Palomino Hunters

[Flypony]

Is there very many at the upper levels of hunters. I have a 4 year old, very attractive and 16 hh, and thinking of pointing him in the hunter direction , he is so laid back, and a fair mover as well. Would he be at a dissadvantage because of his color and a blaze and 4 socks to his knees.

[Seven-up]

He's much more likely to be at a disadvantage due to his "fair" movement than he is because of color. What does he jump like? If he's got a WOW jump, that makes up for less than stellar movement.

There are people who don't like certain colors. They're just opinions, and they're all different. Many people love the chrome nowadays.

If he's fantastic, people will say, "That awesome palomino..." if he's blah, people will say, "That funky palomino..." :winkgrin:


Color by itself is not really a disadvantage. It will just make you more or less noticeable, depending on if you are good or bad. If Rox Dene was purple with green stripes, she still would have been a knockout.

[superpony123]

It's easy to say "hunter judges don't like paints or palominos! or appys!" the color seems to be obvious, but *usually* these colors are *more* common on stockier horses: AQHA's, APHA's, appy's, etc. there are some FANTASTIC hunters of those breeds, but let's face it, the conformation of your average QH is not as huntery as that of a TB or WB

that being said, the color of your horse doesn't matter as much as you think. is your horse really stocky? does your horse have a really great jump? a good jump will make up for not-so-great movement.

i've got a fairly loud pinto pony. half welsh, we don't know the other half. he was bred to be a western child's pony, and so i am going to assume somewhat safely that the other half is *likely* that of a QH or paint horse. he's got a stocky butt. he is built like a little tank. he is NOT a nice mover. but he's got a lovely jump. the people who bred him saw pretty soon when they started to train him that he had no interest in barrels and was quite a jumper. sold him and he became an english pony. we get ribbons at A shows in the hunters. he's got one stellar jump. i know plenty of paints and palomino ponies and horses in the hunters that are winners.

[neutral milk hotel]

From what I've seen, the palominos do very well, especially in the pony ring (where I believe they are more common). For example:

http://www.chronofhorse.com/index.php?cat=21601043093718&image=4&z_Gallery_ID=1330708093202165
http://www.chronofhorse.com/index.php?cat=21601043093718&image=6&z_Gallery_ID=1330808094534317
http://www.ponyworld.net/images/devon2004/YearlingColts/Devon2004-347b.jpg
http://www.othfarm.com/sale/?id=123
http://www.othfarm.com/sale/sold/?id=83

Having color will just make you stand out more, so the fancy ones will pop in the crowd but a less than fancy one or misbehavior stands out.

[Ozone]

If their can be champion black and whites out there - yea there can be a palomino hunter with socks and a blaze doing the same ;)

[sansibar]

I think if your horse has colour you stand out more, for good and possibly bad reasons, but it is all how the judge sees it.

There is a very nice palomino showing in the younger AAs here, named Renaissance.

[HunterObsession]

We have a palomino A/O hunter at my barn. He is a fantastic mover with an ok jump. They do well when they put in good rounds and don't when they don't. I think the judges probably remember her rounds more clearly since she is not on a bay.

[TesignedInGold]

I've got a palomino QH, who's ribboned at the "A" shows- his picture has been posted in other threads. He's got an ok trot, a good canter, and a WOW jump. Do we pin in the hack? Occasionally, but rarely. Do we ribbon over fences? As long as I don't mess him up!

[luvs2ridewbs]

I would absolutely buy and show a quality palomino hunter provided it is a fancy mover and jumpers.

[SuZQuzie]

One of my friends used to ride a palomino pinto mare in the large ponies and did spectacularly: usually champion or reserve at the As and AAs. :)

[TheHunterKid90]

I just sold my palomino hunter...he wasn't a 10 mover but normally got a piece of the hack when he didn't get his own ideas about what happened after the reverse and walk. ;) His jump on the other hand....OMG, knees up beyond his nose...perfectly square, and very round...he was little (15.2) but long and even though he had a big stride for his size he still had to gallop down the lines a little which of course didn't look quite as good as the WB's who lumbered down the lines half asleep. :lol: ...all in all I would tke another one in a second....he was awesome and judges rarely "screwed" him for his color. :)

[Moocow]

I think if your horse has colour you stand out more, for good and possibly bad reasons, but it is all how the judge sees it.

There is a very nice palomino showing in the younger AAs here, named Renaissance.

I was thinking of the same horse, sansibar! I've never seen him go in person but the pictures look quite nice!

I agree with the others - standing out due to colour could be both good and bad. If the horse moves and jumps very well, he will really stand out due to his markings/colouring. If he doesn't move so well and jumps average, then he will still stand out, but not for the right reasons.

