[siobhain]

I'd like opinions -especially from people who've shown the breed shows. This is baby Justin -he is 2 y/o. I adore him and we want him to show on the QH circut. What do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzK1_e2--fc

[findeight]

Maybe benefit from another year to mature?

Needs to grow into himself a little more, still looks a little coltish. But looks to move in the desired HUS short and slow with a level topline, seems quiet.

Most of us on COTH are more into Open shows...I used to do major QH breed shows and do go watch Congress because it's close but somebody currently doing the QH shows might have a different perspective.

The only knock for the breed shows I see is he is a little plain. There will be alot of chestnuts and greys and lots of white trim on many...in a rail class that can make you disappear. So you need to be sure to show smart.

[shawneeAcres]

Actually he is very much what the QH people want, dark bay/black is QUITE popular, usually QH people don't much like chestnuts for hunter classes. he has the right kind of movement, of course he has to be more consistent in his head carriage etc. but time will get him a little less fussy about that. He is very cute!

[rabicon]

He's cute but needs another year. He needs to grow into himself a little more and you'll have a nice boy. He is young and just started but what would have to change is he will have to drop that head a lot more and slow down in the trot and canter. He moves out well right now but he will have to slow down. Heres what I mean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXp27hP2dsE
They pretty much want a lope, so he'll need some work but he is cute and could probably do it.

[siobhain]

All your posts are greatly appreciated.
Now that he is broke he's going to get some time off to fatten up and mature a bit. He's a lanky boy and needs to fill out a lot! He'll definitely have some time to mature before he goes to the ring.
I have more experience on the open circut. So I'm curious on what his AQHA potential will be -as that what he was bred for initially. His sire was The Article, which was a really successful AQHA stallion.

[gloriginger]

I just wanted to comment that although I usually don't like starting a horse at 2- he seems to have a good brain, you are a nice light rider and I really liked that you stayed off his back and were very kind to him, patting him and encouraging him. I also was glad to read that you are giving him time off now that he is started. You will have a nice foundation on him, and in a six months or a year, he will be just that much easier.

Nicely done.

[Chuckles]

He is very nice. I like the Article, he seems good minded. I would watch his growth and check his knees to make sure they are closed.

Do you plan to do the flat classes, over fences or both?

I think his legs will be slow enough. He is not strong enough in the back to have any consistency or self carriage yet, so he seems a bit quicker at the trot. I would continue to encourage him to move forward, but don't worry about his topline right now.

[Linz]

I think he has a very nice canter - well balanced for a 2 who obviously still has a lot of growing to do.

I don't think he's the best trotter in the world, but he's also not a bad trotter. In essence, I'm not sure he'd be your HUS winner in a big open or amateur class, but I think his canter is just lovely for the jumping! I think you could definitely have some success with him if your plan is to do the over fences or hack classes.

[siobhain]

Just to answer questions, -yes he will do over fences eventually but he won't start that training for about two years probably b/c he's only 2y/o and on the physically immature side. But he'll start showing in the under saddle first. Thanks again for all comments.

[Parrotnutz]

I am having trouble viewing the video as it is buffering forever. From the small amount I have seen IMHO he is prefect for the AQHA.....exactly what is in "vogue" right now....

Plain bay, typey looking,flat kneed. Love his canter, so uphill.
He is 16.2 now so look for a BIG horse in the future which is right in style now too, LOL

jus keep doing what u are doing he loooks adorable and u ride him well.

Don't "contain" his stride now...keep the forward u have IMHO....once he is older u can "collect" him. Local shows have
thos minchy choppy stepping horses but some of the bigger ones want that low "sweepy" slow legged trot which doesn't mean low and mincey, but low and slow but pushing from hind
end and slow legged doesn't necessarily mean slow going but that the "swing time" is slow...hard to put into words.

But congrats on finding a wonderful prospect!!

PS: whats his breeding?