|
|
|
Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/5/2009 5:04:40 PM
Posts: 3,
Visits: 6
|
|
Shopping for my first horse. Will need to be mature and well trained for a novice western rider. Wondering if Icelandics and Kentucky Mountain are great all around breeds to learn on.
[/i]
|
|
|
|
|
Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:01:28 PM
Posts: 772,
Visits: 913
|
|
Iceys, seem to have a flightier movements, which may intimidate a rider, but Kentuckys just seem to be like TWHs. TWHs are very good horses to learn on. Typically a mid-aged one to older-aged one, but I knew a 2 year old (2 years old!) who was THE sweetest most docile thing. He would lay down in his stall for a nap daily, walk, walk, walk, etc. Very nice horse. So I guess it just depends.
    
I'm a violent person. 
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:51:58 PM
Posts: 1,766,
Visits: 6,480
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:01:28 PM
Posts: 772,
Visits: 913
|
|
| ^ I will throw in though, that gaited breeds tend to be flightier than most. You wouldn't advise a beginner to learn on a 3-4 year old Purebred Arabian would you? So although it DOES depend on the individual horse, gaiteds DO tend to be a bit hotter than most. I'm actually glad OP asked because Iceys can be a bit intimidating speed and movement-wise to a beginner or one new to gaited breeds. Walkers get sweeter with age ;)
I'm a violent person.
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:51:58 PM
Posts: 1,766,
Visits: 6,480
|
|
| My post doesn't advise a beginner to "learn on" any 3-4 yo horse (although some people will say some youngsters are fine for beginners which I disagree with that; won't stop beginners from doing what they want though). Notwithstanding anyones perceived breed stereotype, you can find horses w/in a breed that don't conform with those stereotypes which would be fine for beginners, including Icelandics, which my no-confidence-as-a-rider friend rode on a 3 hr. trail ride. And we talked to many Icelandic breeders when trying to find her a horse who would disagree with your assessment of their being flighty, hotter or more intimidating to beginners. Bottom line is if you find a horse in any breed which is a good beginner's horse, who cares what the stereotype is?
|
|
|
|
|
Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:01:28 PM
Posts: 772,
Visits: 913
|
|
| Of course, of course! I wasn't stereotyping, I did say some not all. Or 'can'. And that 3 year old I mentioned previously must have slipped your eye? But for the OP, I just chose to mention that some can be intimidating. Nothing wrong with that.
I'm a violent person.
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 7:21:13 PM
Posts: 1,972,
Visits: 1,898
|
|
kewpalace (10/20/2009)
My post doesn'tadvise a beginner to "learn on" any 3-4 yo horse (although some people will say some youngsters are fine for beginners which I disagree with that; won't stop beginners from doing what they want though). Notwithstanding anyones perceived breed stereotype, you can find horses w/in abreedthat don't conform with those stereotypes which would be fine for beginners, including Icelandics, which my no-confidence-as-a-rider friend rode on a 3 hr. trail ride. And we talked to many Icelandic breeders when trying to find her a horse who would disagree with your assessment of their being flighty, hotter or more intimidating to beginners.Bottom line is if you find a horse in any breed which is a good beginner's horse, who cares what the stereotype is?
Bravo! More people need to feel the way you do.
I especially love the last sentence.
To the OP, like Kewplace previously said, temperment and breed are =/=. If you like Icelandics and KMS horses, look for one with a good temperment and willing attitude. Good luck!
Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble. ~Isaiah 63:13
But ask the animals, and they will teach you ~Job 12:7a
"You don't throw a whole life away, just 'cause it's beat up a little" ~ Tom Smith, Seabiscuit's trainer
Please join the Thoroughbred Owners and Enthusiasts Club if you love Thoroughbreds! www.thoroughbredtalk.webs.com
|
|
|
|