[MintHillFarm]

I would love to find one myself....there is a backyard breeder of QHs near me who always has 2 or 3 Palomino foals every year. I need to go over there one day and see what he has. There are always some yearlings and 2 yrs olds as well.

MANY years ago, there was a very successful Palomino hunter named Lemon Springs...anyone else remember that one?

[spmoonie]

Ive got a palomino paint pony that I do the equitation/medals with. Now, hes no champion A circuit hunter, but we win our fair share.

[mrsbradbury]

I happen to like Palimino's. There no hurt in trying, see how he comes along.
I will tell you from sales point, in my personal opinion; the quietness and the color appeal to me, because the ladies will think he's pretty. I will sacrifice some of the WOW for the brain for my AA, and local ladies.

Remember : Manners and suitability always count.

[trafalgar]

I loved Gold Apollo

[PonyPenny]

I remember a really nice Palomino hunter named Sandlot that showed in So. Cal a few years back. He was quite stunning and won his share of ribbons. I believe he was with Leslie Nelson from Santa Barbara. I do not know what his breeding was, but he was a beautiful horse, especially with that blond mane and tail.

[WBS]

I show in the adult ams with my horse Renaissance (mentioned above) and I don't think he's ever been put out of the ribbons because of his colour, it's usually because 9 other horses had better trips.

here's a some picture's of my boy
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=678774&l=89d7c07524&id=516362197
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1988711&l=a6a1133452&id=516362197
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2126236&l=dc702c858f&id=516362197

He gets his colouring from his mom's side a reg.morgan and his sire is Drietakt a imported german warmblood (Baden Wurttemberg, Westphalin and approved Hanoverian They are all the same to me) And he is registered as a Canadian Warmblood

[Samotis]

WBS, he is beautiful. You are lucky to have such a nice palomino!

I have never seen a really fancy palomino. I am not saying they aren't out there, they are just really hard to find!!

I have seen some ok 3 footers, but never a nice solid 3'6 palomino hunter.

I would love to have one though!

[MintHillFarm]

WBS - really lovely horse...you guys make a grear pair.

[SilverBalls]

I have absolutely adored palominos ever since I laid eyes on Gold Apollo back in the 70's-80's.
I used to own a palomono TB that I purchased from Norsire Farm in Virginia named Gold Tycoon. I sold him last year as a 2 year old because he was not going to be able to accomodate my 6' frame. He is striking, jumps and moves awesome. He is currently showing in HB in California.

My point: If you are going to walk in the ring with a "horse of color" he/she better be able to perform well. For some reason, these horses are held to a higher standard of performance... probably because they stand out in a crowd.

Go for it... make us proud!

[Blonde Filly]

My very first pony was a shetland pony, which are chocolate palominos and I did the hunters with him in the early 70s!!!:)

I have loved Palominos forever and they have been around for a long, long time in the hunter ring...I would hope any judge would be judging your horse on his performance over the fences and not his color!!! ;) In the hack again I hope the judges would be judging his movement and not his color! Go for it!!! :yes:

I do know Gold Tycoon lives in the Santa Barbara, CA area and he has been to some of the A shows in CA recently and is being ridden around the shows to get use to them and has started over just some cross rails and when he is there, his current owner Leslie Nelson who bought him from SilverBalls/Bill said people just stop and look when he goes by and always ask about him and comment on how gorgeous he is walking by when he is being ridden and they do gather to watch him go around the ring and over a few fences...he will be one to watch in 2010!!! I am very excited about this homebred of mine!!! He has it all and more (lovely mover and form over the fences too!!) and is in the "right hands" to excell in the hunter world next year despite his gorgeous palomino color!!!!:D

On this link you can see Gold Tycoon free jumping as a 2 year old last year and a youtube video of him free jumping too. http://www.bydesignfarm.com/goldtycoon.htm

Here is a photo of him recently in CA! :D

[Blonde Filly]

I show in the adult ams with my horse Renaissance (mentioned above) and I don't think he's ever been put out of the ribbons because of his colour, it's usually because 9 other horses had better trips.

here's a some picture's of my boy
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=678774&l=89d7c07524&id=516362197
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1988711&l=a6a1133452&id=516362197
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2126236&l=dc702c858f&id=516362197

He gets his colouring from his mom's side a reg.morgan and his sire is Drietakt a imported german warmblood (Baden Wurttemberg, Westphalin and approved Hanoverian They are all the same to me) And he is registered as a Canadian Warmblood

:eek: Your boy is lovely!!! :yes: I love the dark palominos...the chocolate palominos are just GORGEOUS in my book!! :yes::yes::yes: I had two last weanlings last year and they sold right away...it was the first year I'd had two so dark...LOVE it!! I also got two more very dark ones this year too...I don't have any current photos of them or I'd post one for you to see.

Here are a few of Cassie's Gold Locket and Timelss Blonde two of my 2008 foals.

