Diamond in the Rough--Progress Thread Spring 2017

PaulaO · Postby **PaulaO** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 9:24 pm

I love her eye. She looks like a try-er. I would check her out.

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 11:53 pm

I quite like her, she is young, and not quite steady in the mouth, but i like how she relaxed on the long rein and worked well outside. when moving without tack she is inclined to drop her back, which is common for the breed, but when allowed to relax she is inclined to want to push out and use her back better. i like her gaits too.

This is good to know! My eye is correct then, in that I'm seeing a quality mover, but with some tension/misguided training. I've only worked with about 5 saddlebreds in my career--so I'm not exactly experienced with them.

all fixable with correct, patient riding, muscling, a more inviting bit, and forward... and she appears to 'want ' to put her head down and move on over her back sometimes...so its there

This is what I'm seeing too with this one. Not too long ago, (with the help of the UDBB), I found a Morgan mare sitting out in the field with very similar issues. One-and-a-half-years later, we have a lovely, correctly muscled horse that my student is happily schooling second level on. She'll be ready to show first this spring. The mare went from weedy and gangly to kind of a beefcake. She catches everyone's eye, even though she is just a plain bay.

I'm going to put this gray mare on my list of "go try"

cb06 · Postby **cb06** » Fri Dec 18, 2015 9:53 pm

In case you need another more reason to consider a visit to Kentucky....same seller as in my first post.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153210280570976&set=pcb.10153210283755976&type=3

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 12:26 am

^^^^^Holy cow, he's stunning. Would it be TERRIBLY wrong to just buy him sight unseen? I know I shouldn't...but boy it is tempting!

PaulaO · Postby **PaulaO** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 12:45 am

Many people here have bought horses sight unseen. Go for it! Then I can have the gray mare....

M&M · Postby **M&M** » Sun Dec 20, 2015 3:20 pm

I'm late to the party, but now, having read the whole thread, I'm still mourning Legend. I would have bought him for his color alone!

cb06 · Postby **cb06** » Sun Dec 20, 2015 7:31 pm

TR_Teacher wrote:^^^^^Holy cow, he's stunning. Would it be TERRIBLY wrong to just buy him sight unseen? I know I shouldn't...but boy it is tempting!

Lol! I know...it is tempting. :lol:

I do like to see them in person, but I think Mary Kate (seller) tries very hard to accurately describe their disposition and suitability.
Evidently there was a pond with some geese creating a lot of noise and chaos right next to this field, and he kept trucking along.

She hasn't officially listed him yet, but her initial description (and part of a larger post/point on her personal page about the lack of official Association supported classes/divisions for Saddlebreds like this...) ...
"This is the kind of young horse that many trainers with adult amateurs and kids would love to have in their barn. He has the beauty and athleticism of an open hunter pleasure mount, the manners of a ladies or junior exhibitor horse, and the work ethic and disposition of a finished show horse, all at three years old...."

...yes, tempting!

Imperini · Postby **Imperini** » Sun Dec 20, 2015 8:55 pm

Gorgeous saddlebreds, I am a big fan of them, I had one who took extremely good care of me when I was growing up

I still want Legend, big time, and am going to Michigan this week.. hmmmm lol

Kelo · Postby **Kelo** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 1:03 am

How about a New Vocations OTTB? Cute little mare in OH, only $250: http://www.newvocations.org/horseprofiles/cozy-sunday/

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 2:46 am

Imperini, feel free to PM me about Legend. Thanks for all the great suggestions! I just tried a Percheron/TB who was a whole lot of fun. Sensitive, forward. Considering another ride on her. I also have an Anglo Arab to go see. No word back on the gray Saddlebred.

khall · Postby **khall** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 2:59 pm

I would take a good saddlebred anytime!! Sound, good movers when built well, great brains when you get a good one and one that is not wrecked. I love the breed.

bits · Postby **bits** » Wed Dec 23, 2015 1:22 pm

Not what you're looking for but just take a look anyway. These horses really could be diamond in the rough eventers. coloradotb.com

They all have Transworld in the pedigree. Transworld sired steeplechase champion Lonesome Glory.

