I need to vent...leave my draft alone! [Archive]

DressageJoy

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:28 PM

dwblover

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:38 PM

Take it with a grain of salt. Just think of all the people with expensive, gorgeous warmbloods that they can't control, much less ride. They have to pay a trainer just to keep them ridden. (I'm certainly not talking about all warmblood owners, I have a Dutch gelding:winkgrin:). But you know the type I'm talking about. If you love your horse and get along with her, then you can go as far as you can dream.

slc2

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:41 PM

ANYONE who doesn't like her draft horse can't ride, and has to have a trainer ride their horse? In other words, you personally know every one who might say that and they all have those same characteristics?

dwblover

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:46 PM

WHAT in the world are you talking about SLC2? I think you read it the wrong way. I said "think of all the people", not "everyone that doesn't like drafts". WHy do you feel the need to police everyone else's conversations?

Donkey

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:46 PM

Don't worry, if someone has such low expectations of your horse you can look forward to that moment of one day watching them pick their jaw up off the ground.

DressageJoy

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:50 PM

Don't worry, if someone has such low expectations of your horse you can look forward to that moment of one day watching them pick their jaw up of the ground.

So true!!

merrygoround

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:52 PM

Someone once laughed at horse of mine who had a neck rub from a blanket, as "still showing the marks from the neck collar". She was part percheron.

I wonder if they were still laughing, when she made her mark on the jumper circuit. :D :D

Ignoring people can be a wonderful way to go. ;)

Ambrey

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:53 PM

Don't worry, if someone has such low expectations of your horse you can look forward to that moment of one day watching them pick their jaw up off the ground.

:lol:

So true.

Words are made to be eaten ;)

dwblover

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:54 PM

Very true donkey. For clarification, what I was saying is that people buy dressage bred warmbloods and sometimes it ends up that they don't get along with the horse, can't ride it, horse and rider have a personality clash, etc. So even though a warmblood bred for the sport might be considered the perfect dressage horse, it doesn't matter if there is no relationship between rider and horse. So to the OP, if you have a great relationship with your horse, it doesn't matter what breed horse is, you can excel together. Hard work, determination, and riding a horse that makes you feel safe and like you are having fun, those are the things that can make dressage great.

FancyFree

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:03 AM

DressageJoy

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:22 AM

The OP said the person thought her horse would make a nice trail horse. Maybe the criticism was specific to her horse, not all draft crosses. There are some draft crosses out there that I think are great, others, well, they'd make a nice trail horse. ;)

If it was an intentional slam, just brush it off OP. Why did this person say this to you anyway?

I don't know why said it, she has almost no actual experience with horses, she just read a lot of dressage books and decided she would get a few lessons and then all of a sudden she is an expert. She just has the sort of personality of someone who has to put others down to boost their own ego. She actually doesn't even have a horse, and rarely gets to ride. In fact, it was hilarious when my mare was first being backed and the person in question was trying to act all "big and bad" and kept saying.... "oh, just get on her already... do you need me to do it?" and that was directed to the trainer.

I know my first post was mainly about my horse being a draft in dressage but I actually don't even care that she obviously doesn't like drafts or draft crosses, my main problems is when people act like only "dressage bred horses" should be in dressage training. As far as I'm concerned every horse could use some basic dressage training.

Lambie Boat

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:32 AM

VTHokie

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:35 AM

I don't take it personal when I hear it. And I do hear it plenty.

Usually it's non-horsey parents that see my girl and think ooh she's the kind of horse I'd like, great for trail riding. They just think that all drafts are totally bombproof and mindnumbingly quiet so, therefore, perfect for the trail. Sure, I ride my horse on the trail (bridlepath actually) at least once a week and she's fun (for me - with plenty of experience with greenies) but they'd be on the ground before they made it past the first farm we pass on the trail. She gets very excited when we go out (especially when we pass the mini-donkey next door), and can be more of a handful sometimes than my OTTB. ;)

Just want to add that there's nothing wrong with being quiet, and she is pretty quiet for her age and experience. Just not beginner safe, trail horse.

Ambrey

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:36 AM

DJ, just think about it this way. Telling someone their dressage horse would "make a good trail horse" is equivalent to telling someone their kid will make a great McDonald's employee someday.

It's just nasty and mean spirited. Those kinds of comments are almost never based on facts, but on a desire to make someone else feel bad. She succeeded in at least getting your back up.

Write her off. Put her in the same mental category as all of the other people you've met who aren't worth the time of day and go on with your life.

As for people who think only certain breeds should do dressage, they are the exceptions, not the rule. Just surround yourself with people who know better, there are plenty out there.

You have to keep your confidence up, don't let people pick away at you. Even if you think you're fighting it, it gets to you and changes you. You really need to eliminate people like that from your life and your thoughts. Let them go pee on someone else's cornflakes!

FWIW, don't write your girl's potential off until you've actually hit her limits! Percheron minds, if that's the type of mind she has, are amazing and are not likely to let little things like conformational faults prevent them from doing things ;) Lots of correct work, get her strong, and let her show you how far she can go!

p.s. See my sig line- I've managed to find and befriend enough of those "really great" people to make this whole dressage thing a whole load of fun. You know, the kind of people who can talk to you about a bad lesson or a series of setbacks by the end of the conversation you feel like you're a huge success? Find some of them and keep them close :)

FancyFree

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:38 AM

I don't know why said it, she has almost no actual experience with horses, she just read a lot of dressage books and decided she would get a few lessons and then all of a sudden she is an expert.