[IsolaBella09]

I do not think he would have a disadvantage. We have a palomino hunter and at all her shows she was either Champion or Reserve Champion. She's a star. ;)

[fair judy]

I have absolutely adored palominos ever since I laid eyes on Gold Apollo back in the 70's-80's.
I used to own a palomono TB that I purchased from Norsire Farm in Virginia named Gold Tycoon. I sold him last year as a 2 year old because he was not going to be able to accomodate my 6' frame. He is striking, jumps and moves awesome. He is currently showing in HB in California.

My point: If you are going to walk in the ring with a "horse of color" he/she better be able to perform well. For some reason, these horses are held to a higher standard of performance... probably because they stand out in a crowd.

Go for it... make us proud!

i had a couple of the gold apollo get in florida, both very consistent winners. that was back when horses "of color" were only just being accepted in the hunters, and before the WBWR designation turned on its head!

the TB assoc. never recognized those horses as palomino. they were considered chestnut.

[KBEquine]

Yes - Canadian Kid is officially registered with the JC as chestnut, since he's a 1990 model & "color" wasn't recognized then.

I keep hoping Au Panda will post some of the great pictures of Gold Panda jumping - he is beautiful!

[Blonde Filly]

Yes - Canadian Kid is officially registered with the JC as chestnut, since he's a 1990 model & "color" wasn't recognized then.

I keep hoping Au Panda will post some of the great pictures of Gold Panda jumping - he is beautiful!

Me too....she has a website but I can't think of the name of it...will try to google it. I know he's been for sale for years now..but I think she has a hefty price on him and really wants to keep him..is he still showing in CA??:confused:

[RugBug]

I remember a really nice Palomino hunter named Sandlot that showed in So. Cal a few years back. He was quite stunning and won his share of ribbons. I believe he was with Leslie Nelson from Santa Barbara. I do not know what his breeding was, but he was a beautiful horse, especially with that blond mane and tail.

I showed against him...and lost. :winkgrin: He was very nice.

[see u at x]

I'm not normally a huge palomino fan, but wow, you guys have some NICE horses. :yes: My BO has a really pretty palomino Castle Magic granddaughter, but she's very green.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3815541872_024abd711c_o.jpg

We keep joking that she needs to be sold out of state so that none of us will have to compete against her. :lol:

[inmotion]

Don't forget Cisco Kid......

Lovely hunters!!!

[Blonde Filly]

I showed against him...and lost. :winkgrin: He was very nice.

Yes Leslie Nelson told me she had and older gelding by Gold Apollo that she just adores...I think he is retired from showing now, but he is still with her at her farm in Santa Barbara, CA. Leslie also has Kiki's Gold Obsession that she bought from me early this spring...so she has a few in the future line up. Gold Tycoon will be showing over fences next year...I can't wait!!! :D

Photos of Kiki's Gold Obsession at Upperville, VA on June 6th, 2009.

[au_panda]

I try not to post too often on the palomino hunter threads; I worry about the advertising/bragging rules but I do love my palomino hunter :lol:. This is my latest picture of Gold Panda from the Pebble Beach Classic last month. He was leased for the show by a youngster in my friend's barn and did the Children's Hunters and Eq (apparently they forgot to tell him that these are 3' divisions).

Everything in this photo isn't perfect but I bought it because it shows a wee bit of scope on his part. The cross pieces on these standards were over 4'. He also was show champion in the Modified Hunters at Woodside in June, with fences at 3'3". I am targeting him to do the 1st Years next year.

As to placing, we have found that most judges are very fair. We don't think of him as a hack winning mover (his forte are the O/F classes) and we have been consistently pleased that judges place him very well in the hacks too.


http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2469233060102212534IzkHEb

[Blonde Filly]

He's a cutie over fences for sure!!! :D

[gotrocks]

Shaw Johnson Price's horse Reese is a palomino. I know they call him a "chestnut" and they put a chestnut tail in him when he shows but he really is a dark palomino and he is STUNNING!!!! Plenty of show results as well :)

[ponyhunterlove]

This year the over fences winner at Pony Finals for the Large Green division was a palomino paint pony. Granted, he wasn't a stocky AQHA pony or stocky at all, but he still won, even with his strange color.

[KBEquine]

Everything in this photo isn't perfect but I bought it because it shows a wee bit of scope on his part. The cross pieces on these standards were over 4'.

http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2469233060102212534IzkHEb


I think that's what I loved about the picture - scope, heart, try - and because he's putting a bit more oomph into it than necessary, you get a great view of his form!

[allanglos]

I have a 16.3H palomino that is just starting in Hunters. He is age 5. He wins the hacks, and the over fences when he remembers his leads:)

[Gideon]

I see very few Palominos, Paints or Apps in the higher hunter divisions.:)

[au_panda]

Gideon I see very few Palominos, Paints or Apps in the higher hunter divisions.:)Did you maybe mean that you see very few horses in the higher hunter divisions? :eek:

Hopefully that will change as the efforts of the breeders on this board breeding hunters (of any color) begin to see their horses old enough to compete in the upper divisions.

