZViMJAGsvTg


My TB and I aren't anywhere near showing at this level yet, so I can't really speak from experience in that area. However, I just had to say that I LOVE this horse. He's a great looking guy and looks like he loves his job. I wish we had several of him at the barn I'm at!

[giddybiddy]

Corky's pure TB, but he has a thicker neck so people have thought that he's a warmblood before. But anyways, he is a stereotypical TB with his TB antics, but I've taken him to a handful of A shows and we've always done fantastically (minus Vermont, but he got sick there :(). Hell, we got 2 champions at Westbrook this summer!

As other people have said, some judges love him, and some don't like that his nose isn't dragging on the ground and he's not all bendy.

He jumps great, flats pretty well, and always has fun--and shows it in his expressions.

I've always been more of a TB fan anyways. I'm very, very petite, and frankly, I look quite awkward on a beefier WB. I love their forward-ness too. Some people hate that, but I really like it. I think it's a lot more representative of what would be seen out in the hunt field, which is technically what Hunters are based on.

Your horse is adorable. Go show him in the hunters, have fun, and kick those WB's butts!

And here's some pictures to back myself up.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30050218&l=bbd98&id=1125720010 (he looks a little WB-y here lol)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30060015&l=3beff&id=1125720010 (Hack)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30059995&l=d918d&id=1125720010 (O/F)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30059994&l=6c010&id=1125720010 (Standing)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30056767&l=d3a56&id=1125720010 (O/F)
http://springtidefarminc.com/ (Back in his Jr. Hunter days. He's the gray at the bottom of the page.)

[Tha Ridge]

Yep, showed one for years. Lovely guy, who, with eight good jumps, could win or place in very nice company.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/151462096_1926fe3ecc_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/109687784_8c7a74f037_o.jpg

I had the pleasure of talking with a fairly well-known "R" judge and I asked her about this. She told me that she, and a few other names she mentioned, still prefer good Thoroughbred types - there just aren't as many out there anymore.

[CBoylen]

If the horse is a nice horse and the proper type no one will be able to tell the difference for sure without asking.
My TB looks like a warmblood. And the previous owner did me the dubious favor of having him branded American Warmblood, so now no one thinks he's a TB and most people probably think he's some kind of draft cross ;). Anyway, he was very successful as a pregreen horse. He did a few shows last year as a first year horse and is still something of a work in progress at the 3'6". But when he deserves it he gets a good piece, and he usually gets a great hack ribbon, even a blue in the a/o at WEF when he hacks his best. He's a big horse, has plenty of jump, and a huge step. Also a huge opinion of himself ;). I'd take another one like him though, he's a blast to ride and highly entertaining in general.
Thus Far: http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2465072530050057682YIDAxN

[JGHIRETIRE]

Given the "modern" type of WB I think sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between them. There's an Oldenburg at our barn that looks like a TB to me. The pictures of your horses don't have TB written all over them.
I say go for it and have a good time!! A good horse with 8 good fences is a good horse.

[Jumper6252]

I show a thoroughbred and I have found judges that love him and others who I can;t buy a ribbon from but that will happen with any breed of horse. My boy has won hunter classics and we've shown in the childrens hunters and done very well.... I love my thouroughbred hunter:D

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=196066&id=1192432240 HITS Saugerties 2008

[RRJ]

There are MANY judges that give bonus points when a TB comes in the ring. Especially if your horse's show name gives away that it's a TB ;)

I have only ever showed one non-TB and it was the hardest thing in America to prepare for the ring. Moved great, was pretty and jumped great - but the hours of riding and lunging and riding and lunging and prepping weren't worth it. I'll take my TBs that walk off the trailer and into the ring with very little prep ANY DAY! The Thoroughbred brain is a wonderful wonderful thing. They truly want to please you.

[Big Shoes to Fill]

I have one that does the A's and almost always gets something, even if it is only with her ammy mom in the 2'6's.
Love my TB'S!!

[EAY]

CBoylen - What is your TB's pedigree, if you don't mind my asking?

[CBoylen]

This is him: http://www.pedigreequery.com/silver+mischief . I don't know why it says papers marked no racing; I have his JC papers, and they aren't marked. From what I understand though he wasn't trainable for the track, and he's not tatooed.
I love most of his pedigree, but I would guess the tough mind comes from Silver Ghost, who seems to have the reputation as the meanest stallion in living memory. Malcolm is a sweet horse though, just appallingly smart.

[snaffle635]

when I bought a Thoroughbred as a hunter, I got a lot of strange looks....??


I'm just wondering why this is? I've read lots of threads on COTH about successful TB's in the hunter ring. I've seen plenty of fancy TB's in the hunter ring. And yet, people continue to ask this question.

Squish...just curious, who was giving you strange looks?