The thread with more info is in the sport horse breeding thread on coth. Look for urgent Transworld in the title.

cb06 · Postby **cb06** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 11:42 am

I wish Santa had left him under my tree...

https://youtu.be/Z6JB2hUW7vY

PaulaO · Postby **PaulaO** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:45 pm

Cb06, he is spectacular.

fergusnc · Postby **fergusnc** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:49 pm

wow…that's a lot of gorgeousness and power cb06. and looks like he lives in a pretty gorgeous place a well!

angela9823 · Postby **angela9823** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 2:24 pm

I'm going to admit to not being the biggest SB fan, however, that boy really is lovely. He would still not be my type as I do find the neck issue challenging for ME but he is gorgeous boy.

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 9:44 pm

Holy cow! Lovely! It kinda sounds like they are looking for a show home for him. And that most likely wouldn't be me.

I'm going to send another inquiry now that he's officially on the market.

I'd be willing to road trip to Kentucky immediately if he's in budget.

I'm not really looking hard at the moment, as a super Anglo Arabian may have fallen into my lap. Nothing saying I can't have 2 horses though!

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 1:50 pm

Still casually searching (work, life, much got in the way...)--ran across this guy:

https://youtu.be/Q6ldMtEgDck

Supposedly 5-yr old QH cross of some sort? Described as a "solid citizen" but too much for a lesson program?

Am I seeing something super funky with the right hind?

KathyS · Postby **KathyS** » Fri Feb 12, 2016 10:04 pm

Not sure if you are ok with a TB or not, but I work with a 501(c)(3) in Louisville, KY that rehomes retired OTTBs. We have several geldings/fillies just taken in from a rescue in Lexington where mares/colts were kept in one field and multiplied. We have a 2 yr old gelding, two 3 yr old geldings and four 3 yr old fillies that are in various stages of being broke to ride. The two 3 yr old geldings are doing w/t/c, the 2 yr old needs some time still before being broke, and the fillies are currently learning to lead & accept human contact. We also have several nice retired OTTBs to choose from if you are interested. Our website is www.secondstride.org

2 yr old gelding - http://www.secondstride.org/sspaulspal.htm
3 yr old filly - http://www.secondstride.org/sskindkathy.htm
3 yr old filly - http://www.secondstride.org/ssdebsdot.htm
3 yr old filly - http://www.secondstride.org/sssweetsara.htm
3 yr old filly - http://www.secondstride.org/ssnicenicole.htm
3 yr old gelding - http://www.secondstride.org/ssdeweyb.htm
3 yr old gelding - http://www.secondstride.org/sssaintejulian.htm
5 yr old gelding - http://www.secondstride.org/gosunpass.htm
7 yr old mare - http://www.secondstride.org/pureelloquence.htm
7 yr old mare - http://www.secondstride.org/shesthetops.htm

Chisamba · Postby **Chisamba** » Fri Feb 12, 2016 10:46 pm

TR_Teacher wrote:Still casually searching (work, life, much got in the way...)--ran across this guy:

https://youtu.be/Q6ldMtEgDck

Supposedly 5-yr old QH cross of some sort? Described as a "solid citizen" but too much for a lesson program?

Am I seeing something super funky with the right hind?

I am not sure if it is the way he is being ridden but there is something unsteady about the gait in the trot.

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:27 pm

UPDATE: I've got an offer accepted on an adorable (but green) Friesian/Morgan mare. Cute mover, seems sane & honest--just doesn't know much

Now for the PPE.

cb06 · Postby **cb06** » Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:38 pm

Yay! fingers-crossed, sounds like a wonderful cross!
...then we want pics!

orono · Postby **orono** » Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:48 pm

Sounds like a terrific horse! Keep us posted and good luck!

StraightForward · Postby **StraightForward** » Mon Feb 15, 2016 6:50 pm

PPE jingles!! Hope we're seeing photos and training updates soon

PNG_Pony · Postby **PNG_Pony** » Mon Feb 15, 2016 9:29 pm

Ooo, exciting!

Moutaineer · Postby **Moutaineer** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 12:16 am

I have known a couple of Friesian/Morgan crosses. Really good-brained (and exceptionally cute) horses--and nice movers, too.

