He's a registered German Riding Horse/Warmblood, as a Quarab that fits the registry. I did not know that this is not a breed, rather a registry of horses who fit the criteria. He has their brand, I noticed it right away.
I just don't see any Quarter Horse characteristics, nor any Arabian. This was surprising, but not as surprising to me as how massive this horse is. He's only 15.3 hands, but he's huge in the body (and head). He could crush Baasha just walking by. You cannot tell from the photos how big-bodied he is (I couldn't from the photos the owner sent me, and that is why I was so surprised). You might think it's a strange reason to turn down a horse, but huge-bodied, heavy horses don't fit with me and here in my backyard.
He was adorable, affectionate, mannerly, and well schooled in Training level dressage. She showed me what he can do and it would be very exciting for a dressage competitor to find this horse. He does lovely leg yields, he's very light to the aids, and this college-bound owner taught him everything he knows. She got him wild out of a field at 2 years old, I was very impressed.
He stands like a statue for mounting and fussing over him, and is a very good citizen around other horses (lots in the arena that day).
I just can't get over how, well, different he is than expected, physically. Princess Buttercup was a Quarab and she looked like an Arabian with something else in the engine area: ) She also didn't waste effort holding her tail very high.
This horse, to me, looks like a small warmblood, with something Baroque (PRE) because who has hair like that?
His head is a shoebox, Aarene you must see that. A very slightly dished shoebox, but rectangular and huge, none of my things would fit him.
This was the hardest "no thank you" yet, because I can see the horse's temperament is a go, the legs and hooves are better than anything I've seen yet, he's 8, is used to going out on trails up to 6 hours, and ...bay! If I were shopping for my husband, I'd consider him, but honestly he's got such potential, it would be a shame to just use him as a backup trail horse.
My husband is disappointed in me, and I'm sure you are too, but I intended to visit a Quarab yesterday, and I really doubt he is one. Quarabs usually look either like QH or Arab or both.
What a shame. His broken splint was no problem, she even trotted him and he's sound.
OK more cell phone pics...(mom, if you see this, please send me the camera charger!) The last photo is the brand for Deutsches Reitpferde (German Warmbloods).
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14 comments:
Well maybe a few nights sleep will bring you back to your senses? LOL That fourth pic, he's asking "what, you don't wanna love me"!
Wahhhh. What a sturdy handsome boy he is. Are you sure you don't want him? (I feel guilty for asking that, but not quite guilty enough not to ask!) I'd help you buy what you need to fit him (for real). Maybe you could just borrow him for a month or two to help you decide. . . He sounds like a sweety too. Ok, I'll be quiet now. :)
He does sound bigger than you want!
He is pretty.
I see Arab in him looks Anglo to me, LOL
You will find the right one!!
Oh my gosh he's cute. I can't see all the pictures, but the ones I can see he has a looooooong back, but I still think he's pretty. You're right he doesn't look like a Quarab. I love hairy baroque horses though so that's probably why I like him. That's too bad that he's not what you're looking for. I wish you could lease him since he seems so much less complicated than your current lease. Good luck in your continued search.
Yep, shoebox head for sure...but why is he a no-go? If his temperament is good? It's not like he WOULD squash Baasha--he's not mean or bossy or nasty, right? I know B is a marshmallow, but in our field it's the little horse who is In Charge.
Truly, I'm not sure what you're seeking if this guy isn't it....?
This was a learning experience for me Sunday.
If I were looking for a warmblood, I'd buy him. I conceded to looking at half Arabs, and now I know they might turn out like this (or he's not what they say he is).
He is a cutie, Lytha- made me laugh a bit as he is built exactly like Phat Boy is. Just taller. Phatz is only 14.1
Keep looking girl- your horse IS out there, somewhere! Fingers crossed he or she pops up for you soon!
I, too, am having a hard time understanding why this guy was a no-go. I realize you are being extremely picky (based on all the others up to this point), but your reasons for rejecting him don't seem as um... scientifically rigorous... as the others. I absolutely understand if it was just "we didn't click," but give us readers something to work with. :)
Ruth, you brought up a point that I haven't mentioned yet, about clicking with a horse. I am so cautious, but I felt I really clicked with Wizsi. She breathed into my nose, even, which I felt was her way of choosing me. My ride on her wasn't as relaxed as with Amja, but it was fun, and I trotted and even laughed. I just couldn't pay almost 6K - she was not worth that. Although if I could do it all over again, now, I'd offer more than what I did. So sad she sold.
With this Quarab, it is a matter of type. He is simply not my type of horse. I started from a false assumption that he would be my type, but was very surprised to be so wrong. If I were looking for a whole 'nother breed of horse, I'd be open to horses of that type, but I'm shopping for myself now, and I want Arabian characteristics, even if only a couple. I am still looking at halfbreeds, but I will try not to fool myself again.
I'm sorry you were disappointed in his type. He is very german warmblood type.
You will find the horse you want just keep plugging along.
I'm no expert but from those pics I definitely think he's got Arab in him, possibly TB (Anglo-Arab) or QH (I have seen a couple Quarabs that looked similar to this guy)
Oooh! He moves so beautifully...and he most definitely has strong Arab characteristics! He also looks to have some standardbred/warmblood in him as well.
But I immediately thought Arab when I saw his photos, even before I read your post.
And wow! his legs and feet look very nice and strong. His butt is huge and well formed, too. He looks like he could go out on our steep, rugged New Mexico mountain trails all day or for an entire weekend, and never get tired.
He would be so fun to ride...and have fun doing dressage, too. He would be a perfect teacher.
Too bad you never gave him a chance or even sat upon his back for a ride.
He has the softest, most gentle eyes with some wisdom, strength and bravery showing through. What a gem!
Someone is going to be very lucky to call him their horse. I hope he finds the perfect home where he will be appreciated like he deserves.
~Lisa
Lisa, I did ride him. He was fine. The pictures do not represent him, if you can believe it, because I was certain he'd have Arabian qualities as well before I saw him and was so surprised. That is, I saw pics of him beforehand and thought he looked a little Araby, but then in RL, nothing there. Yes someone is gonna get really lucky with that horse - hopefully someone who wants to do dressage.
oh so frustrating... *sigh*
- The Equestrian Vagabond
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