[Horseshowaddict]

Ehhh, they are just stirring the pot. All of these horses are just BEAUTIFUL. Keep it up! Plain and simple, you see more bays, etc etc, because there are more of them. Hard enough to find a palomino, let alone find a very nice one. Simple numbers, it looks like good breeding is creating quite a few very very nice horses.

[Kinsella]

Did you maybe mean that you see very few horses in the higher hunter divisions? :eek:


In KY this week, there were 16 First Years, 11 Green Conf, 10 Second Years, 12 Regulars, and 3 Regular Conformations. Those numbers (aside from the Reg. Conf.) are really good for the "higher hunter divisions". And nope, not a one is a dilute or spotted... The other "higher" divisions (JR & AO) had 10each. I think that the classic bay/grey/chestnut is always going to rule, and though I would LOVE to see a dilute/colored in the "big ring", none of the ones I have seen in photos/videos/person as of yet look to me like they have what it takes to make it there for the long haul. That's not meant as an insult to any person or any horse, just *MY* observation after having been in and around some big shows and a large number of dilute/colored horses. It also bears noting that there ARE dilutes/colors in the Adult Amateur/Children's hunter rings... Is that their max or is that because of their good brains or the limit of their owner's ambitions?

[au_panda]

This week's show in Ky is the predecessor of the $100,000 Hunter Derby to be held at next week's show. Isn't every well-funded hunter in the country there this week to get a feel for the grounds in order to be settled in for next week? And still only 16 in the largest division?

[Horseshowaddict]

Yup.

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

Here are some photos of the fantastic little palomino I had in high school (who was my COTH namesake ;)).

He was crotchety as all get out, a cow to clip, the worst cribber in the entire world, and impossible to catch if he thought you were going to ride him- I used to have to pay little kids to catch him for me, because he'd run alllll day from me.

On the plus side, a monkey could ride him, he was auto everything if you could find the gas, jumped great, and frequently got a piece of the hack. He was a great first horse.

Excuse my attire and equitation... I was young ;) (http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1124/86/28/50000090/n50000090_30488290_6278.jpg)
Another (http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1124/86/28/50000090/n50000090_30488291_6569.jpg)
My last show on him- you can see I did eventually improve :lol:
(http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1124/86/28/50000090/n50000090_30488292_6871.jpg)

[Kinsella]

This week's show in Ky is the predecessor of the $100,000 Hunter Derby to be held at next week's show. Isn't every well-funded hunter in the country there this week to get a feel for the grounds in order to be settled in for next week? And still only 16 in the largest division?


Um, nope. There are very few of the Hunter Derby horses here this week.

And my comment wasn't a knock at your boy - I really like your guy. And when he is kicking a$$ in the Regulars or A/O's, for a few years, I'll HAPPILY eat my words.

I'm NOT saying that they aren't out there, just that the ones that are truly 3'6"+ horses aren't what *I* have seen. And BTW, please keep in mind that *I* have a dilute and though I think she's the cat's meow, I can't say she is a 3'6" or better horse. Is she going to make a TOP 3' horse? Absolutely!

[Kinsella]

Oh, I will mention the mare Tax Day... Don't remember her show name, but she was a palomino TB that did the Regulars and Conformations way back in the day... She has a couple of babies on the ground, but none old enough to be doing a lot. So they do exist.

[Blonde Filly]

Kinsella I think part of the problem too is the ration of bay,chestnut, and greys that are bred every year compared to the number of dilutes bred..so the numbers play a role in this too.:yes:

Here are a few photos of a 2009 colt with the very dark chocolate colored legs almost like a bay though..his upper body is not the same color as the body like my two fillies last year.

[Horseshowaddict]

OOOoo! That one is CUTE! I would love to see that one doing the hunters in a couple of years! How tall is he now?

[FatPalomino]

I

Everything in this photo isn't perfect but I bought it because it shows a wee bit of scope on his part. The cross pieces on these standards were over 4'.


http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2469233060102212534IzkHEb

Oh. Dear. God.

My Palomino isn't anywhere in the same league.... yours is AMAZING!

[SilverBalls]

Oh, I will mention the mare Tax Day... Don't remember her show name, but she was a palomino TB that did the Regulars and Conformations way back in the day... She has a couple of babies on the ground, but none old enough to be doing a lot. So they do exist.

Tax Day showed successfully as Kinsella stated, but she showed under the name of Cheval D'Or. She had 2 foals that I know of, both geldings. One is Imperial Crown ( chestnut ) owned by Cismont Manor and was 3 & 4 year old IHF champion. And Zarrbuck ( buckskin ) who I had the great pleasure of owning until last year when I sold him to Amy H in New Jersey. He is showing sucessfully in the 3' divisions.