Oh one of those. They're everywhere aren't they? :lol:

Considering the source, definitely laugh it off. Enjoy your horse.

Ambrey

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:44 AM

you gotta get a tougher skin to have a draftie in 'dressage'- though to me, a nice trail horse is nothing to sneeze at! I took my Shire/TB to a respectable 67% at 3rd level at a rated show with an O judge. We did everything together, including cut cows, tried some polo, pole bending, barrel racing, overnight horse camping, jumping up to 3'6" fences and.....yes....trail riding.

LOL, that's another good point- I wish my dressage horse was also a great trail horse!

(actually, he's fine, I'm just not a great trail rider. Poor guy must think lions are jumping from the trees for how nervous I get!).

eta: As the self-proclaimed president of the Jane Savoie fan club, I need to give you one of her recent blogs. She is one of the "really great" that Mark Twain was talking about.

http://www.barnmice.com/profiles/blogs/heres-how-you-can-have-a-great

Bugs-n-Frodo

Mar. 15, 2009, 01:32 AM

You know, I used to get all up in arms at the prejudices against the Trakehner in the WB world. People will say that they are crazy, difficult, HOT, can't jump and many more things. I defended them ALL of the time. Well now, I just sit back and let them go on with their assumptions and prejudices and don't let them manipulate me into an argument. They have made up their minds, don't confuse them with the facts. believe me, I am not a laid back person but I pick my battles. Don't worry about what everyone else says, focus on you, your horse and your goals and let the RESULTS of your progress and success put them in their place. If that doesn't do it, no about of trying to educate them with the facts verbally would have made any difference ANYWAY.

It cracks me up that my "crazy" Trakehner (will be six in less than a month) is the best behaved 5/6 year old at my barn. The worst behaved one is a $50,000 Westfalen, and I don't for a minute believe it is a breed thing. The proof is in the pudding. :winkgrin:

LarkspurCO

Mar. 15, 2009, 01:41 AM

First of all, what's wrong with a nice trail horse? Not all horses make nice trail horses. I think nice trail horses are exceptional and desirable.:yes:

I had a trainer tell me my horse was worthless, that he was worth "dog food" and I should get rid of him. I kept the horse and got rid of her instead. Now he's schooling 2nd level, playing with 3rd level, doing very well. He may not be competitive but he's smart and trainable, and we both enjoy the work (he's 1/4 Percheron).

Forget about it and ride!

Bugs-n-Frodo

Mar. 15, 2009, 01:44 AM

Also, I want to add that, when I teach, I teach students who are either re-riders, or students that are changing disciplines from something to dressage. Most of the time, they ride non-traditional horses as their dressage horse. (And, yes, by that I mean both the baroque breeds AND the WBs.) The FIRST thing I tell them is that they must be thoughtful in the way they train their horse, if it is a draft cross, understand what they were bred for and what their limitations are and go from there... same with a TB, a QH or anything other horse that was traditionally bred for another sport or job. Know the limitations, and then think outside the box when training to overcome those issues, or to work with or around them.

At my barn, we have an Andalusian, Several WBs of all types, TBs and a couple of QHs. I board at a primarily dressage barn, thought there are a couple hunter/jumpers there. One of the horses who is a school master at Grand Prix is a TB gelding, we also have a QH training at 3rd level and doing well. Both horses are being ridden thoughtfully, keeping in mind their build and POSSIBLE disadvantages and are wonderful dressage horses because their owners are patient and thoughtful riders and the horses themselves have great minds.

And, BTW, though my guys is laid back and a good boy, he does NOT make a good trail horse. :no: (Atleast, not yet)

YankeeLawyer

Mar. 15, 2009, 02:41 AM

slc2

Mar. 15, 2009, 08:15 AM

Perhaps the person was a diehard trail rider and being a trail horse is the highest complement she can give. Perhaps the reaction is a little over done, though guaranteed to gain a lot of sympathy here. Especially indignant reaction for 'those horrible warmblood owners who can't ride', and all.

Well, given the posts and threads I've read at this bulletin board for the last ten plus years, I should think 'he'd make a nice trail horse' would earn beaming smiles and a hearty 'Why thank you!' instead of an angry, indignant 'leave Brittney alone' type thread on a bulletin board.

I've read for years and years that a horse is worthless if he just goes around and around in the sand ring and can't go out on the trail, that a horse that isn't versatile is worthless, and that specialization in one riding sport is a huge disservice to the horse, makes them sour and ruins what 'nature intended', 'bores them' and makes them incredibly unhappy, plus that dressage horses should spend only 1-2 days a week being schooled in dressage; the rest of their time should be spent trail riding and sorting cattle.

johnnysauntie

Mar. 15, 2009, 08:38 AM

:lol:
Words are made to be eaten ;)

Amen, Ambrey. There are a mix of horses in my barn - from super fancy WBs that would command stratospheric prices to those that would sound less fancy on paper - including a burly perch/QH mare who looks gorgeously baroque when she's got her running braid in for a show, and has proven herself in the dressage ring and stadium. And on trails. She's a marvelous all-rounder.

