Opinions?

[BeaSting]

Smoky - 4yr. old Appaloosa gelding, 14.3hh. Started on cattle as a 3 yr. old with 90 days training at a western barn, then turned out all winter. I got him 3 months ago and board at a hunter/jumper training barn. I use him for trail riding and occasional lessons. I don't jump, have no interest in jumping or showing - but really enjoy watching the young riders at my barn jumping. I have Smoky in training - he's ridden one day a week.

What knowledge I have about jumping and hunters you can stuff in a thimble. My trainer tells me that she really enjoys riding Smoky and that's he coming along well. My instructor recommended a young rider interested in riding him with the goal of showing him this winter. I'm thinking this could be a fun project.

So - here's a short video of him jumping, taken this Monday. How's my little duckling looking?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcHdpS-tP4s

[klmck63]

I think he's super cute! :) He might have a little trouble making it down the lines since he is too big to show as a pony and in really tough company his lack of tail could count against him. However, he looks easy going and like he could grow up to be a great first show horse from some little kids showing on a smaller circuit.

He looks green but not so green as I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a talented kid on him to start showing him so long as he acts like this at shows!

I'd say go for it, with some work I think he could be a really reliable and cute little packer!

[dghunter]

I think he looks really cute :yes: Obviously not a real critique from me other than I LOVE his face! But I had to say that I love the jumps your barn has. Very colorful and fun :yes:

[jumpingmaya]

I like him!!!
His whole demeanor is... yeah, I've been here done that... you can tell he's a little green but he is big time trying to please!!!
I'm thinking maybe a tail "extensions" wouldn't be a bad idea if they were taking him to more than a schooling show... but for schooling he's just fine the way he is... looks uncomplicated and has very cute knees...
You should be a proud mom! :yes:

[dilligaff2]

Don't worry about his tail!

I was at one of the largest rated 'A' shows in our province and watched an appy with even less tail kick everyone's butt in the Children's Hunters.

She won hands down--two weeks in a row. It made you smile.

[BeaSting]

Thanks for the positive comments. It would have been nice if he were a large pony, but he's who he is, a short horse with spots and no tail.

He'll be shown over this winter at a series of schooling shows at my barn, so he'll be at home and familiar with the rings. He is always this quiet, and has no problem being in a ring with other horses passing close to him.

He's a born children's horse, so I think it would be pretty cool for him to get some mileage with a few young riders working their way up.

Smoky
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww229/BeaSting_Blair/scan0002.jpg

[llsc]

I think he's adorable. Very soft and quiet.

I wouldn't worry about his tail. There was horse who showed against us in Saratoga that had no tail at all, and I mean tail bone. It shows under the name Tattle Tail.

If you wanted to add a tail to him, there is an extension called a Hide tail, and it is the actual skin with the tail hair still attached that you braid on to the dock. It's kind of gross, but it works really well.

[Seven-up]

I think he's cute as a button. I love his little "ho-hum" way of going and the way he carries his neck low and stretched out. Very huntery. His little nubbin tail is cute, too. It wouldn't make a bit of difference in a show, but I bet you could dress it up to look like a mud knot if you wanted.

If he can't make the step, he can do the adds. A judge can see that he's little, and almost any judge would rather see a pony + 1" add a stride than run down the lines. Especially if there's a kid up there. Since he won't be doing the pony classes, it shouldn't matter much.




And just an aside, is it strange that I don't get the biological tick tock going on when I see babies, but I do when I see ponies?:lol:

[SarahandSam]

I can't judge suitability for a discipline or anything myself, but I think he's adorable! He seems like a real sweetheart.

[Einstein]

What a nice horse, he appears to have a good brain and great attitude. I can definitely see him doing well in the show ring.:D

[rabicon]

Nice guy, go for it.

[findeight]

Ahemmmm... watch out for that instructor recommendation of a "young rider interested in riding him with the goal of showing him this winter.

Ask the following questions before you agree to ANYTHING..and if you dont believe me, you can search on here for about a hundred of these arrangements gone wrong leading to alot of angst, hurt feelings and some surprise bills.

1. Who is going to pay for the lessons?
2. Who is going to pay for any horse shows?
3. Who is going to pay board, vet, farrier and any incidentals on the horse?
4. Who is going to pay if somebody gets hurt?
5. Who is going to pay if the horse gets hurt?
6. Who is going to pay if the horse hurts another person at a show?

DO NOT take anything for granted.

Now, maybe this is a good deal and maybe not but do NOT fall into the trap of assuming who is paying for what and who is responsible for what. NEVER be afraid to ask and GET IT IN WRITING for fear of hurting somebody's feelings.

And, remember, as owner of that horse, YOU are liable. You are also not obligated to provide free rides for somebody or provide a free school horse for that instrctor to teach on.

Watch your back.

[starrysky]

Super cute! I think he'd be cute in the hunters. I love to see a little color.

[BeaSting]

Findeight - I've been reading these boards for some months now, and those questions, especially the liability questions, all occurred to me, and have so far been answered satisfactorily. Thanks - I appreciate your concern.

[jen-s]

And just an aside, is it strange that I don't get the biological tick tock going on when I see babies, but I do when I see ponies?:lol:

LOL! Me too!!!

But back to the OT--I think he's adorable! And I think he'll make a cute hunter and a heck of a fun ride.