[SquishTheBunny]

Well, to make a long story short, it ended up being a trade. My warmblood jumper, for this TB. I got to try another horse (who was a massive baby warmblood), but my heart fell for this TB who came from the track with no history. A few people who saw the other horse were wondering why I would pass up a 17hh+ 3 year old. (Oh I wonder...giant warmblood baby, 5'4 me?)

Sure, the TB was probably only $1000 to buy, but the amount of training his previous owner put into him was worth every penny that my ammy jumper was.

Hes a funny horse. First two or three shows he requires prep (10 min lunge), after that you take him off the trailer and spur your way down to the ring. Hes great, knows SO much more than me (but constantly reminds me of that). he's a challenge at times, but not in a bad way.

[DMK]

There are MANY judges that give bonus points when a TB comes in the ring. Especially if your horse's show name gives away that it's a TB

LOL exactly what name is that? "Imaexracer"? "Son of Seabiscuit"? "Alydar's Revenge"? :D :D :D

I'm not sure you could tell by any of my past OTTBS were OTTBS by their names (Felonious Monk, London Calling and Kings and Vagabonds). And I'm not sure the JC names were any more of a giveaway: Ravininthecavein, Upper Diplomat & Welcome Back, respectively. And damnit, I just went and JC registered the 2 year old as Throwing Copper. :o Maybe it's not too late to change his name to "Mysire'sthedaddyofaderbyfavorite"? :lol:

I totally agree that in the ring that look and type helps you, but outside the ring (as in when you are trying to sell one) that lip tattoo hurts the price, unless the horse already has a reputation as a winner. I'm a firm believer that winners cost the same regardless of pedigree. But prospects? That's not the same financial realm. It works out for me, though, I can't spend that much money on a show horse - even a cheap WB is out of my budget (you know, assuming I didn't want to borrow money to buy a horse or I wanted to show the horse after I bought it). But I've found ribbons are just as sweet on my freebie. (http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2200/3302146/10616695/262090986.jpg)

[snaffle635]

Well, to make a long story short, it ended up being a trade. My warmblood jumper, for this TB. I got to try another horse (who was a massive baby warmblood), but my heart fell for this TB who came from the track with no history. A few people who saw the other horse were wondering why I would pass up a 17hh+ 3 year old. (Oh I wonder...giant warmblood baby, 5'4 me?)

Sure, the TB was probably only $1000 to buy, but the amount of training his previous owner put into him was worth every penny that my ammy jumper was.

Hes a funny horse. First two or three shows he requires prep (10 min lunge), after that you take him off the trailer and spur your way down to the ring. Hes great, knows SO much more than me (but constantly reminds me of that). he's a challenge at times, but not in a bad way.

He sounds like a real keeper! And he's super cute in his pics. Good luck with him!

[TSWJB]

my friend had a TB. he was petite sized and dainty. but he jumped really well and he hacked really well and this horse won all the time. at all the big shows.
i wouldnt worry about him being a TB! i think he is gorgeous! show and enjoy him!
BTW is this one of your horses that lives outside?

[Jsalem]

We have one in the barn that has been a very, very successful Jr Hunter- now is an A/O horse. His name is High Five. He is by a Deputy Minister son, out of a Red Ransom mare. He never raced. We're had him since he was 3. He is 16.2, with huge bone. In fact, he looks like a warmblood. He even has a farm brand on his left hip, so most folks assume he's a warmblood. Don't know how to post pics, but he's in several places on my website if anyone wants to see pics. Home page, left side head on jumping (bay horse). Training page, standing award pic. Lessons page, award pic and bottom jumping pic in the Reg Working Hunter div last fall.

He's Fab!

[HollBear]

DMK where on earth do you find freebies like that? You guys look great! I'm in your shoes too and I always go "against the grain" and fall for the TB's. A good minded big TB is so elegant! I just got my guy back after 6 years!

[florida foxhunter]

Many of the older judges prefer a TB IMO.....as long as it's as quiet as a Warmblood. You just can't beat the elegance of a good TB. Admittedably, you don't see that many anymore.....it seems EVERYTHING is a bay warmblood with white socks these days, haha.

My breeding program is considered "warmblood" but in fact, most of my horses (including my two stallions) are 3/4 TB........that's why they're so elegant <smile AND wink>

The trick is to have the TB elegance, but the WB rhythm and unflappable attitude!....then you have the "perfect horse' in my mind!!

[SquishTheBunny]

DMK - your horse is stunning....simply, stunning.

And yes, my guy is outside 24/7 in the summer, spring and fall (actually, thats a lie, he comes in at 3pm grain, and goes back out at 9pm). He even enjoys braving the cold canadian outdoors during the winter too. Hes not always outdoors in the winter, but on the nice nights he is...or if my other horse needs the stall :) He is a very happy camper outside.

[Filly85']

To the OP, your horse is lovely and I wouldn't worry about him being a TB.
They are a wonderful breed, and do fantastic in the hunter ring if they fit all of the requirements. I know some judges who love a good TB.