Most of us have the horses we have because they suit our needs and we click with them. On that level, insulting one's horse is akin to a personal insult! I would ignore someone who would be so rude. Life's too short!

TBrescue

Mar. 15, 2009, 08:52 AM

I must say one of the most fun and willing "dressage horses" I have ever ridden was a full Percheron. She sounded like a monster coming down the concrete barn aisle, but in the ring she had a lightness that was incredible for her 18+hh size! She was confirmed at 2nd and training 3rd when I had the pleasure of riding her!!!

pintopiaffe

Mar. 15, 2009, 10:40 AM

I dunno, I guess I'm just masochistic, but part of the challenge and reward of showing, for me, is doing well on a non-traditional. Somehow, for me, it's like if I did well on a lovely 'more traditional' horse, I have this suspicion that people would think it was all the horse doing it. :winkgrin:

Instead, here we are, doing it DESPITE ourselves. :lol: Mine's the opposite of draftX, he's little, spotty, and ayerab. Most folks can't figure out the ayerab part, but can't miss the little and spotty parts. :lol: The thing is, he is my first horse I'll take from completely unbacked, right up the levels as far as *I* can go. (He'd already be there, if not for me.) He's not perfect, but he's perfect for me. He's smart and kind, impeccably honest, and STILL, everyday, makes my heart flutter when I look at him. :cool:

Revenge is a dish best served cold, and a little side of justice goes nicely with it. So Revel in that when you are doing what you love, on a horse you love. Whether that is showing or not... the revenge is in the happines. ;)

DressageJoy

Mar. 15, 2009, 11:22 AM

Thanks everyone!
SLC - I'm sorry if it came off as a "leave brittney alone" type of post... I honestly was just frustrated and believe me, it helps a lot to get a little encouragement from all these wonderful people. And a lot of you are right, a nice trail horse is nothing to be upset about, it was only upsetting to me because I know this person meant it in a rude way. She is not a diehard trail rider. I do have a very strong connection with my horse, in fact, she is one of the only horses I have ever felt like I had an actual relationship with. So no matter what she ends up doing, dressage, trail riding, yard ornament, I love her dearly. So from now on I think I will just smile and nod, and thank her for her comments, and wait for the day when she has to eat her words. :yes:

Dressage Art

Mar. 15, 2009, 11:43 AM

"Maybe she'll make a nice trail horse" as if that's all she is good for."

Somebody made the same comment about my horse (TB/WB mix). At that time we were at 2nd level and were still dealing with an old habit of rearing/bunny hoping that was left from previous trainer/owner. Boy, those are hard things to get rid off!

I love my mare, she is a part of my family, and I’m an amateur rider who is riding for the experience, not for ribbons. Those comments really hurt. More than that, this opinion started to spread and soon several people were telling me to sell my mare and that she is too claustrophobic to be a dressage horse.

God decided our fate: my mare developed a floating lameness, thus the question of selling her was no longer on the table. I moved to the re-hab facility with 700 acres of trails. That was in early 2007. In the late 2007 we started to walk/trot/canter under saddle. Last month, we debuted at 4th level with score 61+%. I always believed that she can do it. Still, my thanks for that go to horse people who were able to recognize her natural talent and gave us needed support to keep on training. Also I credit the trail riding on the hills for further development of my mare’s hind end and top line.

Nobody really can say if the horse absolutely not suitable for dressage. People who give comments that your horse is only good for trail riding are limited in their vision and true feeling of horses. They might be even trainers, but feeling they are missing in understanding of talents of horses will always hold them back from achieving higher goals.

I personally believe in partnership of a horse and rider. If you two click and work well with each other, if you can control your anger in the saddle and can reward your horse, if you area ready to adjust your goals and happy to be with that horse = you two should make a good dressage team and have a memorable equestrian journey together.

All the best to you and your dressage partner.

mjhco

Mar. 15, 2009, 11:51 AM

1. If I say to someone their horse would make a nice trail horse, I mean it as the biggest compliment ever. I really, really value good minded, sound horses that would be safe on the trails I ride on here in Colorado.

2. I am working on Shade's and my I1 freestyle. (Shade being 1/2 Percheron 1/2 Arabian). I want to do our 2's to "HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW" in honor of all those who were not so kind as we moved up the levels.

slc2

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:00 PM

Well, if people look at your horse and make comments like 'he'd make a nice trail horse', instead of 'he looks like a nice dressage horse', maybe it's time to stop riding him like a trail horse. They're reacting to something they see - maybe if he was going forward into the bit, no one would say that. No one ever has says that about my friend's Shire, but he's moving forward, and being ridden into the bridle.

Bravestrom

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:10 PM

I just can't resist posting - it's an addiction.

My draft cross is a 1/2 clyde 1/2 hackney - commercial horse - many of you know him already - but if you haven't seen pics here is the link again.