Code3 · Postby **Code3** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 1:59 am

Jingling for a clean PPE!

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 6:44 pm

I guess her sales video is public, so have at it! She's supposedly DNA tested as Friesian/Morgan--have no idea if that is accurate or not, nor do I really care. Her movement and temperament would suggest that the cross isn't far off, but it would be odd to have a chestnut with any Friesian in it (although they do exist). She is very sweet and eager to please. Gaits are very sit-able, yet active. PPE is scheduled!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA1bAft_Nk0

Koolkat · Postby **Koolkat** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 9:02 pm

How's her canter? I ask, not only because they didn't show it, but I rode a Fres/Thor cross for a while that was incredibly unbalanced at the canter. He unfortunately died at an early age of a kidney issue (carried in his particular Fres line), so we never got it really fixed. It may go, somewhat, with the Fres territory.

She is very cute, great hair (!), and looks to be of a good tempermant.

bettyk · Postby **bettyk** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 9:48 pm

What a BEE-U-TEE-FUL girl! I'd say your wait was well worth it!

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 9:52 pm

How's her canter?

Her canter is OK. She's a green bean on many levels. Her canter under saddle is a little quick, but very rideable. At liberty she's rather balanced at it. Not a "10" canter by any means--but room for improvement. I just don't think she is fit enough or really "ready" to canter much under saddle--but she sorta does it anyway.

cb06 · Postby **cb06** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 11:06 pm

She is lovely!
She looks like she has big, almost draft type feet, which makes me wonder if she is part of a draft breed that geographically originated not far from Friesians,...Belgians?. She definitely looks like she has Morgan ...beautiful face.
Nicely put together...she will be fun!

Code3 · Postby **Code3** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 1:44 am

Oh my, what a cutie!

Imperini · Postby **Imperini** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 1:32 pm

She's super cute, good luck on the PPE!

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:31 pm

makes me wonder if she is part of a draft breed that geographically originated not far from Friesians,...Belgians?

Could very well be! Her past is a bit of a mystery, but she's not a high $$ horse, nor am I planning on breeding. From what I understand the DNA testing is fairly accurate for both the Friesian and Morgan registries. But, who knows!

She's a tank--if my back goes to heck, I'd like to see if she'd be a driving horse, too.

KathyK · Postby **KathyK** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:57 pm

Oh, she's just wonderful! I hope all goes well with the PPE.

Ryeissa · Postby **Ryeissa** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 6:16 pm

lovely horse!

demi · Postby **demi** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 7:19 pm

Also hoping the PPE goes well. She is such a neat looking girl. Looking forward to lots of pics in the future.

cb06 · Postby **cb06** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 9:27 pm

TR_Teacher wrote:She's a tank--if my back goes to heck, I'd like to see if she'd be a driving horse, too.

Oh, I'd bet she would be a lovely driving horse! Great idea!

Chisamba · Postby **Chisamba** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 10:03 pm

She is cute, count me as a doubter with respect to friesian, supposedly red genes are bred out of friesians, although they crop up very rarely from time to time, it just seems to unlikely to be likely, if you know what i mean.

She is a nice drafty type, and yes she does look like she has morgan in her. good luck !!

angela9823 · Postby **angela9823** » Thu Feb 18, 2016 12:25 am

Here is another video of her under saddle that shows some canter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSSj5OhhtyU I actually like her even better under saddle. She's cute. The canter will be a work in progress similar to the trot however, it doesn't look horrible like some drafts can be. I like her. She looks to have a sensible attitude and she's attractive. :-)

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Thu Feb 18, 2016 12:44 pm

The canter will be a work in progress similar to the trot

Yes! Everything is a work in progress with her. She's only 6 years old, and from what I can gather has had really infrequent work (like being ridden a few times a month). She has had very little in the way of training. 30 days as a youngster, and then just infrequent rides since then. So, I'm gambling on her potential--which I know is what you should never do!

I rode her and watched another young woman ride her--she is game to try,

I'm more interested in the Morgan in there--she looks/acts like one. I have a thing for Morgans. I've also found them to be kind of slow to mature mentally and physically. We have one now that when we got her a year ago--could.not.canter. She only knew "tranter" and any forward effort at it sent all of her gangly limbs flinging in different directions. It took lots of fitness, but now she happily canters--even starting to develop some collection with it.