I just bought a 15.3 and growing 3 yo OTTB mare and she was practically given to me. The dark bay with the star in the video below is her. I could have gone much more expensive horse, but she was in my pocket and I fell in love with her. She is the right color, a cute enough mover, and she has a temperament of gold. She just had her last race in November and is going so well, but there is still a long road ahead of her in terms of her training. I hope that she is going to have a good enough jump, but you never know. Fingers crossed. If not, she would be a wonderful children's hunter, lower level eventer, or jumper. For anyone with a bit of knowledge and experience and on a budget, you can't really go wrong with one of these guys. The retraining of them is very rewarding. They are wonderful and there are so many to choose from.

The grey in the video is my retired QH gelding and he could go with the best of them.

It really doesn't matter the breed. A good horse is a good horse. You don't have to have a six figure WB to be successful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJOgl6ois9U

[TSWJB]

[QUOTE=DMK;3780955] But I've found ribbons are just as sweet on my (QUOTE]
what a nice horse! i am starting to love TB's again after reading this thread!

[Klang34]

I have a TB stallion that we plan on showing in the baby greens this season. He has the TB looks, TB movement, and the TB smarts, and has a forgiving personality and loves to please. He's such a cool dude! :cool: He is green as grass, but I think he will be very competitive at A shows.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/KaitlynLang34/DSC03460.jpg (his feet were due to be trimmed in this picture.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/KaitlynLang34/DSC03467.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/KaitlynLang34/The%20Boys/DSC02699.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/KaitlynLang34/The%20Boys/momridingjackathome.jpg

[superpony123]

A good friend of mine has a very cute TB hunter mare that she purchased last year and has been showing in the children's hunters and doing VERY well. She wins everywhere! goes to indoors and got ribbons there too. beats the warmbloods--and she is a VERY typery TB, you can tell right away that shes a TB.

here's my friends horse

http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1508/55/99/638104033/n638104033_1029700_8203.jpg
^ cant tell as much O/F but..

galloping around saratoga..
http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v261/55/99/638104033/n638104033_620585_237.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v254/55/99/638104033/n638104033_467229_3160.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v254/55/99/638104033/n638104033_467231_4407.jpg

shes a very sweet horse and ALWAYS gets ribbons at AA / A shows. usually champ or reserve.

[superpony123]

and to the OP---your horse is lovely. i wouldn't worry about it at all!

[DMK]

Admittedly I worked on and with track people for years, but mostly I was really, really lucky and I had people who liked me a lot and looked out for me in the prospects department (to which I am eternally grateful). The two horses jumping were both OTTBs, the dark one (Raven) was actually very good at his first career and the light bay (robbie) was the only non black type horse his dam produced - he was a bit of a black sheep, racing results wise. Both managed to get ribbons at as big an A show as I could afford and both were free, so I kind of recognize that I may have used up all my show horse karma in that respect, but I'm OK with that. Through incredible good fortune I got to play with the big boys and girls and I get to ride really great horses that taught me a lot (most of all how to sit still and let them take care of me). ;)

But you never know about karma. I picked up this TB yearling (http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/slideshow/20895505) just this summer (this was his first meeting with the above referenced hunter - so happy I had the camera). He wasn't free, but one could easily spend more at a 2 week horse show (excluding braider and trainer no less) than I paid for him, so I'm more than happy. And who knows if he will have what it takes, but so far he has the attitude, looks and way of going in spades. He's absolutely unflappable and rapidly working his way into my heart (although Robbie owns the #1). He'll be the first TB not OTTB, but since his daddy is a little known cheap sophomore sire with a hot derby prospect that just sold for 12M, he figures he has plenty of racing street cred thankyou very much. He's been lording that fact over Robbie quite a bit, I think.:winkgrin:

[Samotis]

My TB showed in a lot of A shows in the 90's and through 2005. He won in the A/O's and when he got older did really well in the Adult Am hunters.

Just like some people have said. If you have a nice TB they can beat the warmbloods hands down.

I haven't seen a lot of TB's showing lately, but that doesn't mean there aren't nice ones out there. I love TB's!!!

Here was mine in 2004...

[Seal Harbor]

Here is my TB, unflappable and gets a piece of the hack always. He is 2004 model. Did the baby greens in 2008 and we are sitting out 2009, he will make his debut in the Pre Greens in 2010 as a 6 year old.

I'd say he was unflappable. If you recognize this picture it is because it was on the cover of The Plaid Horse October 2008.

The next picture is my old horse in the Regular Working at Detroit, who showed in the 80's and early 90's. Another unraced TB.

[DMK]

whew! thank heavens you are such a good rider, otherwise how could you stay on that spooky TB?! ;)

[MintHillFarm]

A nice horse is a nice horse. Judging each performance in that class; that day, is the what we as judges have to do. I love both TBs and WBs, and I judge what I see in front of me.