Schooling level 2-3, showing level 1 - maybe level 2 this year.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=203497&id=505480415&l=b2b87

We train with an fei rider and also every six weeks have a clinic with a rider that comes over from germany - very well known - anyway. When we first started in 2005 I had a clinic with this guy and and he wasn't too impressed - however, we had just started.

Now he is quite pleased with the progress we have made and surprised.

Nonetheless - my horse is also a great trail horse. He loves to go on hacks and so do I. In fact yesterday we went on a suburban hack by accident. Went to go on some trails but couldn't get access so we went around a few subdivisions - talk about bombproofing - we had 4 1500 lb draft crosses going through suburban streets - you should have seen the looks we got - but the horses were great - 2 eventers, 1 dressage horse and one pmu hubby horse.

So there!!!!!

STF

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:28 PM

If YOUR having fun and your GETTING YOUR GOALS, then screw everyone else and their opinions.
Simple as that.

Ambrey

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:37 PM

The FIRST thing I tell them is that they must be thoughtful in the way they train their horse, if it is a draft cross, understand what they were bred for and what their limitations are and go from there... same with a TB, a QH or anything other horse that was traditionally bred for another sport or job.

Although I think this is good advice, the amount of generalization out there about draft crosses, what they can and can't do, and where their difficulties lie makes me think that there's a real trap that one could fall into here in setting the bar too low.

I would say a better thing to do, with ANY horse, is ride and train the horse you have, not the breed, the conformation, or the expectation. He's the only one who can tell you what he's capable of physically and mentally, but you've got to be listening.

DressageJoy

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:40 PM

Actually SLC, this person saw my horse last year, just being backed, and ONLY ridden by the trainer. She has never seen me ride her. She made this comment recently, solely based on what she saw a year ago. So I guess my point is that there is no doubt in my mind that she said what she said to try to hurt my feelings. How could she possibly make a judgment on the horses abilities when she was 3 years old? But again, I am getting over it. I'm a big girl. In my original post I mentioned that to me dressage is about training a horse to the best of its abilities... can we all agree that it shouldn't matter what breed of horse? I feel like so many people get caught up in showing and winning that they forget that dressage should be about learning, and connecting, and taking the horse as far in it's training as it can go. I was hoping more people would chime in, and the thread wouldn't just be a defending drafts in dressage type of thing. I of course have nothing against warmbloods or any other breed of horse, a good horse is a good horse.

Ambrey

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:45 PM

It isn't turning into a defending drafts, DressageJoy- it's turning into a "defending all the bad things I've said about drafts and crosses over the years that turned out to be wrong." If you notice, the draft lovers aren't the ones defensive, since, as they say, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating."

Sparky

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:49 PM

Oh one of those. They're everywhere aren't they? :lol:

Considering the source, definitely laugh it off. Enjoy your horse.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

slc2

Mar. 15, 2009, 12:59 PM

People say bad things about every breed there is. The most dissed type of horse on this bulletin board is warmblood horses. The MOST reviled horse here is the expensive warmblood, especially if it's bound for top level competition - even worse if it actually WINS.

The 'I love my draft horse' people and the 'I love my Thoroughbred' people and the 'I love my Arabian' people and the 'I love my Morgan' people say far, far worse things about warmbloods, and far, far more frequently, than anyone says about THEIR horses. As far as they're concerned warmbloods aren't good for ANYTHING. They're horrible, horrible horses - stupid, clumsy, unhealthy, ugly, can't piaffe, can't trot, can't walk, can't canter, can't stop, can't go, hard to ride, god I can't even remember all the crap that gets slung here about warmbloods. They're also totally soul-less creatures, unlike Morgans, Arabs and Thoroughbreds, they don't bond with their owners, they are just NOTHING compared to an Arab, or a Thoroughbred, or a Morgan.

Furthermore, it's perfectly FINE to generalize about warmbloods, but draft horses need to be 'seen as individuals' and Thoroughbreds and Arabs are 'for people who are more sensitive and want to bond with their horses', and Morgans are for people who 'respect america and love tradition' and on and on and on and on.

All depends on whose ox is getting gored, doesn't it?

lewin

Mar. 15, 2009, 01:20 PM

Slc, I have never seen any of that here. Occasionally you see comments about warmbloods being a bit hard to ride, or a PRE having a better piaffe, but I regularly see posters drooling over the lovely, big moving warmbloods.

And you are welcome to generalise about any non-traditional breed but realise that if the generalization equates to; Sucks at dressage, people will call you on it.

Coreene

Mar. 15, 2009, 01:31 PM

Oh good lord, she saw a green 3 y.o. that was just backed and made a comment based on that. If it was so awful - and surely it can't be, because as you say you're getting over it and a big girl - then why start a thread about it and get defensive when you don't like someone's response? Why not tell the ofender that what she said pissed you off and move on?

sidepasser

Mar. 15, 2009, 02:55 PM

Or you could do the simple thing and say very nicely "why thank you, it is so nice that you recognized my horse's calm nature, willing disposition and active brain, which we all know is what it takes to make a nice trail horse".

I love a good trail horse. I also love a good dressage horse, I like them best paired together..a good trail horse that can do a good dressage test.

Not every horse is suitable for both or either..

Next time, turn the tables and thank her for her observation..if it doesn't shut her up (if she is being a snark) it sure will make her go "oomph and stomp off"..lol..