Sandra Brown campaigned 2 awesome palominos... Lemon Springs & Hint Of Lemon.

[Blonde Filly]

OOOoo! That one is CUTE! I would love to see that one doing the hunters in a couple of years! How tall is he now?

He is 14.1 at the withers at 4 months old!!! :eek: We measured him yesterday when we did the photos, because he is sooooo...sooo BIG!!! He was born on April 12th, 2009 Easter Day and we did the photos yesterday August 16th, 2009..so just turned 4 months old. Fred even asked me..when are you weaning him...isn't it a bit old now and past weaning? I said no he just turned 4 months old. His dam is 16.3 hds. His yearling sister Golden Peach Blonde is 15.2 hds now as a yearling...so she will be a big girl too!!! :D

Dottie Ammerman has the full brother to this colt and the filly...he was her first foal and is 2 this year...I'm not sure how big he is now...I forgot to ask her when I last spoke with her. He will be shown in the hunters in a few years by Dottie.

Here are photos of his dam..she is not only tall but has substance too!!! :yes:

[Everythingbutwings]

I would love to see that one doing the hunters in a couple of years!

As would I! So many seem to disappear after the novelty of the coat color wears off.

I've have seen several nicely built palominos over the years in the hunter breeding classes at Devon that continue on to the performance divisions, though. AllPoints brought a lovely one (http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL936/3762429/14951917/372137172.jpg) the year I got to meet her, Hexel and SillyMommy at Devon.

[NeddyDevine]

As would I! So many seem to disappear after the novelty of the coat color wears off.

So true, Wings. I notice that Blonde Filly has posted lots of cute baby shots and hunter breeding pictures on this thread (and on threads in SHB). I would love to see pictures of what her older babies are up to in performance classes. I'd give my right pinkie toe for a nice buckskin or pally that could be competitive and was a TB.

[Blonde Filly]

So true, Wings. I notice that Blonde Filly has posted lots of cute baby shots and hunter breeding pictures on this thread (and on threads in SHB). I would love to see pictures of what her older babies are up to in performance classes. I'd give my right pinkie toe for a nice buckskin or pally that could be competitive and was a TB.

ND in time, in time. Zillionair is only 10 this year...we did not breed him as a 2year old, he was 3 so 4 when his first foals hit the ground, so the oldest are now 6 years old and so many people never keep in touch and send you the photos of them showing later on in life...I will never be posting the photos unless it is sent to me...mine typically sell as weanlings..so I rely on the new owners to send photos and that does not always happen. People get busy in life and don't stay in touch. One by my stallion Billionair when I still owned him, that the mare was bred here by the owner is now doing very well in Eventing and there are photos of him out on the www...I do have another one that did keep in touch and here are a few photos of him over fences in the hunters.

Also ND I don't breed to outside mares..so only 6 to 8 foals a year being produced..so it is less likely you will see one. People don't all buy to do the hunter and some buy with the best of intentions and plans and life can change on them and the horse is then sold to who knows where. So the shear numbers are not there with the TBs that are being bred live cover verses a stallion that is being bred with shipped semen or frozen and we do not take in outside mares anymore.

The first one was Indescreet by Issue Of Gold whom is now in TX last I knew and had a foal..the photo was at Devon.

The next 3 are of Aussie White Gold that I sold as a 4 year old and he is shown here in his first year of showing in the Greens in MI and OH

[NeddyDevine]

Those pictures of Aussie White Gold jumping are just lovely. Shame people don't send photos of the later performance careers -- best advertising there is for a stallion, really.

[Blonde Filly]

Those pictures of Aussie White Gold jumping are just lovely. Shame people don't send photos of the later performance careers -- best advertising there is for a stallion, really.
NeddyDevine, you are absolutely right:yes:..but once a horse is gone you have no control over that...:)

[EquineLVR]

Kinsella I think part of the problem too is the ration of bay,chestnut, and greys that are bred every year compared to the number of dilutes bred..so the numbers play a role in this too.:yes:

Here are a few photos of a 2009 colt with the very dark chocolate colored legs almost like a bay though..his upper body is not the same color as the body like my two fillies last year.