[Seal Harbor]

That is my trainer. They were waiting for the call back in the hack. It was 22 horses and he wound up second, I think he wanted to stop and play in a puddle at one point. The show was the Summer Festival in August at Thunderbird, an A rated show.

[HollBear]

I just love this thread! I am a TB fan and totally agree that a nice TB with nice attitude and who takes care of his rider will WIN. I am so glad to know that there are other fans out there. I live in zone 2 and it is so pointed towards the WB. I've had some trainers that just don't want anything to do with TB's.
Thanks everyone for posting such nice pics and comments about TB's.
I too am also not able to afford the big ticket WB, but honestly I'm not sure I'd want that anyway. The TB ride is so much more me.

[MintHillFarm]

My off the track TBs that competed at the AA level cost $4,000, $2500 (2 at this price)...great bargains and great horses!

[foursocks]

Seal Harbor- I had to look at your old picture of the chestnut more closely- he looks very much like my second horse, who I ended up doing the juniors on and my trainers the greens and then the regulars, in the mid to late 80s. Cute little TB! I would have sworn that was a picture of my old horse except that Strider (stupid barn name) had two back socklets and I only see one sock on your guy. :)

I think that is the great thing about getting a TB these days- off the track or track pre-reject you can find something that is super-fancy for CHEAP. Then you have to actually make it up, but there are plenty of riders and trainers who enjoy putting in that time. Luckily I do and my trainer does- other people aren't interested.

Not wanting to do that or recognizing you don't have the skills/time/whatever is fine, but then if you want something made up and fancy you will have to pay a lot more- regardless of breed. Mine isn't a fancy hunter-type (too difficult and quick) but he is a hell of a jumper and his value has ballooned because I got him for pennies and put work into him. Two of the other horses at my barn were bought for very small change off the track and at this point could easily go up against just about anything in the hunter ring and be competitive.

[SquishTheBunny]

Well....my one TB mentioned in this thread was the furthest thing from cheap, BUT he came with a great show record. My other TB is a saint. Absolute perfection. Hes not quite as fancy hunter type as the ones posted here(all your horses are SOOOO nice), but he is game for anything and everything. So sane,so quiet and just the worlds most perfect horse. He was cheap, $3000 and worth EVERY penny plus a million more.

Here he is hacking:
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2518919880081786972RlzoVm
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2794250560081786972bTehIZ

And his first and only show over fences:
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2438561210081786972tPllsz

He will probably get out to a few B shows this year coming. I always get people asking
"what breed is he?" his body looks TB and his head looks QH...lol, hes not going to model, but thats a-ok with me!

[DLee]

Wow, what lovely, lovely, classic horses!!
I'm excited, I have an OTTB that seems to fit the hunter bill, I am sending him off (after I leg him back up) to be brought farther along than I can... can't wait!

[jmvwiv]

There are lots of TB Hunters as you've seen in the thread out there. Many competing at really high levels. Below is a video of my 2004 little girl. There is not a bone in her body that wants to go fast or be high strung, guess that is why she not only is unraced/untatooed but she didnt even make it off the breeding farm. I'm not worried at all that her breed will be used as a bias in the ring.

This is from March '07, and was her first 2'6" o/f course & we did the adds.
The quality could be better but it was pouring rain. She didnt bat an eyelash.
She didnt have changes down yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GdTHWekcuA

[Blinky]

There is a really cute one for sale on the Exchange that I'm in love with.

[99Luftballons]

I know a few people that have some very successful TBs. One of them has a bit of a looser front end, more the stereotypical TB style, and tends to be more of the middle of the pack in the o/f classes, but wins every hack and does very well consistently. The others are tighter upfront and do exceptionally well in lots of different company.

It was not long ago that Caped Crusader (Academy Award x Timeforaturn) and others were showing and winning, despite being TB.

I have a TB who is 4 this year. He was bred to be a jumper, but I plan on showing him some in the hunters first.

[DMK]

One of them has a bit of a looser front end, more the stereotypical TB style

That's so true - my guy is an ankle draper. Always above the vertical with the shoulder and presents a nice "box" from forearm to top of his ankle, but then he can just drop tha tankle a bit.

I think the one generalization I make about TB type versus more classic WB type (knowing every horse is an individual and none of them read the memo - when you refute what I say next complete with picture, you better quote this line as well!) ... is that the TB type will be more classically round through the topline (nose between the toes) but maybe not as tight with his legs - but round. Whereas the typical WB comes with what I call the "belly first" jump. It's not very round, but it is very classic with the front end. Tidy, sharp and neat but I think of it as all belly, because it's not like the nose ever gets in the way of their belly in a front on picture.

You see some of this in pictures - that dead on, still in full takeoff mode looks very good for the belly first jump, but the round horse will look almost like they are about to jump over their front end at that phase of the jump. A nanosecond later the belly up jump looks kinda flat, meanwhile the round horse looks so awesome you forgive them their slightly loose lower leg.