Nothing wrong with a good horse..and I love them all, even the mutts that don't have a pedigree except that which is best described as "Heinz 57". They can all be good at something provided one takes the time to train them correctly. May not be what we wish for, but what they are suited for.

snbess

Mar. 15, 2009, 03:11 PM

"I love a good trail horse. I also love a good dressage horse, I like them best paired together..a good trail horse that can do a good dressage test."

I agree 100%!

Bravestrom

Mar. 15, 2009, 04:09 PM

Well then I am pretty lucky.

MEP

Mar. 15, 2009, 04:45 PM

I was going to suggest the old "why bless your heart" response reserved for snarky people. Then, if she was intentionally trying to be snarky, you've given her an answer she can't argue with. Or, if she understands the subtext of your reply, you've zinged her. Or, if she was not intending on being snarky, you haven't started WWIII by opening direct combat back.

I've learned the 'bless your heart' response here on CoTH. I don't always use it - I'm one of those people who goes blank and sputters - but I've been practicing so that I'll remember to trot it out in those trying circumstances where people are being mean or disrespectful just cuz they can.

slc2

Mar. 15, 2009, 05:06 PM

"Actually SLC, this person saw my horse last year, just being backed, and ONLY ridden by the trainer. She has never seen me ride her. She made this comment recently, solely based on what she saw a year ago. So I guess my point is that there is no doubt in my mind that she said what she said to try to hurt my feelings. How could she possibly make a judgment on the horses abilities when she was 3 years old? "

And if she's so stupid, why are you so fixated on what she said?

If she looks at the horse and says 'he'd make a nice trail horse' so the heck what. I also had an Amish guy look at my pony and say he'd make a nice driving horse.

So BEFORE I got all up in his face or ran to my little girlfriends to confirm with them that the Amish know nothing of PROPER driving, and how dare the mean man insult my horse by saying he would be good at something, I said, 'what is it about the horse that looks like a good driving horse?'

He said, 'Well, what I'm looking at is the angle of the shoulder, the set of the neck, the muscle on the back, and that he really bends his hocks and lifts his knees barefoot'.

And ah...isn't that exactly what makes a horse a good driving horse of the type I'd like him to be?

Instead of getting your self all worked up about it so that you're complaining about it for months after, ASK her.

'What are you seeing that makes a good trail horse?'

'Oh well he certainly won't make a good dressage horse....'

'Why is that?'

'Well, he's very heavy and slow looking. He looks overweight. He doesn't pick up his feet very well, and he looks clumsy to me. He has a very big head and thick neck'.

'Oh I see. So, you don't feel a dressage horse can be a heavy type of horse?'

'Well, I....'

'Would you say that all dressage horses need to be of a lighter to medium type?'

'Well, I guess so....'

'OK, now I know what you mean. Look, I realize my horse may not be ideal in some people's eyes. But I like her, and I'm the person paying her bills. You don't have to like her - she ain't yours'.

Ages ago I saw Dave Hudak riding in a western class at a show. As he rode to the ring, someone called out something nasty to him, and he yelled back, 'Give me a break, I've only been riding the dang horse for seven years' (LOL).

WHY GET SO BOTHERED? Horse people are always saying garbage. Just ignore it.

Coreene

Mar. 15, 2009, 05:14 PM

Well then I am pretty lucky.

As is the OP. It's not Darfur, the economy is in the shitter, etc. If the best thing I can come up with to moan about is the original whinge, then I'd say I was indeed fortunate.

terasa

Mar. 15, 2009, 05:22 PM

Heres my take :)
For some reason horse-y people are ultra competitive. It doesnt matter what kind of horse you ride or how well you do in a specific setting, there will always be someone out there who voices a rude and unasked for opinion- or at the very least mutters it to the person next to her. Usually to try to put themselves or their own horse in a better light.
My policy is that I do not, under any circumstances, comment on peoples riding or horses in a clinic or lesson setting. That's the trainer's job. And in general I never make anything but a positive comment about someone's horse, unless I'm specifically asked for my opinion.
I'm the proud owner of a 3 yo 3/4 TB, 1/4 Percheron. And I hear ya on the stupid comments. One minute shes 'slow' and 'clumsy' cause of the perch, next minute she's supposedly going to be too hot cause of all that TB ;) The reality is she's a nice even tempered girl whos athletic enough for anything I'll ever throw at her. Perfect for me. Most that dont know her breeding think shes a TB or some type of WB anyhow, and thats either good or bad according to whoever that person is, and what day of the week it is ;)
I've heard she's gorgeous, I've heard she's plain, I've heard she's too small and too big. Slow and sensitive....you get the idea.
Everyone has their opinion, and sadly, in horse-y land, people don't feel shy about letting you know what it is.

Carolinadreamin'

Mar. 15, 2009, 05:23 PM

There's always going to be people in the horse world that have snarky comments about anyone's particular horse - right or wrong. As long as you're happy with your horse, ignore the comments. It's their problem, not yours.

Dressage Art

Mar. 15, 2009, 05:24 PM

What to tell the offender and how the offender feels doesn't really matter. They probably will forget that they even offended you and go on with their life like nothing even happen. It's really about how YOU end up feeling and at times it can be difficult to brush harsh words about the horse that you love. If your horse is just equipment for you that you can sell/trade, then it's a different feeling.

