[TigersGlide]

I am considering bringing home a project. This pony is of very theoretical breeding (meaning what was once stated can NOT be what he is, so he is ANYBODY'S guess). I have ridden him (he is green but VERY willing and sweet).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1REQ...ature=youtu.be

I haven't worked with a trotting horse in a long time, so I am throwing myself on your mercy...what do you think of this trot? Would I be insane to consider taking this horse as a dressage/eventer pony project (if my son likes him, he could show him later, if not, then resell for a fun ammy horse)? *I* like his trot, think it is pretty free, but like I said, I am a lot more comfortable evaluating 4 beat gaits than trots.

Yes, if he comes home with me he will get the best dressage type start I can give him, regardless of where he eventually gets pointed...I guess what I am wondering is if you think he could do well in dressage with this basic movement? (Clear as mud, no?)

Nope, not thinking I have the next Teddy o'Conner here, but he does look fun!

[SillyHorse]

Am I not seeing the link, or is there no link?

[TigersGlide]

https://plus.google.com/photos/10840...24157950913873

Pics...just yanked out of the pasture (same as the video, to be honest). I know they aren't perfect for an in-depth confo eval, but they may help...

[oldernewbie]

He is really attractive - I can see why you'd like him!

Not that I'm an expert in such matters but...his trot looks fine to me. After reading these forums, I think a lot of folks are more concerned about his walk and canter - as I understand it, trots can be made, getting a good walk and canter are much more difficult. I think the fact that he is willing and good tempered counts for a lot as well.

That being said, for what you want to do, he looks to have the fundamentals. Go for it!!!

[Beentheredonethat]

I LIKE his trot. Just that short video would have me looking at him as a dressage horse. He's got a nice, open trot, separation of the legs, and nice use of his shoulder. I think with some good training and conditioning, he would be fabulous. That's a trot you can really improve.

And I love his color, too! I like the uphill look her has moving and in the still shots, and the neck coming up out of his shoulder. I think you have a diamond there.

[Mardi]

Yes, walk and canter more important. But the trot he showed look nice.

[TigersGlide]

And I guess that's the thing- *I* thought that his trot looked stellar. I wish I could have gotten the video of his REALLY lofty motion (grin!).

I have, over the years, dealt with developing some VERY funky canters into good, balanced, drive from behind (some of the gaited horses I have ridden over the years have had VERY lateral and funky canters-my preferred method is to point them up a hill and boot them into a gallop. After they find their rhythm, then let them ease down and find a 3 beat canter. His canter looks good to me, and I don't have any concerns...I guess I just wanted a little encouragement that he does look good. (To think, me playing with a trotter again...after all these years!).

[rabicon]

Cute guy. Nice trot.

[NOMIOMI1]

His movement and hind doesnt scream "I have a great canter in here" so I would have to see that but otherwise lovely trot

[TigersGlide]

I don't know that he will have a great canter even with work, but I expect a *good* canter will be available...but then, I also don't consider him likely to go to a rider looking to do heavy competition at upper levels. My hope is that he will make a fun, reliable, flashy ride for someone, and let me get a feel for trot work again.

To be honest, I had NOT expected to like him at all, but when I rode him and felt him reach under himself at the trot, even with only a VERY few rides, I was impressed and thought he would be fun.

All that said, if you see him better suited to a different line of work, I am open to suggestions...

[rabicon]

I think he'd make a nice lower level dressage horse. If the price is right and you just want to have fun and get back to it with a trotting horse and you feel comfortable with him go for it. Will he ever be a gp horse. Idk haven't seen other gaits nor ability really but lower level fun project he doesn't look bad.

[merrygoround]

How is his walk? Does he go forward freely, overtrack or just track up. That is frequently a key to the canter. walk and canter are harder to "fix", than the trot. His trot looks good for the very short far distant blurb we got.

[lovey1121]

Go get him! He's a fancy little guy, and it sounds like you're already smitten

[TigersGlide]

He caps, maybe just a smidge more (I'd guess about 4 inches of overtrack when he is truly motivated).

Yes, very nice forward walk...he's very...I don't know, I always get the word "Game" in mind when I think of him...

I have NOT ridden his canter under saddle yet. Not sure he's ever been asked to do so (did I mention he is VERY green? <wink!>) But again, calm and willing.

[goeslikestink]

i have done a few trotters of various types ages abilities and will say it can be done

[anuphillbattle]

so??? did you get him?? nice trot and great color...

[SendenHorse]

Not the best trot, but not the worst I have seen. He appears to have good natural balance. I would consider the canter more heavily. After having a horse with a horrid canter then a second with an excellent canter I won't buy another with a crappy canter.

[ThreeFigs]

I like him! I bet his walk and canter are just fine. Looks like a lot of fun!