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I am in the market for a reining/gymkhana stallion and riding prospect. The one I am looking at is an AQHA Appendix stallion who is local. He does need corrective shoeing due to bad farrier work in the past, but I am not overly concerned as I have an excellent farrier who was able to correct my current Arabian gelding. However, I was hoping to get some thoughts on his conformation beforehand and can provide more pictures after I get to see him in person within the next week or so. (Provided picture posted with owner's permission.)
http://img.equinenow.com/slir/w600/equine/data/photos/1123724_1.jpg%3F1483736131 |
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how old is this colt? He is still growing as he is really overbuilt right now - so hard to say how he will grow out.
And I dont like the way his backhand shows up in this pic - but this can be totally different in nature...
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He is 5 currently, but I believe the picture is as a 3- or 4-year-old. There is a foal picture of him floating around if you'd like to see his build prior to the bad farrier work. |
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He looks like a sweet horse with a kind eye.
What I like: kind expression, great shoulder, strong back, and a good hip angle.
Faults I see: kinda bulky in the head and throat latch. I would like to see more refinement. Ever so slightly back at the knee in front. (I do not think this degree would affect performance/soundness though). Quite bum high. (Though this may have changed since he was still growing in this picture) Stifle placement is a little high (not a deal breaker for me.) He is pretty long and incredibly straight pasterns. This would be a deal breaker for me. No amount of farrier work would correct this. This can lead to premature arthritis in the fetlock and hock. There is no angle there to absorb concussion. He also seems quite sickle hocked. (If he was standing correctly with his hocks lined with his bum, it would be quite obvious). His hind leg confo in general is pretty funky, from hoof to stifle. I, personally (this is my own opinion, not fact), would not use this horse for any sport that's hard on the hind legs. I don't think he would hold up well. |
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I ultimately decided not to get him. The owners are still using the same farrier who did the bad work and are "reluctant" to even show him to me because I would want to switch to my farrier who has had loads of success getting and keeping horses with hoof problems sound and performing well. I will, however, be looking at some half-siblings of his, as his sire and the half-sister at the ranch where I board both have pretty good conformation and have competed in gymkhana, reining, and cattle competitions successfully. |
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I hope you find the perfect match Blackwater! :) |
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Morning Rain, with Cooling Temps Later