[Swale01]

DMK, I think your description is dead on....and I also have a TB who (I think!) is beautiful over fences but is very round and athletic as opposed to the 'belly first' look that you see sometimes with the WBs. I love and much prefer the athletic look and the rounded neck. And he does a little of the 'drape' thing too but with a lot of roundness and athleticism to spare, as opposed to looking like he barely has enough lift to clear the jump, the 'belly scrape'. Even when a horse's knees are nicely tucked, I've never thought that the 'belly scrape' was attractive.

With my TB I'm thinking the 'drape' thing (Thunder usually tucks at the fetlock and always beautiful and high with his knees - his 'hang' is from knee to fetlock, he just doesn't tuck it under the way the 'belly scraper' horses do) might be him just treating his 2'6" fence like it's 2'6". He and I haven't been doing this long enough to move up, we have some serious polishing to do first.

This is his general form:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=1079468077&aid=2000424#/photo.php?pid=30139358&id=1079468077
Different show, another angle:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2000424&id=1079468077#/photo.php?pid=30154822&id=1079468077

And this is him, a little tighter because he's WAY overjumping...
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=1079468077#/photo.php?pid=30056253&id=1079468077

[pleasedaspunch]

Here is my TB, I showed him in the A/O's, Adults, and even had a JR show him for a while in the Maclay, USEF etc..He ended up qualifying for Washington in the Adults, Third in MD for A/O's in 06 and (7th or 8th) in zone 3, Qualified for Zone 3 finals 3 years in a row, qualified for MHSA medal finals twice, and placed very well in the Big Eq's for a barely 16.1 (off the track) TB...
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2564420650064985027ORnves
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2043763350064985027aaWCzK#commentForm
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2604736180064985027IwYbrA

[3Dogs]

Maybe not quite as recent as some but here was my TB - first horse I got when I returned to showing:

Expert Witness - did the A/Os, eq, qualified me for all CA eq finals, won a lot -moved a dream:

Indio (see, I said it was a while back...:) )

[Czar]

There are lots of TB Hunters as you've seen in the thread out there. Many competing at really high levels. Below is a video of my 2004 little girl. There is not a bone in her body that wants to go fast or be high strung, guess that is why she not only is unraced/untatooed but she didnt even make it off the breeding farm. I'm not worried at all that her breed will be used as a bias in the ring.

This is from March '07, and was her first 2'6" o/f course & we did the adds.
The quality could be better but it was pouring rain. She didnt bat an eyelash.
She didnt have changes down yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GdTHWekcuA

Very cute horse...even as a baby you can see she is going to make a very nice hunter.

Also really like your guy, pleasedaspunch...nice to see so many TRUE hunter type TB's.

We've had to be choosy when it comes to TB hunters but I think that concept is starting to seep into the WB breed as well - now that they are more readily available and more people are breeding them...it seems the quality has gone down somewhat so the "WB" label doesn't automatically mean nice horse anymore. There's so much variation in both breeds that you just can't stereotype either one.

[bascher]

My first horse was a TB...we were second at NAL finals at Harrisburg, reserve champion at Devon in the locals, winner of the overall best trip out of all three sections in the owner-to-ride class at Devon, etc..I personally love seeing TBs in the show ring; my current baby is half TB.

[shawneeAcres]

I just sold a very nice TB gelding, coming five year old. He will be shown on the A / AA circuits. He was very nice and laid back, very good form over fences, and a cute cute mover. Not to mention lots of eye appeal! Went to a pretty good trainers barn for one of their clients. They had quite a lot of TB's there, more TB's than wamrbloods I think.

[Mollitor]

I find no competition at all.
I own a TB and we get around a hunter corse just as good if not better than most warmbloods that cost 4x what I paid for mine.

[2016 RoyalCrown KTug]

some judges even (gasp) LIKE thoroughbreds! George Morris being one of them.
A nice horse is a nice horse regardless of the breed/brand. I believe that most judges feel that way.

Well said. We have a fancy fancy 6 y.o steel/dapple grey who is strikingly gorgeous and will be a top horse! Guess where we got him!? Belmont!!!

[LockeMeadows]

I have a TB that I bred that is already down in FL and will be doing WEF this year. He's super-fancy and ribboned at WIHS Local Day in the Children's Hunter.

The first picture is of him hacking at Upperville as a 4yo.

The second picture he was Champion at his first "A" show with his new owner.

The third picture is him schooling 3'3" with a very timid ammy rider.

Yep, he was a packer by 5yo!

[Linny]

I have a TB that I bred that is already down in FL and will be doing WEF this year. He's super-fancy and ribboned at WIHS Local Day in the Children's Hunter.

The first picture is of him hacking at Upperville as a 4yo.

The second picture he was Champion at his first "A" show with his new owner.