Try to remember that there always will be people with more talented for dressage horses, with more chances to get regular lessons from great trainers, better quality tack, rig and so on. Try not to compare your horse to others and make only reasonable goals with what you'll be able to make yourself happy. At the end it's not about "them", it's about "you". So focus more how to make yourself happy rather than how to make "them" feel miserable.

I think with this economy we'll see more short tempered people who may come to BBs looking for escape goats.

goeslikestink

Mar. 15, 2009, 05:25 PM

Someone recently made a comment about my Perch/TB (after only seeing her one time last year as a clumsy 3 year old just being backed) that infuriated me.

"Maybe she'll make a nice trail horse" as if that's all she is good for.

I know my horse was not built for dressage, and probably wont ever go past training level, and that's fine with me, but that's no reason she can not learn the basics to the best of HER abilities. Isn't that the whole point?

I think this quote says it best... "Dressage is the art of improving one's horse beyond the stage of plain usefulness, of making him more amenable, easier to control, pleasanter to ride, more graceful in his bearing and better to look upon."

the best horse in the world is the one you are in partner with
meaning you love your horse your horse loves you then thats all that matters
dont waste time and energy spend it on your horse instead just brush it off as hah ha
your so funny hahaha laugh at them rather than be upset by them
see laughing is a contagious and ther last laugh is on them as they havent a clue a what you found so funny-until the penny drops its actually them you laughing at---

Mike Matson

Mar. 15, 2009, 05:38 PM

Dressagejoy,

Show "Miss Mouth" this video of a Shire doing a First Level freestyle and then put your boot up her ass. :yes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjQfGHGFKH4&feature=channel_page

goeslikestink

Mar. 15, 2009, 05:53 PM

Dressagejoy,

Show "Miss Mouth" this video of a Shire doing a First Level freestyle and then put your boot up her ass. :yes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjQfGHGFKH4&feature=channel_page

there you go- nice video and nice little horse haha

Ambrey

Mar. 15, 2009, 06:54 PM

Dressagejoy,

Show "Miss Mouth" this video of a Shire doing a First Level freestyle and then put your boot up her ass. :yes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjQfGHGFKH4&feature=channel_page

I love that video, Mike :) I couldn't vote because everyone knows my vote would always go for the draft ;)

DressageJoy

Mar. 15, 2009, 07:01 PM

WHY GET SO BOTHERED? Horse people are always saying garbage. Just ignore it.

You are definitely right about that.

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread no matter what your opinion. I definitely appreciate the people who encouraged me, and I also appreciate the people who basically told me to quit being a baby about it. I was so aggravated last night when I posted my original post, and now looking back at it I am feeling very childish and petty. Although I did get some good advice, because I know this isn't the first, nor will it be the last time someone says crap about my horse, so hopefully I will be able to just confront it when it happens.

ETA: For the record, I love warmbloods, trakehners, etc. I don't know that many, but of the ones I do know they are fantastic. I didn't even realize they get a lot of crap said about them too.

Couture TB

Mar. 15, 2009, 07:05 PM

I know how you feel. Heck I don't care if the horse is a mutt as long as it has a good heart and is willing to learn. I had a 3/4 TB 1/4 draft for sale that tons of people looked at but passed even though he baby sat them and their kids, he was only 5 at the time, because they decided that they didn't want a draft cross. He ended up going to a class A jumper barn as a childs jumper

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm205/MattsonTraining/Absolutevertical4.jpg

slc2

Mar. 16, 2009, 01:14 AM

Actually, when people dislike good, using horses, it can easily be a GOOD thing. All the more nice horses for the other people. Not only have I saved a lot of money when buying horses due to various people turning them down, I had the fun of learning from the horses and bringing them along. Makes a seller's life hell, but someone eventually gets a nice horse out of it. No, probably not a perfect horse, but fortunately all tastes are not identical.

classicsporthorses

Mar. 16, 2009, 10:18 AM

One of the greatest compliments I got was when my Percheron/Tb gelding was in training for dressage and his rider and he would go take lessons from a Grand Prix rider/trainer. The GP trainer SO wanted my boy and would ask to ride him!

She adored him and saw his potential possibly to 4th level. And the judges love him at both rated and non-rate shows in NY and VA. He is also an amazing trail horse too!

On a side note, I have a now 21 year old Tb (I got him as a 10 year old and he was a rescue) who is the poster child for bad confirmation! If you looked at him you would wonder how he even walks much less really moved.

That boy can still clear level 7 jumps with ease and he has done everything from all the english discplines to western pleasure and gaming-imagine a 17.1 hand TB doing poles (his best event).

Jealoushe

Mar. 16, 2009, 10:34 AM

webmistress32

Mar. 16, 2009, 10:37 AM

I get a lot of people who ask me why I waste time and money working my old Appaloosa on dressage.