If all goes well, I think this girl will really thrive with consistent work. She is very people-oriented, and wanted to please. I have found that I cannot ride the bigger gaits that many dressage horses offer--my back just says "no."

StraightForward · Postby **StraightForward** » Thu Feb 18, 2016 2:42 pm

She is seriously adorable; what a nice find. My appaloosa mare could.not.canter. when I got her. Getting out on the trails and hand galloping did wonders for her, as did little jumps and especially grid work. After a year of very steady work her canter was actually pretty good. That trope about not being able to improve the canter, is true in some ways (like if it's lateral, forget it), but in other ways, the canter is very improvable.

FWIW, I did see a red Friesian at a show here a few years ago. He was a more compact horse and looked very much like her. I first guessed Morgan/draft cross, but the owner said he was registered Friesian. IIRC, he was doing pretty good 2nd level work and the owner seemed to be having a ball with him.

Chisamba · Postby **Chisamba** » Thu Feb 18, 2016 3:53 pm

My lippi standardbred X had no canter at all, she was a pacer and would do a completely lateral kind of two beat canter and if pushed forward would do a one beat canter, you had to see, or feel it, to understand what i mean, but think sprong, sprong, sprong, sprong. with lots of work to improve her trot, she developed the balance and feel to begin to canter, and now her canter is a true three beat, if still a bit explosive in the transitions.

How did the PPE go?

Fatcat · Postby **Fatcat** » Fri Feb 19, 2016 4:12 am

TR_Teacher wrote:
The canter will be a work in progress similar to the trot

Yes! Everything is a work in progress with her. She's only 6 years old, and from what I can gather has had really infrequent work (like being ridden a few times a month). She has had very little in the way of training. 30 days as a youngster, and then just infrequent rides since then. So, I'm gambling on her potential--which I know is what you should never do! I rode her and watched another young woman ride her--she is game to try,

I'm more interested in the Morgan in there--she looks/acts like one. I have a thing for Morgans. I've also found them to be kind of slow to mature mentally and physically. We have one now that when we got her a year ago--could.not.canter. She only knew "tranter" and any forward effort at it sent all of her gangly limbs flinging in different directions. It took lots of fitness, but now she happily canters--even starting to develop some collection with it.

If all goes well, I think this girl will really thrive with consistent work. She is very people-oriented, and wanted to please. I have found that I cannot ride the bigger gaits that many dressage horses offer--my back just says "no."

Yes! This pleaser, people oriented trait is what I love about my Morgan mare. She has the best disposition of any horse I've ridden. Enjoy her!

Kyra's Mom · Postby **Kyra's Mom** » Fri Feb 19, 2016 5:29 am

I really like her. Very kind eye. I 'm with you all the way on the kind of gaits some of us need. We must be gentle on our bodies

.
I agree on seeing a lot of Morgan in her. (I board at a Morgan farm).
Fingers crossed on the PPE.

Susan

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Fri Feb 19, 2016 1:10 pm

This pleaser, people oriented trait is what I love about my Morgan mare. She has the best disposition of any horse I've ridden.

I think Morgans (and saddlebreds, too!) are kind of a "hidden gem" for AA dressage riders. They are typically quality movers, have great feet, and stay sound. You can't "pick a fight" or bully them, but if you turn training into a game and stay one step ahead they are delights. We've got 3 in the barn right now. They aren't easy to find, as they are marketed differently and many breeders don't advertise. But, they aren't expensive either! I've often thought about becoming a "Morgan Matchmaker" for people looking for dressage horses. We've always done well with them in open competition, too.

Many years ago, we had a clinic with a German instructor (lovely rider, but just much more used to Warmbloods!) A teenage girl was riding one of our Morgan schoolies (mare had been shown through 4th level with scores in the mid-60s). The rider was learning, and wasn't yet 100% consistent with her hands--so mare bopped around a little bit. German rider thought SHE could get the mare much more "steady in zeee bridle." So, she hopped on, shorted up the reins, and attempted to boot Miss Morgan forward. She crow-hopped, pranced around a little bit, then stood STOCK still. WOULD NOT MOVE--and she was a very forward horse! Mare gave us all "the look" as in "please stop this, or this lady is going be launched through the air whilst yelling obscenities in German." Instructor sheepishly dismounted and declared ALL Morgans as terrible dressage horses, and said that the girl should get a REAL DRESSAGE horse immediately.