The third picture is him schooling 3'3" with a very timid ammy rider.

Yep, he was a packer by 5yo!

One thing about the TB is that once he understands his job, it's as if it's locked into his mind! I had the pleasure a few years ago of taking a jumping lesson on a 5yo TB packer. As we cantered down a line of jumps on the long side of the indoor, someone opened the door and in flew trainers two galloping golden retrievers! Right under his feet!!! he did that 5 stride line like a 20yo pro. he never lost his rhythm.

[abby229]

Here is my TB, I showed him in the A/O's, Adults, and even had a JR show him for a while in the Maclay, USEF etc..He ended up qualifying for Washington in the Adults, Third in MD for A/O's in 06 and (7th or 8th) in zone 3, Qualified for Zone 3 finals 3 years in a row, qualified for MHSA medal finals twice, and placed very well in the Big Eq's for a barely 16.1 (off the track) TB...
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2564420650064985027ORnves
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2043763350064985027aaWCzK#commentForm
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2604736180064985027IwYbrA

All of your pictures are so nice! I LOVE the first one...it's just a gorgeous picture all around! :yes:

[chawley]

I think for the most part, a good horse is a good horse. While I don't show in the 'core' divisions at the big rated shows, my TB pins very well in good company if I don't mess things up. :)

There's a horse in our barn that is actually a WB, but looks very much like a tall, elegant TB (he is half TB). He has won many AA classes at big shows such as Washington, Capital Challenge, Indoors, WEF, etc. I'm sure judges that didn't know him assumed he was a TB.

BTW, I love looking at everyone's pictures!

[chawley]

My off the track TBs that competed at the AA level cost $4,000, $2500 (2 at this price)...great bargains and great horses!


I love that!!!

[chawley]

LOL exactly what name is that? "Imaexracer"? "Son of Seabiscuit"? "Alydar's Revenge"? :D :D :D

I'm not sure you could tell by any of my past OTTBS were OTTBS by their names (Felonious Monk, London Calling and Kings and Vagabonds). And I'm not sure the JC names were any more of a giveaway: Ravininthecavein, Upper Diplomat & Welcome Back, respectively. And damnit, I just went and JC registered the 2 year old as Throwing Copper. :o Maybe it's not too late to change his name to "Mysire'sthedaddyofaderbyfavorite"? :lol:

I totally agree that in the ring that look and type helps you, but outside the ring (as in when you are trying to sell one) that lip tattoo hurts the price, unless the horse already has a reputation as a winner. I'm a firm believer that winners cost the same regardless of pedigree. But prospects? That's not the same financial realm. It works out for me, though, I can't spend that much money on a show horse - even a cheap WB is out of my budget (you know, assuming I didn't want to borrow money to buy a horse or I wanted to show the horse after I bought it). But I've found ribbons are just as sweet on my freebie. (http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2200/3302146/10616695/262090986.jpg)

Your horse is gorgeous!

[Leez]

I do have to agree with everyone who says "a good hunter is a good hunter".

Unfortunately it is hard to find TBs who are bred specifically for this sport - and breeding TBs to run does not always produce traits which will allow them to excel in the hunter ring.

That being said - sometimes you do luck out.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2746944530104010645TUZhim

This is my current TB hunter. He never raced, never went to the track and was never even tattooed. Good thing for me the breeders recognized very early he didn't have what it takes to be a racehorse!

We have had one season in the hack division (year end champion) and one easy first season over fences at the provincial level and hope to move to the AA division on the A's at the end of this year.

[HunterObsession]

I have a TB hunter that I show and win in A/AA shows with all the time! Before I bought him he showed with his old mom in the children's hunters and won everything. He is the farthest thing from a sterotypical TB, he is the easiest keeper ever and is quite the chubby boy, he is extremely lazy, he doesn't spook, doesn't buck or take off, he is just perfect :D He has taken me from freaking out while cantering a crossrail to now jumping 3 ft. courses confidently in less than one year. He is a really neat horse because he knows when I am freaking out and gets in instant babysitter mode, but if he knows I know what I am doing, he will test me to make sure that he really has to do something. He has the funnest personality and thinks he is a puppy dog. He can be quite dramatic which is hilarious. For the most part I have to ride him in spurs and his spurs are very very tiny, but he acts like you have on 2 inch spurs it is hilarious. He has also very overly friendly haha he likes to whinny to everyone and everything (a train was blowing it's whistle and my horse whinned back at it) mostly when you are on the ground. He is my once in a life time horse and is just perfect for me. I could go on forever because he is just the most amazing horse ever.


Before I got him I had another TB hunter who was the complete opposite, took off all the time, spooky spooky spooky, hardest keeper ever, ran out and stopped, extremely crabby, was like the energizer bunny. He turned me into an extremely timid rider, and my current horse has completely changed me as a rider and made me so much more confident.

[Czar]

I do have to agree with everyone who says "a good hunter is a good hunter".