"because I want to, he likes it and it's none of your f%^$&ing business." is what immediately springs to my mind. :D

he is, as an aside, an awesome trail horse!

bird4416

Mar. 16, 2009, 11:36 AM

As the proud owner of 2 draft crosses, I know where you're coming from. I had a saddle fitter comment once that if my horse continued to widen the only thing that would fit him would be a collar. At first I was a little peeved but then I realized he was just trying to be funny and I got a giggle out of it. One of my boys is affectionately known as Thunder Butt because when he comes up behind you on the rail, you can feel the vibrations. I took him to a dressage show last spring and he did quite respectably in first level with scores in the mid 60's. However his real forte' is trail riding and fox hunting and that's where he shines.

Next time someone makes a disparaging remark about your boy, just shrug it off. They just don't know what they are missing. All that matters is that you are happy with him. Out of my 4 horses, he is the first one I pick if I want a nice relaxing ride with no worries.

doccer

Mar. 16, 2009, 01:29 PM

Ignorant people will always be around... here's the comment that sent me over the deep end...

"...It's too bad, You could've been a real rider if you had a real horse..."

:eek: wtf did you just say to me??!! (my standardbred/belgian/grade ... sweetest, highly trained thing ever!)

These are the people that shouldn't be classified as horsepeople... ignore them, don't sink down to their level... smile and say 'that's nice' ;)

It makes me so upset when people judge another... i've cried, i've yelled, and ultimately... my dressage test are better than their's ;) It makes it hard for those ignorant people to judge you when you just won the class :yes:

Carnelian

Mar. 16, 2009, 04:00 PM

I own a 1/4 draft x 3/4 TB that looks like a WB.

I also ride a PMU draft cross that looks like he should be pulling a cart (as a clinician told his owner :()

I was so proud of the PMU when I rode both in the same training 4 dressage class last fall and he beat my "fancier" draft by 5 percentage points.

I'll be riding them both in the same first level test 4 class at a schooling show in two weeks.

Bottom line: I LOVE what crossing a draft does to a horse. I haven't had the opportunity to try a full draft. Wouldn't trade them for anything else. The proof is in the scores as others have said.

Don't even get me started on how talented BOTH are over fences.

Shrunk "N" Da Wash

Mar. 16, 2009, 05:01 PM

Ignore them... I understand it is frustrating and annoying :mad: but you'll be the one laughing when he is showing beautifully :yes:.

I am a PROUD owner of a percheron/tb/QH/arab cross:lol:. She is a very pretty pinto and always has been but she was quite unridinghorse looking when I got her (i had no intentions of showing her when i got her... i just wanted a trail horse at the time hahah). Anyways I started competing her and no one thought she was much of a competitor. Now she is pulling off scores consistently in the 70's! And winning many events. I have even been asked on several occasions if she is a Colored Wb bahahaha... nope

Trakehner

Mar. 17, 2009, 09:40 PM

You know, I used to get all up in arms at the prejudices against the Trakehner in the WB world. People will say that they are crazy, difficult, HOT, can't jump and many more things. I defended them ALL of the time. Well now, I just sit back and let them go on with their assumptions and prejudices and don't let them manipulate me into an argument.

Just remember, your Trakehner is the only true breed of warmblood...all the rest are regional descriptions, and not breeds. This pisses off the other "warmblood" people to no end.

I personally don't want to play the drums trying to get some cow of a Hannovarian/Holsteiner to get their butt in gear. I used to hear some comments when showing in Germany..basically, "don't get your antlers caught on the jump".

I don't worry if anyone doesn't like my horses (or mule)...I used to take my Shire mare in dressage classes to piss off the DQs and to let me students have a good laugh. She could do single tempis and some pretty amazing moves...for a very short while...but it was fun to tweak noses.

slc2

Mar. 17, 2009, 09:48 PM

Wow, I think your snotty post just won a prize for most nasty criticism of breed or registry.

And I don't really think it's good ambasadorship for the Trakehner either.

Wallysfolley

Mar. 17, 2009, 10:02 PM

Don't worry, if someone has such low expectations of your horse you can look forward to that moment of one day watching them pick their jaw up off the ground.

Amen to that! I have a little QH mare and sometimes feel she gets looked down upon becuase she's not bred to do dressage. How about we got two 9s at our first dressage show together a couple of weekends ago! BOOYA!

AnotherRound

Mar. 17, 2009, 10:31 PM

"Actually SLC, this person saw my horse last year, just being backed, and ONLY ridden by the trainer. She has never seen me ride her. She made this comment recently, solely based on what she saw a year ago. So I guess my point is that there is no doubt in my mind that she said what she said to try to hurt my feelings. How could she possibly make a judgment on the horses abilities when she was 3 years old? "

etc., etc., etc., ......

and say he'd make a nice driving horse....

blah blah blah....I said, 'what is it about the horse that looks like a good driving horse?

and so forth...that he really bends his hocks and lifts his knees barefoot'.

.....WHY GET SO BOTHERED? Horse people are always saying garbage. Just ignore it.

Contrary to my usual inability to read el Slick-o's posts from start to finish, this time I did, and i have to say, I agree with her on this point. Asking a bit further WHY someone says what they say, WHAT makes them think that, actually flatters them, you are asking about how they think and most people are egoists enough to elaborate a bit. Also, they may have a reason, as el Slick-o suggested.

If this person was just commenting on what she saw in the animal, that's her contribution to you and your horse. Not all horses can make a good cross country animal, my first horse, I loved buy it destroyed her legs to go up and over the mountains. Third horse, no so much. He swam, scrambled, climbed, gamely tried everything I put him to, stepped over beaver dams, jumped down switchbacks and raced bears out to the highway. In the same ride. Barefoot. In the snow. Uphill. Both ways (heh heh). That was a damn good trail horse. And a damn good horse. I loved him and his efforts in the ring were also brilliant.

Take is for what it is worth - one man's opinon. when there are 2,000 more you will meet in your lifetime with your horse.

Good luck!! I wish you all the best with dressage. And when you venture out on the trail, I wish you the tidiest, wile-iest, mountain-goat-iest, funnest and steadiest mount you could ask for.

Have a great spring in and out of the ring!

Lambie Boat

Mar. 17, 2009, 11:59 PM

I always heard that Trakehners can be tough under saddle, but they're tender on the plate

Petstorejunkie

Mar. 18, 2009, 11:04 PM

I always heard that Trakehners can be tough under saddle, but they're tender on the plate
just shows a rider's lack of skill in the saddle and a lack of manners at the dinner table.
I don't own a trakehner, but that's about as rude as it gets.

slc2

Mar. 18, 2009, 11:05 PM

TAIFP

Jocko

Mar. 19, 2009, 01:12 PM

Ride a draft your butt will look smaller. :yes:

actcasual

Mar. 19, 2009, 08:27 PM

just shows a rider's lack of skill in the saddle and a lack of manners at the dinner table.
I don't own a trakehner, but that's about as rude as it gets.

Sometimes jokes are a little bit rude. And I'm pretty sure that's a joke, because most Trakehners are still too expensive to bbq.

slc2

Mar. 19, 2009, 08:28 PM

it don't even come close to the trakehner lover's post about how other breeds suck.

Trakehner

Mar. 20, 2009, 09:49 PM

it don't even come close to the trakehner lover's post about how other breeds suck.

Never said other warmbloods "suck"...said a Hannovian/Holsteiner can be a real cow to ride. As one of my dressage instructors said, "Insensitive sides" when dealing with em'. They can be awfully cold-blooded and tough to get going well...Too many riders can't or won't ride a hotter horse (TB's, Trakehners, Arabs etc.) and want a cow of a warmblood who they have to push and push vs. actually ride and have a lovely responsive horse. Difference between riders and passengers. If you have to "kick that pig", you're a passenger.

Foxtrot's

Mar. 20, 2009, 09:58 PM

Heck, a dressage horse can be taught the tricks - it takes a special horse to have the head and manners to make "a good trail horse" that a rider can trust under any circumstances - they are not that easy to find. Consider it a compliment, even if it was not meant to be!

ceholehan

Mar. 21, 2009, 09:56 AM

The best revenge is a good life. Go RIDE!:D

RHdobes563

Mar. 21, 2009, 10:36 AM

Just remember, your Trakehner is the only true breed of warmblood...all the rest are regional descriptions, and not breeds. This pisses off the other "warmblood" people to no end.

I personally don't want to play the drums trying to get some cow of a Hannovarian/Holsteiner to get their butt in gear. I used to hear some comments when showing in Germany..basically, "don't get your antlers caught on the jump".

I don't worry if anyone doesn't like my horses (or mule)...I used to take my Shire mare in dressage classes to piss off the DQs and to let me students have a good laugh. She could do single tempis and some pretty amazing moves...for a very short while...but it was fun to tweak noses.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Fairview Horse Center

Mar. 21, 2009, 12:36 PM

I posted on a draft cross thread a couple of years ago, a few photos of Nevada babies out of draft mares. One poster, who is a top warmblood breeder posted that all foals may be cute, but they would not be winning any conformation classes when grown up. She specifically pointed out this filly, who is now grown up. :winkgrin:

Although not a conformation photo, I think you can see enough to know she would not be kicked out of many barns. :lol:

Her owner worried for years, as she was growing up. She REALY wanted a dressage horse, and not "just a trail" horse. This was her first show, and she scored a 68.2%, winning her class. :D I think that draft cross is going to be exactly what she wanted. :cool:

Enjoy your draft cross! <don't even ask me to post this girl's 3 year old photo :o >

FriesianX

Mar. 21, 2009, 02:17 PM

Fairview Horse Center

Mar. 21, 2009, 02:25 PM

Never said other warmbloods "suck"...said a Hannovian/Holsteiner can be a real cow to ride. As one of my dressage instructors said, "Insensitive sides" when dealing with em'. They can be awfully cold-blooded and tough to get going well...Too many riders can't or won't ride a hotter horse (TB's, Trakehners, Arabs etc.) and want a cow of a warmblood who they have to push and push vs. actually ride and have a lovely responsive horse. Difference between riders and passengers. If you have to "kick that pig", you're a passenger.

Someone has not been around Hanoverians or Holsteiners for a long time, and never around good ones. Even the older type have easy gas pedals, but the ones over the last say 10 years or so are EXTREMELY TBy. Modern Hanoverians and Holsteiners are very light, and IMO, many are TOO sensitive for most amateurs.