The girl that had been riding her in the first place went on to get her Bronze medal with that mare just a few years later. :lol:

Can you tell I'm buying time and entertaining myself until the PPE--which is on Wednesday.

cb06 · Postby **cb06** » Fri Feb 19, 2016 2:39 pm

TR_Teacher wrote:
This pleaser, people oriented trait is what I love about my Morgan mare. She has the best disposition of any horse I've ridden.

I think Morgans (and saddlebreds, too!) are kind of a "hidden gem" for AA dressage riders. They are typically quality movers, have great feet, and stay sound. You can't "pick a fight" or bully them, but if you turn training into a game and stay one step ahead they are delights. We've got 3 in the barn right now. They aren't easy to find, as they are marketed differently and many breeders don't advertise. But, they aren't expensive either! I've often thought about becoming a "Morgan Matchmaker" for people looking for dressage horses. We've always done well with them in open competition, too.

Yep, absolutely agree. :mrgreen:

Fingers crossed on the PPE

Fatcat · Postby **Fatcat** » Fri Feb 19, 2016 3:02 pm

TR_Teacher wrote:
This pleaser, people oriented trait is what I love about my Morgan mare. She has the best disposition of any horse I've ridden.

I think Morgans (and saddlebreds, too!) are kind of a "hidden gem" for AA dressage riders. They are typically quality movers, have great feet, and stay sound. You can't "pick a fight" or bully them, but if you turn training into a game and stay one step ahead they are delights. We've got 3 in the barn right now. They aren't easy to find, as they are marketed differently and many breeders don't advertise. But, they aren't expensive either! I've often thought about becoming a "Morgan Matchmaker" for people looking for dressage horses. We've always done well with them in open competition, too.

Many years ago, we had a clinic with a German instructor (lovely rider, but just much more used to Warmbloods!) A teenage girl was riding one of our Morgan schoolies (mare had been shown through 4th level with scores in the mid-60s). The rider was learning, and wasn't yet 100% consistent with her hands--so mare bopped around a little bit. German rider thought SHE could get the mare much more "steady in zeee bridle." So, she hopped on, shorted up the reins, and attempted to boot Miss Morgan forward. She crow-hopped, pranced around a little bit, then stood STOCK still. WOULD NOT MOVE--and she was a very forward horse! Mare gave us all "the look" as in "please stop this, or this lady is going be launched through the air whilst yelling obscenities in German." Instructor sheepishly dismounted and declared ALL Morgans as terrible dressage horses, and said that the girl should get a REAL DRESSAGE horse immediately.

The girl that had been riding her in the first place went on to get her Bronze medal with that mare just a few years later.

Can you tell I'm buying time and entertaining myself until the PPE--which is on Wednesday.

I agree they are an affordable, forgiving horse for many disciplines. I was drawn to them for their versatility, soundness, (love those feet and legs on your prospect!), and people oriented personality. My farrier always swoons over her feet, and I just take them for granted now, as I'm on my second Morgan, and have gotten spoiled

My non-horsey hubby when asked once about the breeding of my new mare by a person we know who is inclined to be a dressage snob, replied in jest that she was a "Vermont warmblood". The person didn't get the joke, nodded solemnly like that was a new strain he hadn't heard of, and wandered off. I didn't realize until then that hubby had been listening to all my prattle about Morgans and their history. :shock:

Do you have your prospective mare's pedigree? I'm wondering if she's got some Working Western lines. They tend to have that big shoulder and are often chestnut.

TR_Teacher · Postby **TR_Teacher** » Fri Feb 19, 2016 3:24 pm

Do you have your prospective mare's pedigree? I'm wondering if she's got some Working Western lines. They tend to have that big shoulder and are often chestnut.

I do not

I think I've narrowed down where she might have come from, which would give me some idea of her breeding. If it was I suspect it is--there might be some Flyhawk lines there.

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