Unfortunately it is hard to find TBs who are bred specifically for this sport - and breeding TBs to run does not always produce traits which will allow them to excel in the hunter ring.

That being said - sometimes you do luck out.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2746944530104010645TUZhim



What a cute face! I could just eat him!! He looks like an overgrown pony (in a good way ;))

We have a small hunter/jumper business and in the past have done a lot of OTTB's - almost ALL of them have had winning temperaments but I can think of only a handful that were truly quality hunter types with the right conformation, way of going, movement and style over fences. Lots had this or that but the really special ones with the whole package were definitely harder to come by.

[DMK]

He is the farthest thing from a sterotypical TB, he is the easiest keeper ever and is quite the chubby boy

Every time I see someone express this sentiment, I think "damn, they need to go check out a few broodmare bands in Ocala or Kentucky!" A bunch of fat old biddies hanging out in the shade. ;)

It's just hard to compare a mature horse in light work where the goal is also to make 'em fat(ter) to a young growing horse in hard work when they are also specifically aiming for lean and mean. It's just apples to oranges and no indication about what that horse will look like when he is older! Not that there aren't plenty of TBs that are not the easiest keepers, but plenty of matur eones are quite, um, stout. :D

[Rhody Ram]

Here's mine. We won the Zone in the Children's Hunters for 2 years and then again in the small juniors along with CT and NEHC championships. He also won the CHJA Children's Hunter Classic and we went to devon in the Small Jr 16-17 in 05. We jogged in the handy :D Not bad for a horse that cost less than my saddle.

He never raced. We bought him as a barely broke 3 y/o. He is still the nicest horse I have ever owned because he ALWAYS tried to do his job the best he could.

He is now packing around and winning everything in the 2'6 equitation.

Children's http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v77/192/72/1084260044/n1084260044_30141553_2333.jpg

Devon http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v10/192/72/1084260044/n1084260044_181380_4087.jpg

[Mollitor]

I would take a TB over a warmblood anyday.

heres my boy :]

im a bit [lot] of a proud mommy ;]
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y70/horse_krazy92/Auto%20Running/100_4479.jpg

http://s256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/wordlessphoto/?action=view&current=3-15.jpg

[Triplicate]

BUY AN EXTRA BUSHY FAKE TAIL ( FROM SOME POOR HORSE WHO WENT TO A SLAUGHTER HOUSE, BY THE WAY ) AND NEVER LET YOUR HORSE BE SEEN WITHOUT IT AND MANY PEOPLE WON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE !!
TELL EVERYONE IT IS A SKINNY WB.

[chawley]

[QUOTE=HunterObsession;3795506]I have a TB hunter that I show and win in A/AA shows with all the time! Before I bought him he showed with his old mom in the children's hunters and won everything. He is the farthest thing from a sterotypical TB, he is the easiest keeper ever and is quite the chubby boy, he is extremely lazy, he doesn't spook, doesn't buck or take off, he is just perfect :D He has taken me from freaking out while cantering a crossrail to now jumping 3 ft. courses confidently in less than one year. He is a really neat horse because he knows when I am freaking out and gets in instant babysitter mode, but if he knows I know what I am doing, he will test me to make sure that he really has to do something. He has the funnest personality and thinks he is a puppy dog. He can be quite dramatic which is hilarious. For the most part I have to ride him in spurs and his spurs are very very tiny, but he acts like you have on 2 inch spurs it is hilarious. He has also very overly friendly haha he likes to whinny to everyone and everything (a train was blowing it's whistle and my horse whinned back at it) mostly when you are on the ground. He is my once in a life time horse and is just perfect for me. I could go on forever because he is just the most amazing horse ever.

QUOTE]

Your post makes my heart melt! You have so described my TB gelding. :) I bred him myself (to be a hunter), and he's just a wonderful horse. I have to admit, I wear a a 1" spur on him though. He's so lazy without them. It doesn't help that my legs don't come down very far.

I also agree with DMK. Many well bred TBs do not look like the fine, cat-like horses that tend to end up running in cheap claiming races around the country. It just all depends on their blood lines. We owned 15-20 TB broodmares when I was young that were used to produce A circuit hunters. Most of them looked and acted like many of today's WBs - bigboned, quiet, easy keepers.

[HunterObsession]

[QUOTE=HunterObsession;3795506]I have a TB hunter that I show and win in A/AA shows with all the time! Before I bought him he showed with his old mom in the children's hunters and won everything. He is the farthest thing from a sterotypical TB, he is the easiest keeper ever and is quite the chubby boy, he is extremely lazy, he doesn't spook, doesn't buck or take off, he is just perfect :D He has taken me from freaking out while cantering a crossrail to now jumping 3 ft. courses confidently in less than one year. He is a really neat horse because he knows when I am freaking out and gets in instant babysitter mode, but if he knows I know what I am doing, he will test me to make sure that he really has to do something. He has the funnest personality and thinks he is a puppy dog. He can be quite dramatic which is hilarious. For the most part I have to ride him in spurs and his spurs are very very tiny, but he acts like you have on 2 inch spurs it is hilarious. He has also very overly friendly haha he likes to whinny to everyone and everything (a train was blowing it's whistle and my horse whinned back at it) mostly when you are on the ground. He is my once in a life time horse and is just perfect for me. I could go on forever because he is just the most amazing horse ever.