Lovely boy.. I would love to see him in my pasture! :)

[Everythingbutwings]

Zillionair is only 10 this year Has he (or any of your other) sires competed? I like seeing tb stallions in the results, along with updates on their offspring. Gives a good idea of what a foal may be best suited for. :)

[dilligaff2]

Blonde Filly,

I was looking around your site but couldn't find any pictures of your Stallions over fences. Do you have any available? Maybe I was just looking in the wrong places because I could only find one under saddle picture in the bunch. :confused:

[murph]

We have a gorgeous palomino warmblood 3 yr old mare that is jumper bred on both sides but also would excel in the hunters I think. She's by the Dutch stallion Oxford, fabulous Dutch bloodlines on him and has shown successfully in both the Grand Prix jumpers and 4 foot hunters. This is his only dilute offspring but she'd be lovely in any color I think! The dam is by the Hanoverian stallion Wodan II, who was ridden on the German show jumping team by Franke Sloothak, and her dam is a lovely Connemara mare who showed in the jumpers at Spruce Meadows (that 1/4 Connemara is where the color comes from!). I think she'll be a stunner in the show ring and boy can she move! :D

Here she is: http://www.missionridgefarm.net/sunny.html

[SilverBalls]

We have a gorgeous palomino warmblood 3 yr old mare that is jumper bred on both sides but also would excel in the hunters I think. She's by the Dutch stallion Oxford, fabulous Dutch bloodlines on him and has shown successfully in both the Grand Prix jumpers and 4 foot hunters. This is his only dilute offspring but she'd be lovely in any color I think! The dam is by the Hanoverian stallion Wodan II, who was ridden on the German show jumping team by Franke Sloothak, and her dam is a lovely Connemara mare who showed in the jumpers at Spruce Meadows (that 1/4 Connemara is where the color comes from!). I think she'll be a stunner in the show ring and boy can she move! :D

Here she is: http://www.missionridgefarm.net/sunny.html

I believe your stallion Snowy River was bred by Norsire/Blonde Filly and is a full brother to Zillionair

http://www.pedigreequery.com/snowy+river6
http://www.pedigreequery.com/zillionair

Great program Murph! :yes:

[NeddyDevine]

Dilli and Wings, I think what you have pointed out is one of the reasons why amateurs like myself who would adore a colorful TB aren't all that interested in buying one. I want to have an idea of what I am getting performance wise (or soundness-wise, if nothing else). There are colorful stallions out there, but if they aren't out there doing something it just isn't all that interesting to the serious show buyer. One hears that SB has a good eye for a nice horse, so it's a shame that he wasn't able to keep his little palomino for an under saddle show prospect.

Playing armchair breeder here, if I were BlondeFilly I'd have that nice photo of AWG front and center on my website, not sort of buried away where it's hard to find. Nice example of a performance offspring. I'd also be keeping a nice foal or two and showing them under saddle and over fences to advertise what my stallion can produce in terms of a performance horse -- especially since the stallion himself does not show. Obviously if she sells what she breeds, things are working out well for her. Not trying to pick on BF or anything, but she showed up with all the baby pictures and such so she's at the forefront of my mind when I am thinking of local color breeders.

[dilligaff2]

Exactly. I want to see what the horse can DO along with the pretty field shots.

I have to admit--I'm a sucker for a palomino and now that I have a very well bred young mare, it may be in my future--but only if the stallion of choice is PROVEN!

I want to see that he has been campaigned with a proven show record that is readily published (like the young stallion that is my mare's sire).

If a WB sire I would like to see all the inspection results of his offspring and if a TB, breeding approval with a sport horse registry would factor into my decision along with his performance record.

This is and example of what I want to see:
http://www.risingstarfarm.net/Stallion.htm
http://www.silvercreeksporthorses.com/apiro.html
http://www.blazingcoloursfarm.com/Mirabeau1.htm

I don’t know enough about Zillionaire to say if he meets any of those requirements but when I can’t find an under saddle picture, I am more apt to keep looking.

[SilverBalls]

Dilli and Wings, I think what you have pointed out is one of the reasons why amateurs like myself who would adore a colorful TB aren't all that interested in buying one. I want to have an idea of what I am getting performance wise (or soundness-wise, if nothing else). There are colorful stallions out there, but if they aren't out there doing something it just isn't all that interesting to the serious show buyer. One hears that SB has a good eye for a nice horse, so it's a shame that he wasn't able to keep his little palomino for an under saddle show prospect.

I agree with you ND.

I have had a palomino "fetish" since I was a kid. When I purchased Gold Tycoon, I knew he wouldn't be big enough for me, but secretly hoped he would.
I also knew his sire's pedigree was laced with talent. Issue of Gold was a good jumper, as was Gold Apollo. I remember Gold Apollo being hyper... putting me to shame. They also kept him in close quarters re: HB conformation horse. Unfortunately that wasn't my excuse.
Norsire has a beautiful farm, will show you the sires and dams. They are all super friendly and quite nice. Anyway, it's a crapshoot in the talent pool anyway...
Gold Tycoon is a very talented horse that was just broken under saddle right before I sold him. His new owner says he is so sweet.. jumps great, and has an old soul. For me, if I can't ride em' ... addios!
For the record, I looked at 20-30 palominos that year. I bought Ty & Blonde Ambition. I sold Blonde Ambition ( Aram x cremello tb mare) to Kelly Plitz and Ian Roberts on the Canadian 3 day team. Me and the girls don't get along... so she had to go! :winkgrin:

Now I am thinking gray..... ;)

[Blonde Filly]

In an ideal world I would show all my mares and stallions..but if I did put in all that money to show... to make the numbers work I'd have to sell the foals for 60k a piece...and no one is going to pay that, so I have to stick to the breeding end of it to make it work for me and sell my babies and let the people who buy them show them for me. Gold Tycoon will be very visible when he starts his showing career next year..so watch for him and see if you like what you see. I am doing the very best I can with what I have to work with and so many breeders go out of business unless they have funds from other sources...the fact that I have stayed a float says alot. There are many farms that started breeding and have long gotten out of it...they could not make the numbers work for them. And buying any horse no matter the age is a gamble..they are so fragile at times!!!

And just one under saddle photo really does not prove much or a small show record of one season does not prove a whole lot either...I think in time Zillionair's offspring will prove themselves..but there will always be small numbers so the odds are against me to begin with. :)

[Trixie]

In an ideal world I would show all my mares and stallions..but if I did put in all that money to show... to make the numbers work I'd have to sell the foals for 60k a piece...and no one is going to pay that, so I have to stick to the breeding end of it to make it work for me and sell my babies and let the people who buy them show them for me.

And hopefully as they will. But as another showing ammy that may one day purchase a pretty baby horse because I like pretty baby horses and want one to bring along, I'm going to go for one with a proven stallion, one with a show record, because it's a better gamble for my money.

And just one under saddle photo really does not prove much or a small show record of one season does not prove a whole lot either..

I disagree - I think a few under saddle photos and videos show that a stallion has done more than just be colorful. Like I said - it makes it a "better gamble" - maybe not on the level of say, a stallion who has campaigned at the grand prix level, but perhaps leads me to believe that the horse is rideable and talented. Without seeing it ever having done anything, how is a potential buyer supposed to know what the horse is capable of?

[kellyb]

I have a palomino (http://keliente.com/Colonel/4.jpg)...I would love for him to be a hunter, but he has other ideas - he'd much rather be a steeplechaser. Only time will tell if we will be able to come to an agreement on discipline :D

[Everythingbutwings]

This is why I am sad that the Performance Horse Registry (http://www.phr.com) hasn't been used to it's best effect.

When the Jockey Club, one of the nation’s premier record-keeping bodies for registered Thoroughbreds, launched the new Performance Horse Registry (PHR) in 1994, many Thoroughbred owners raced to register their horses in what would become known as the first central database in North America to combine pedigree and performance records of Thoroughbreds and half-Thoroughbreds, documenting the influence of the breed in events away from the track.



Proud of their versatile Thoroughbreds, the founders knew that with careful breeding, exceptional all-around athletes could be produced—athletes that could excel in any equestrian discipline. With a new system in place to record and track career highlights, owners and breeders were able to measure equestrian performance against pedigrees, providing tangible evidence to support and enhance future breeding decisions.

I love it when a pretty color is on top of conformation and performance, icing on the cake. :yes: So many people have begged to have pedigree listed in results so the breeder's program is known.

[dilligaff2]

Thanks Wings--I've never seen that before but I am new to the breeding side of things.

You are right, it is a shame if it is not used.

[dilligaff2]

Blonde Filly--I can't see it in the thread and please forgive me if it has been mentioned but did your boy have a show career at any point? Was he raced and then injured? I don't know his history at all.

[magicteetango]

Blonde Filly, I've lusted over your horses for years but was always curious... why don't you stand to outside mares?

[mare shopper]

Blonde Filly--I can't see it in the thread and please forgive me if it has been mentioned but did your boy have a show career at any point? Was he raced and then injured? I don't know his history at all.

He's not even broke. :no:

[magnolia73]

I guess it depends on your end goal, what you are willing to risk to get color. I know that hunters have a tight standard. Rideable, movement, jump...and color is not important.

If I bred Niki, I'd love a palomino baby! But when I see really attractive stallions listed in the big magazines, with no action photos, as someone who would like to breed something for the purpose of making a show hunter... I too assume that the horse has an issue- a big issue with rideability, which is probably the main thing hunters need need to have.

So you never see pics of palominos, buck skins, rarely paints, doing anything. So if you want to target people who need to do more than stand up a pretty horse or hack around a ring, you need proof that they can perform to give people incentive to take the risk.

You do see people who breed just for color- and so often those horses are trainwrecks! I think people standing legitimate "horses of color" have to work that much harder to prove that they can produce a horse that can hold up to work.

