What you thought you wanted v. what you bought (h/j copycat thread)
I was looking for either a young warmblood prospect (not as desired) or older schoolmaster-ish horse with less than stellar gaits, 10-15 years old, at least third level, probably a QH or something grade since it would be a horse to learn on, not a prospect or even something to show. Probably a push type temperament, and while in the 15-17hh range, preferably shorter. Color wasn't a requirement, but anything other than solid bay was a plus.
The only non-negotiable was that I couldn't look stupidly short on the horse, so taller meant narrower.
What I ended up with:
turning 8 year old OTTB, very hot (he had a reputation for crazy) needed to start over from the beginning despite having evented to Training (1st level-ish) with decent scores. Solid dark bay with a few white hairs on his forehead and one heel, 16.3hh.
I had seen him 6 months earlier at an event and thought he was the most beautiful horse I had ever seen, but with all I had heard about him thought he was a completely wrong horse for me. My trainer put me on whatever horse was available for my lessons and was convinced he was exactly the right personality for me. Turns out she knew what she was talking about, despite being far taller than I wanted he fits me well, and his gaits are far nicer than any other horse I've ever ridden, including warmbloods. The trot doesn't have as much suspension (but is increasing) but walk and canter are both the best I've ever ridden. I also was reminded that all my past horses were the horses other people were afraid of and I loved, so maybe a push ride wasn't what I really wanted after all...