QUOTE]

Your post makes my heart melt! You have so described my TB gelding. :) I bred him myself (to be a hunter), and he's just a wonderful horse. I have to admit, I wear a a 1" spur on him though. He's so lazy without them. It doesn't help that my legs don't come down very far.

I also agree with DMK. Many well bred TBs do not look like the fine, cat-like horses that tend to end up running in cheap claiming races around the country. It just all depends on their blood lines. We owned 15-20 TB broodmares when I was young that were used to produce A circuit hunters. Most of them looked and acted like many of today's WBs - bigboned, quiet, easy keepers.


Thanks! I just love my horse so much and I think it is really cool that there is another one like him out there. I am a shortie too haha. Do you have any pictures of yours? As far as my comment about the skinny TBs I was just basing that of of my other TB that I had and some of the other TBs in my barn. I didn't mean to offend anyone or hint that all TBs are normally skinny.

[showmom858]

I love to hear all of your wonderful stories! We had a TB that my older D rode in in hunters and medals (2'6") when she was younger and he was a doll. She won everything on him and the girl that bought him from us 3 1/2 years ago has continued to win on him.

We have a TB coming to us here in CA this week for my younger D to ride in the Children's hunter and eq classes. This guy has been doing junior hunters and eq and is quiet as can be. He jumps beautifully and gets a piece of the hack. D is excited to have a horse that she will have to kick to go versus always pulling!

[foursocks]

It is funny that there is such a stereotype about TBs- we have eight TBs in our barn right now who are not all the same in type and temperament. Two are smaller, chunky mares- both are easy keepers and good movers. One is super-fancy- gorgeous in movement and jump, the other is a sweet babysitter. Both are mellow. The rest of them are geldings- one is built on huge lines and is not fancy until someone packages him. He takes tons of leg. There is another one who is slightly less tank-like, but he is also one who needs lots of leg. Both jump well and are very, very laid back. A third gelding is retired- he was a very fancy hunter in his day, is an easy keeper weightwise and a sweetie, but is the closest thing to the stereotypical TB- spooky, hot, flighty.

Then there is the perfect eq. horse, often ridden bareback over fences by his kid. Sweet, smart, mellow. The last two are the sportscars of the barn- one is a very fancy hunter, the other is my jumper. They are more sensitive than the others and can be a little nervy but keeping weight on the hunter is the opposite of his problem, and all we needed to do to keep weight on my boy was give him extra hay.

Those are just the ones currently in my barn- but overall, I've known more easy, sane, laid-back TBs than I have wild ones. You just can't compare something that is fresh off the track and is racing fit to what you get once they have transitioned into their new life.

[chukkerchild]

Ooh! My father got my boy off the track for $1200 and I think he's perfect-- he's a very cute little hunter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/highhorseinc/Zuluheart2.jpg (O/F 3'3 A/A)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/highhorseinc/Zuluheart.jpg (Ditto)

And I got another one in fall '07 that's a pretty good boy, he's not as cute as the first one but he's a bit more powerful, i think:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/highhorseinc/vinnytyay.jpg (his first show at 2'3 last summer)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/highhorseinc/vinnyfour.jpg (Freejumping 4'3)

One thing I've always found interesting about TBs is their diversity. You get the big hulking 17 h monster with the cannons like steel posts and then you get the incredibly refined, horizontal-top-line 14'3 mares... and yet you look at both of them and say, That's a Thoroughbred! :lol:

[chawley]

[QUOTE=chawley;3798305]


Thanks! I just love my horse so much and I think it is really cool that there is another one like him out there. I am a shortie too haha. Do you have any pictures of yours? As far as my comment about the skinny TBs I was just basing that of of my other TB that I had and some of the other TBs in my barn. I didn't mean to offend anyone or hint that all TBs are normally skinny.

I have many, but can't post attachments. Are you able to? I'd love to see them!

[BlueWhisper]

My Childrens/Adult hunter is a TB, never raced - got to sit in a field till she was 5 instead :) We were top 3 in our Zone two years in a row, then I aged out and brought her to college with me, where we were successful on the local circuit. She's still at my college, being used in the program as a 2'6 horse with the occasional 3'. Everyone loves her!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Bluwhisp/Smudge/SmudgeSWVHJA06-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Bluwhisp/Smudge/DSCF0014.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Bluwhisp/Smudge/DSCF0014.jpg