[DoubleTwistedWire]

While those are some pretty pictures, and it is nice to finally see an under saddle shot, when were they taken, BlondeFilly? The rider's in an unapproved helmet, so it can't have been any recent shows.

Buy for performance, not for color. If its a palomino and can get the job done, buy a palomino. But if a plain bay gets the job done better, buy the bay.

[mare shopper]

While those are some pretty pictures, and it is nice to finally see an under saddle shot, when were they taken, BlondeFilly? The rider's in an unapproved helmet, so it can't have been any recent shows.


It says on BF's site that Aussie White Gold is a 1999 model.

[dilligaff2]

It says on BF's site that Aussie White Gold is a 1999 model.

Does anyone know if he is still in the ring?

[Everythingbutwings]

Hunter:

Foxhunted
Competed/shown as hunter
Suitable to become a hunter (ie: shown on the line as a youngster)

At what point does a horse become NOT a hunter if it doesn't either do or produce offspring that does one of the above? I see lots of hopeful ads in VA Equestrian for horses/ponies that say "would make a nice hunter" as opposed to is one.

The OP has a 4 year old prospective hunter that happens to be palomino. I think that, at 4, the label fits, especially in the context of her question which was are there many palominos in the top levels (my rephrasing of the OP's topic title and first line "Is there very many at the upper levels of hunters.")

Add a few years beyond that age, without actually foxhunting or competing, I would think it a matter of semantics.

[OneonOne]

He's not even broke. :no:

I don't mean to completely hijack this thread, but is this true, BlondeFilly? If so, may I ask the reason?

[SilverBalls]

I don't mean to completely hijack this thread, but is this true, BlondeFilly? If so, may I ask the reason?

Sure you do.... :eek:

[Horseshowaddict]

It doesn't seem to affect the sales of her young horses.

Ive seen Goldmaker and Bright White in the show ring. But I dont think their results in the show ring would finalize any decisions on whether or not I purchase unproven youngstock by them. There are too few colored tbs out there to begin with.

[Kinsella]

Goldmaker and Bright White did have short careers that ended when they were sold to CA (through no fault of theirs - the new owners just did not care to show them). BW is still in CA with that same owner and GM is back in KY, but his new owner doesn't have the $$ to campaign, so he is basically a pet. Anyone want to take him on a free lease? I would if I could, but unfortunately I can't afford to campaign one either...

[dilligaff2]

It doesn't seem to affect the sales of her young horses.

Ive seen Goldmaker and Bright White in the show ring. But I dont think their results in the show ring would finalize any decisions on whether or not I purchase unproven youngstock by them. There are too few colored tbs out there to begin with.


Are you saying that you would buy the offspring soley based on their colour?

[spacely]

Goldmaker and Bright White did have short careers that ended when they were sold to CA (through no fault of theirs - the new owners just did not care to show them). BW is still in CA with that same owner and GM is back in KY, but his new owner doesn't have the $$ to campaign, so he is basically a pet. Anyone want to take him on a free lease? I would if I could, but unfortunately I can't afford to campaign one either...

I just saw a sales ad for BW. I believe that farm is dispersing everything.

[Horseshowaddict]

Im not saying I would buy a horse solely based on color. But if I HAD TO HAVE (not yelling) a palomino tb, or hunter, and was looking for a prospect, I would not dismiss these horses just because the stallion hadn't been shown or started undersaddle. The pool of horses with that criteria alone is just too small to be picky about that and to have it be make or break for me. I'd rather judge the horse as it is, and do some homework and ask the breeder about offspring that are in the ring at the time etc etc, maybe see if I could get contact info of owners of offspring etc etc. Usually people with nice horses love to show them off and brag about them, so I dont think finding references would be that difficult. In general, be a smart horse shopper. Many many people buy horses and know nothing at all about the parents (usually not very young horses, but still).

Also, not saying anything bad about Bright White or Goldmaker. Both are lovely horses, I had the chance to meet them personally, see them show, and even got to hack Goldmaker once.

[KBEquine]

Im not saying I would buy a horse solely based on color. But if I HAD TO HAVE (not yelling) a palomino tb, or hunter, and was looking for a prospect, I would not dismiss these horses just because the stallion hadn't been shown or started under saddle.

Too true. We acquired JC-registered palomino Canadian Kid as a 19 y.o. when he already had 3 regional IHF champs. But he has himself never been started under saddle. With his personality, we WOULD start him, if he were younger.

Rumor has it that he had a stifle injury as a foal. But the bottom line - back when Kid was a kid, no one started their JC-registered palominos under saddle - for whatever reason.

And it's a shame to hold that against them, but I also understand the desire to reproduce more than just color. I say judge each stallion on his - and his offsprings' - merits, as opposed to just the color of their coats.

[SilverBalls]

Im not saying I would buy a horse solely based on color.

I would!!! Lineage is key.... going back more than 1 generation. :winkgrin: