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Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen
Post Number: 158
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2006 - 4:48 pm: |   |
I am purchasing a new horse and was hoping to get some thoughts on my new guy. I am noticing sort of a small neck as compared to the rest of him, but want to know others' opinions. He is fairly young (4) and very green so I am not sure if it is a lack of condidtioning. He is a tb, so I think he is supposed to be done growing. Go easy, he is already on his way! No really-be honest! |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 1100
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2006 - 5:17 pm: | |
Yep . . . it's a Thoroughbred, Gwen. Looks like a nice guy. If he's only 4, I don't think you can expect to see a good crest on him, although some horses are blessed with very nice necks at birth. As you teach him to give and break at the poll; to drop his nose and bring it toward his chest on light touches of pressure on the leadline and bridle, he will develop more muscling up there. How tall is he? |
Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen
Post Number: 159
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2006 - 6:45 pm: | |
So, you don't think it is awfully skinny... Just not conditioned? |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 1101
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2006 - 7:43 pm: | |
What are you used to seeing, Gwen? Was your last horse a Thoroughbred?
I've seen lots of thin-necked TBs, so his doesn't look disproportionate to me, but I have also seen how thin or even ewe necks can develop good muscle on the crest . . . and since he's so young, I believe you will see a change with good training and time.
What do some other HA members think? |
Fran C
Member
Username: Canter
Post Number: 460
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2006 - 7:50 pm: | |
Hard to tell, but to me, he looks like he's in need of a few groceries all the way around (even in such a small picture, I think I see rather prominent ribs, but it could just be the picture). So, I think a bit more grub, some correct training and another year or two of maturity and he may have a totally different neck. He's got a very sweet looking face! Enjoy him. |
Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen
Post Number: 160
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2006 - 8:19 pm: | |
Thanks, girls. Now that you mention it, he does look a little ribby. According to the seller, he is 16.2 hands. I guess I am being too picky. I have a qh now with a loooong neck. I have not "splurged" on myself in a while and want to be sure that he is just what I want. I am happy with him either way, but I am so bad at attending to details especially with regards to conformation, so I wanted to hear more input. Keep it coming! |
Lori
Member
Username: Maggienm
Post Number: 137
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2006 - 8:29 pm: | |
Gwen, for a TB his neck looks pretty good, since you are used to a
QH you are probably used to a bit more substance. Weight, maturity and work will all make a difference
I too am looking for a horse, I always think they have small butts because I am used to looking at my 1/2 Percherons butt.
I agree he looks sweet. TB's can be very affectionate, you must be feeling 'yahoo' inside! |
Suzanne Reed
Member
Username: Sureed
Post Number: 20
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2006 - 9:22 pm: | |
Gwen,
I think he looks nice. There is something to be said for camera angle too, as he has his head cocked towards you which hollows out the neck if his nose isn't pointed down. I am going to try and upload a picture of one of my TB mares on the ground when she came in (underweight) and then under saddle, and I think you can see what a difference collecting them up on the bit can make and the help it will provide to produce that crest. You horse also has a nice short back, which will help enormously.
Just don't try to fatten him up too quickly. Its a combination of conditioning plus weight. You want the weight and muscle to go to the right places. I have found Gleam and Gain to work wonders on my TBs byw, without hyping them up.
Suzanne |
Nancy S. Kaplan
Member
Username: Redalert
Post Number: 336
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, Apr 15, 2006 - 9:18 am: | |
Yep
He looks absolutely gorgeous ... TAKE YOUR TIME gradually conditioning and fattening him up. Can't wait to see future photos. I bet he will be a real LOOKER!
Congrats on your new horse,
Nancy |
jos
Member
Username: Paardex
Post Number: 68
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2006 - 7:12 am: | |
Gwen, Though I am used to Holsteiners I would not be really complaining about the conformation of the horse in the picture. But I am always more interested in the way a young horse uses his neck when moving. Is he easy to ride on the bit then the shape of the neck will improve fast when trained if he moves naturally with his head high [bit difficult to explain in English] it will be more difficult.
But remember a well trained horse will always improve and a beautiful neck will disapear with a bad trainer/rider.
Jos |
ilona armoni
Member
Username: Ilona
Post Number: 49
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2006 - 1:23 pm: | |
Suzanne, I've been following the thread for the sake of pure interest and your 2 pictures speak more than a thousand words regarding the the possibilities between "upon arrival" and "work in progress". I love HA and all I am given from unsuspecting members! |
Lea-Anne Lesch
Member
Username: Mientjie
Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2006 - 1:55 pm: | |
Gwen he is really beautiful. I hope that you'll enjoy him and have many wonderful years with him!
Lea-Anne |
Lisa Suphan
Member
Username: Lovemytb
Post Number: 24
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2006 - 1:59 pm: | |
He's definitely a TB! I have 2 and both have necks on the slim side. My 3 y.old though is really beginning to show some nice development along the crest. I would go slow on the weight gain - mine was 150 lbs under weight when I rescued him (the 6 y.old) and worming him and beet pulp did the trick. Yours really doesn't look that ribby to me. But, once you start working him, it will increase his appetite and fill him out alittle more. TBs tend to be "well sprung" in the ribs and some people like them chubby and some people like them stream-lined. As long as your vet says the weight is good, that's the most important thing. Good luck and enjoy! |
Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen
Post Number: 161
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Apr 19, 2006 - 4:12 pm: | |
Thanks again everyone for your time and thoughts! As a sort of follow-up/twist to the story, another horse has been offered as a choice. I do not have a picture of this one, and they are still not here so you can't see him. However, as I way the pros and cons of both, I am taking into account that the most recent offer (not pictured) has some sort of breathing problem. It is the type that is not a big deal in lower level shows, but can come into play at higher levels. I am wondering how detrimental these breathing issues can be. I have heard of them in general, but don't know any specifics. Thanks! |
Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen
Post Number: 167
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 - 3:19 pm: | |
Well, my new guy is here! He came in last night and he is very sweet-and beautiful! I will post some pictures as soon I get them. Thanks again for the words of wisdom!! |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 1109
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 - 4:24 pm: | |
Wow, Suzanne . . . just saw your pictures . . . amazing difference.
Congrats, Gwen. Which one did you end up getting? Am looking forward to pictures. |
