Breed Stereotypes

sedonasilver · Advanced

Breed Stereotypes

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

I once had a Quarter Horse that acted like a cross between a mule and a Thoroughbred with a touch of Arabian on the stereotype spectrum. All of my other Quarter Horses thought they were lap dogs, my Thoroughbred (off the track) only thought he was a racehorse on trail rides. Sometimes I use typical breed stereotypes to explain to somebody how the breed itself is different from another breed, but on a whole I think it comes down to each horse individually. Although I have worked with many horses that have fit their stereotype, but that could just be an owner stereotype cropping up confuse

Diamond_Jubilee · Well Schooled

I do believe that most breeds have certain characteristics, as they were all bred many years ago for a certain purpose. I believe its all in the bloodlines. My mother in law has been a pony breeder for over 30 years and if you say a name of a pony (breeding), she can most certainly say if its hot or not just by its bloodlines. Not all animals fit their breed standard though. You will always have a fluke! Its hard not to judge a whole breed on one bad animal you might have...Talk around to others that have the same breed to see what the majority of people say. I have known a few Trakehners and I must say I'm not a fan of the breed (though they are usually very pretty to look at!). But I have known a very safe, quiet school horse that was a Trakehner. I have also known one that have put their owner in the hospital, and had others say how unpredictable theirs is on a day to day basis.
Now saying this, I ride a cob which are known to be stubborn and hot. I have almost the total oposite (again, its in his breeding. His dam and sire are known for their quietness). He can be stubborn but I've learn how to deal with it and how to get around it in his training. I always let him think its his idea to do everything, I just guide him along quitely and we have no issues! I can't force him to do anything, cause he lets me know!

SiobhanDressage · Well Schooled

I always hear the one about Warmbloods earning the nickname 'dumbbloods'. Yes, some Warmbloods can be silly and hot-headed, but not all are, especially mine (although my WB has his dumb moments too).

sedonasilver · Advanced

Ive also heard the one about "Dumbbloods" so my poor boy cant get a break being a Trakehner WB! What type of WB is your boy, SiobhanDressage?

Nikki's comment "Sometimes I use typical breed stereotypes to explain to somebody how the breed itself is different from another breed, but on a whole I think it comes down to each horse individually." is very good observation, as Diamond_Jubilee's statement "Its hard not to judge a whole breed on one bad animal you might have..."

When I was younger I used to ride an absolutely manic arabian gelding at my riding school. This horse used to just lose it and bolt and buck and go crazy for no reason out of the blue. Now that I look back on it, he likely behaved like that because of all the useless kids that used to ride him twice a day and the fact the he never had the behaviour nipped in the budd ;)

My opinion on this subject is that while each horse can be pre-disposed to certain breed-related behaviours and temperments, it is up to the rider/handler to monitor and determine how bad the undesirable behaviours get.

I think it also comes down to a similiar take on dogs - not every breed is right for every person. Same with horses :)

-- Edited by sedonasilver on Friday 29th of October 2010 01:38:05 AM

-- Edited by sedonasilver on Friday 29th of October 2010 01:40:18 AM

SiobhanDressage · Well Schooled

My horse is a Danish Warmblood, but not very 'dumb'...

Dalriada · Yearling

I very much dislike stereotypes applied to breeds. Yes, breeds tend to have been bred for eons for some specific purpose or temperament but to label all animals of a breed with the same tag is certainly not fair.

I recently had a conversation where the other person kept saying "that Arab" in a condescending voice. Turns out the animal in question was a Half-Welsh with no Arab blood. Also what this speaker didn't know was the fact I grew up with Arabs and yes we have had the odd wingnut but the majority were dead quiet, kids mounts - and that included the stallions. Odd wingnuts happen in every breed, every species and that includes humans.

Many horses are products of their handling - if you treat them like an airhead they become an airhead. I'm used to dealing with the "hotter" bloodlines - Arab, Welsh, Saddlebred, Hackney Horse then we bred a Half Westfalen - to us he is our much loved "dumbblood" as he is slower to react than the other breeds. Dumb he is not just a lot more laid back and easy going than the others.

I have worked with many, many breeds from ponies to horses to draft and each has their own pluses and minuses depending upon what you are looking for personally. I like the hotter breeds as long as they are mannerly.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

I often hear breed stereo types: Oh, an appy? Very stubborn. Oh, a Morgan? very hot.
There are some truth to these in some cases (my ap was definitely stubborn!) but really, if we did this with humans it would be stereotyping. Oh, your Scottish? .....
Each horse should be assessed individually, but being human, we just aren't likely to do that!
P.S Those who use the term "dumb bloods" are simply jealous that they do not own such an athlete!

spirithorse · Advanced

It is not a breed but rather the breeding that passes on certain traits.
Certain TB bloodline the mares are so tempermental that is hard to work with them, but the problem is directly associated with the bloodline.

sedonasilver · Advanced

Horse-hearted wrote:
P.S Those who use the term "dumb bloods" are simply jealous that they do not own such an athlete!

Here here! wink

NaturallyUnbridled · Well Schooled

As a Saddlebred lover, I have had many opportunities to educate people on Saddle Seat horses and training methods as well as their versatility. I have found that most people appreciate the information. There will always be those with closed minds and strong opinions but I don't want those people to buy a Saddlebred anyway.
biggrin

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Ba ha ha ha
I have heard many Morgan people say that first time horse owners shouldn't buy a Morgan because they are too smart. Do we agree or disagree?

sedonasilver · Advanced

Actually, Ive heard that about Morgans too! Apparently they are for the SAVVY horseman/woman. I have even heard it to be said that they are best suited to a MAN.

jmarieappaloosa · Foal

I believe it's a combination of bloodlines and handling. At one point Arabs were the breed of choice and everyone was breeding them without regard as to whether what lines they were breeding where a good match or not. At that time alot of the Arabs in this area (Peterborough County) ended up being hot, lousy conformation and in alot of cases grey. Indiscriminate (sp?) breeding

Also for years I've heard that Appaloosa's are stubborn, stupid, crazy, etc. I've owned Apps for over 30 years....yeah they can have an attitude; but it's not from being any of the above....it's more a case of them being pretty smart and figuring out how to get their own way. You have to be thinking quicker than them. I have also owned over the years....Arabs, Saddlebred, Quarter Horses, Paint and Welsh pony. I've always owned at least one App during the time I had the others and I now have only Apps. The others, good horses but I prefer my Apps. 8>)

All three in the pic are registered Appaloosa's, they have all been shown sucessfully.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Right with you on the Apps.Over the years I have owned three, all with very different personalities. I adore my appys. The two in my picture are appy crosses.
Yes, I agree that haphazard breeding is responsible in a lot of cases! People just don't think...

spirithorse · Advanced

Beware...your horse can out think you.
Horses and humans are very much alike with similiar personality traits............
Breeding has a huge role in the make up of these personalities.

jmarieappaloosa · Foal

"Horses and humans are very much alike with similiar personality traits............"

LOL! Oh, how true this is!!! And our horses sometimes take on our own characteristics!!
At least my hubby thinks that my one App is very much like me, even if he is a gelding!

SoftTouchTraining · Well Schooled

I agree that every breed probably has a tendancy towards certain characteristics. But you guys are right, in the end it comes down to the individual horse. People should also take into consideration bloodlines. Certain lines are bred for something and you get a tendancy towards a characteristic. For example, I find that the new style of Morgans are more prone to being hot, spooky, and flighty when I compare them to the older stlye. Or cutting horses are hotter than ranch type horses. Stereotypes can be a good thing and they can be a bad thing. One needs to look beyond the stereotype and look at the horse infront of them, then they'll get their answer on what type of horse it is.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Totally with you on the "new" style of Morgans. A lot of that has to do with the training...in the show ring they want them to look spirited and get lots of knee action, so hyping them up is a common practice.
There will probably always be stereotypes, and people will always be drawn to certain breeds more then others, but I do think it comes down to the horse- of course.

DeAnnaF · Foal

Can't judge a book by it's cover! At the barn we board at there are a few different breeds. QH, warmbloods, arabs, appy, standardbred & paints. All have their own vices & attitudes. We have a paint & an arab mare & both have their own minds. The paint thinks she is the lead mare, but when confronted by another will totally back down. My arab is a lovebug one day & a nutcase the next. Not sure if this is just hormones due to pregnancy or what.

spirithorse · Advanced

Mares are moody just like women......when pregnant. LOL

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Can ya blame 'em??? I think they've earned the right!

NaturallyUnbridled · Well Schooled

Horse-hearted wrote:

Ba ha ha ha
I have heard many Morgan people say that first time horse owners shouldn't buy a Morgan because they are too smart. Do we agree or disagree?

That would have to depend on the person, I think. But I can see where that thought came from! Hahaha!

NaturallyUnbridled · Well Schooled

jmarieappaloosa wrote:

"Horses and humans are very much alike with similiar personality traits............"

LOL! Oh, how true this is!!! And our horses sometimes take on our own characteristics!!
At least my hubby thinks that my one App is very much like me, even if he is a gelding!

Did you know you can take a horse personality test and a person personality test at http://www.horseharmonytest.com/ HAVE FUN!

Horse-hearted · Advanced

That's awesome, thanks Patti! I'm checking this out right now!

SoftTouchTraining · Well Schooled

Naturally Unbriddled ~ I've heard the same thing about Arab. "They're smarter than their owners"

I have a soft spot in my heart for morgans. I think a good one that has had good training is a wonderful alround horse. It depends more on the individual attitude of the horse.

Goatgirl · Advanced

I don't believe in breed stereo-types. It's frustrating when talking to someone who holds breed predjudice. While I believe breeds have certain characteristics that have been genetically imbedded through years of selective breeding, each horse is still an individual no less than we humans are different from each other.

I have Canadians - and can't count the time people - trainers have said - 'oh those things are so impossible - stubborn....etc...' I just shrug now...

I've ridden hot quarter-horses and laid back TB's, I love appy's etc....

It's easy to stereo-type - harder to actually use the brain and think and challenge pre-conceived notions...(hope that's okay to say and no one is offended.

Sonia · Well Schooled

Horse-hearted wrote:

Ba ha ha ha
I have heard many Morgan people say that first time horse owners shouldn't buy a Morgan because they are too smart. Do we agree or disagree?

I agree that Morgans are smart! I DISAGREE that they make bad first horses. My family has been breeding, training, showing and selling (old-type) Morgans for 30 years and have found perfect bonds with horse and their owners. Morgans make excellent companions for the show ring and the backyard.

I think you make be thinking of the 'finer' type of Morgan that competes mostly in the Saddle Seat. They have a specific type of breeding that can make them appear hot. None of our horses are like that.

Kairen Jamieson · Yearling

To me...a good horse is of no bad breed/colour/size or gender....it is simply a good horse...and each breed has their good ones...and their bad ones.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

Kairen, I have to agree with you that a good horse has no breed/colour/size/gender. Like a lot of people have said, sure some horses fit into the "stereotype" given by their breed, but that's true with people also. I know some people who are blonde that are (frankly) idiots, but I also know some very smart blonde people, who aren't oblivious to everything. I think it really boils down to the specific horse.

I would also like to point out that certain horses gain a reputation because people make them that way according to how they think they are supposed to act. My biggest example for this is Arabian stallions. People assume Arabians are hot headed, and that stallions are big brutes who should be allowed to do whatever they please so long as they get the "job" done... This couldn't be more false! However, people believe in these stereotypes and let these horses get away with absolutely atrocious behavior. I know there's a video on youtube somewhere of a lady allowing an (I believe) Arabian stallion basically threaten to kill her, but people respond with, "that's how Arabs/Stallions are!". Stereotypes like this are dangerous. I know you can all think of at least one stallion who has been as "gentle as a gelding" because he's had proper exposure and training to people and situations.

-- Edited by Barnmouser Ash on Saturday 18th of December 2010 02:13:58 PM

deb · Well Schooled

Do you believe that certain breeds have certain temperment characteristics?

Do you get frustrated when people group your horse in to a breed stereotype?

I constantly get "oooh, a trakehner....no thanks. Far too stubborn and much too much hard work."

Another common one "All arabians are hot headed and crazy..."

Yes, to some extent that would be true in my experience. But I would say that more importantly is the horse's handling, and environment and the dam and her nature has a lot to say as how the foal will turn out. But from experience with many breeds, breed does play a part. Example: STB's are often sensible, and tractible, they are easy to train and like to learn, they are also very people friendly... this is the rule... I have seen some horrific trainers and there horses are still nice to be around, and are often easy to re-train even from bad habbits, or more often fear based problems. On the other hand I have had other breeds that are considered 'hot' that were also from abusive homes and they were much harder to re-train, and took much longer to alter their behaviour. I also have noticed from my time with STB's that incomparison to other 'hotter' breeds, that the other bred horse was not as 'forgiving' while in the hands of the poor trainer, and exhibited some pretty extreme problems, frustration and anger being two... justifiably so I might add... I have also found that QH, are also usually more tractable and much like STB's to deal with. There are exceptions though and all horses are individuals first and formmost... also STB's are racehorses first and foremost, so when dealing with them, one must remember that there is also a 'hot' side to them, and they can be sharp in certian conditions until away from the track for a while.

Yes I do get upset when people group my horses into a group or stereotype since I have STB's currently there is still a negative attitude towards them, although this has improved over the years... even though the 'jug-head' attitude has changed a lot, people still have not realized just how tallented these horses are, and just how suited to showing that they are and can be... they come in such a wide variety, that one needs to look for a type, and keep in mind what makes up the look of the breed associated with the disipline that they are entering into... there is usually a STB for most sports. I have often 'fooled' people with diferent horses of mine as to what breed they are... they only sure mark of a STB other than the tattoo (LOL) is that they have a certain make around the shoulder, they have a slope that most other breeds don't... but this is only useful for riding, as it gives them an excellent reach, and they have incredible endurance, and are very sure footed as their front end balance is excellent... this observation has taken me 20 years to come up with as I asked myself many years ago what makes a STB different than other horses, and what makes him a STB??? with so many different forms, and looks that was what I have notice... also I asked myself why can these horses pace, or trot better and faster than any other horse in the world??? the shoulder is the ONLY difference between them and other breeds, and the only thing that is the same in all STB's... the rear end, the placement of legs, and of length of pasturne etc. all varries, but the shoulder and the way the neck comes off of it is the same.

Even my best friend since childhood warned me that a STB would not be able to do the higher dressage moves... I am not at the point where I can prove or disprove this yet, Che is too young... but if the moves I see in the paddock from him and my other old horse are anything to go by I will be fine...

I constantly get "oooh, a trakehner....no thanks. Far too stubborn and much too much hard work."

Another common one "All arabians are hot headed and crazy..."

And yes I understand how you feel, I often get... STB's are so nice and easy all the time... they are 'cold' horses that will do anything that you want... to some extent this can be true.. but as I said they are race horses and can be hot, sharp, excitable, get upset, angry, run away, buck, kick, bite, and otherwise act like any other horse....

As to arab's I have found some hot, some nice, and just about everyother way you can imagine... I have had a few, and while they are not my cup of tea (sport wise... the horses are just fine) I have enjoyed the ones I had just fine... I have ridden trakehner's and they were every mix as well...

So the long and the short of it... I think breed is more about looks and make than attitude overall, with a shading of breed entering in on the attitude, but the life experiences, and horses just being individuals has more to do with what your horse will be like...

just my take,

deb

deb · Well Schooled

Sorry for the quotes being messed up... I am still figuring out how to work this... also no fix time is tough to adjust too!! lol... so the words are right, but the layout isn't... sorry deb

deb · Well Schooled

Hi,

I know what you mean... I have a STB stud, he is a mix of attitudes... he is GREAT with horses... but is the hardest horse I have ever had to work with in many ways, but in others he is perfect!!! people think since he is a stud he will be bad with horses... and they think that since he is STB he should like all people, and be easy to work with all the time.. he isn't!!!

I've had lots of studs, and lots of STB's and they are all different and they are all themselves...

deb

deb · Well Schooled

I would strongly agree with you... many of my horses would fit this bill... and in STBs one can almost always look at the sire or dam and have a very good idea of how the foal will turn out-- but not always... my colt would be an excellent example of what you are saying... his mother's full brother (a very famous horse-- richest stb pacer ever) was so difficult and dangerous they gelded him... his sire was difficult and tough, and the grandmother comes from an entire family of tough horses-- on my colts other side his own sire is known for being tough and very rough to work with... also this side can be runways and hot... on his dam's side they are stubborn and difficult in the extreme unless they want to do what you want... when people that knew both the sire and the 'uncle' of my horse met Che they couldn't believe the similarities of the both sides and my horse... he is an obvious mix of the two sides and so much like his 'Uncle Gallo' that they said it was like looking at Gallo come back to the track... they don't look exactly alike... but their body types are identical (my horse is a stud though) and differ mainly in colour and Che has a way nicer head... but their attidues are so much alike it is scary... the two have and never will meet... but also lurking is his dad, since he can occasionally show his hot side, and we worked very hard to keep him from turning into a runway...

So I would agree with you from my 30 years of experience, and this horse in particular... sire and dam have loads to play on the foal and it's temperment.

deb · Well Schooled

I had a morgan, one of the best horses we ever had... she was so awesome, my sister learned everything on her... we had to reschool her, after serious abuse... from an idiot girl who had her before we did, but once that was behind her we did nothing but win on her... she compeated for years and gave lessons, and was the 'star' of the stable everywhere she went... she could spook, but we worked around that... Harmony was the best... so for all you morgan people other there... you have my vote if my 'golden' girl was anything to go by.

deb

Goatgirl · Advanced

Standardbred can't do upper level dressage....????!!!! BAH HUMBUG There are some amazing standardbreds out there and there are some clunkers...just like any breed.....There are standardbreds whose movement can take your breath away.....

I dislike intensely when people write off a horse because they are not the horse 'typically' seen engaged in a discipline...There were some people who when i got my Canadian Horses (because I love the breed for a gazillion reasons) said 'Well I wouldn't get that kind of horse if I wanted to do upper level dressage.' Yeah - well my Canadian and I are piaffing and passaging, and half-passing and travering...and pirouetting AND my coach who has been there done that --says my boy piaffes better than some of the international calibre horses he's seen... my sons paint horse of quarter-horse breeding jumps 4 ft courses without a prob...

So if anyone tells ya your horse can't do something because it's not 'the right breed'....smile, nod - and just know they haven't got a clue!!

as my dad used to say (he came from a family of Trakehner Breeders) : a horse is a horse - it consists of two ears, four legs, a mane, a tail, and a big heart.....

-- Edited by Goatgirl on Sunday 26th of December 2010 09:30:49 PM

-- Edited by Goatgirl on Sunday 26th of December 2010 09:33:34 PM

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

To bring an old topic back from the dead...

Let's rediscover the Standardbred!

Somebeachsomewhere - Pacing Standardbred Sets World Record

^ Your "typical" Standardbred (ie, what you think when you hear "standardbred")

Barrel Racing Standardbred

^ Your not so typical Standardbred biggrin

These jughead babies can be retrained; they don't only trot or only pace! :)

ETA: Thought I would include this lovely article from The HorseLady Blog:

Standardbreds: Your ticket to an amazing ride

Do you think I've used the word "standardbred" enough? ;)

-- Edited by Barnmouser Ash on Thursday 14th of April 2011 02:28:47 PM

porte101 · Yearling

A stereotype Ive heard every where i go almost is that all shetland ponies are mean and stubborn and tempermental,
Ive owned 3 and they were all nice and sweet, had their moments but theyre mainly like appys, smart enough to get their way lol

Queenrider · Advanced

Canadians are stubborn! I hear that all the time. They aren't stubborn but they are super smart and require a bit of processing time to think about things until they become familiar with what is asked. When I am teaching my Canadian something new normally he is slow the first time, almost certain for the second time and he has it memorized for the third time! I have adjusted my training methods to match him!
Currently he is working on his First level exercises, at 5 years old. He has counter canter already!

horsemum · Yearling

I hear alot of stereotyping about the Appy too. We have one and we know that she can be stubborn but she's extremely smart! Always thinking of ways to get what she wants! We love her and wouldn't want it any other way!

deb · Well Schooled

Hi horsemum,

I will tell you about an appy that I rode. This little girl could do it all, in the summer months she would be ridden reining by a small adult, and win, she would be ridden games by a 10 year old and win every class, she would be used in a line class for a small child and win, then for the same adult as reined by and win, she would then give lessons the rest of the week, then on weekends she was used in the trail company that these people owned (I rode her as a trail guide for these people-- and gave the odd lesson for them using her as one of the school horses, or riding her for example)-- she was only a large pony, and yet no matter what she did she was the best, the smartest and kept me out of more trouble on the trail and in the ring than any other horse I ever rode. She was not stubborn, just smart, and she never forgot anything she ever learned. She also never forgot me, I didn't own her, but went back years later when she was in her late 20's and had not seen her for about 10 years, she knew me, and it was a great moment. she lived to be in her high 30's and this is the only horse they kept when their kids were grown and the man who owned the trail co. died and his wife left the business. Nanny was the most amazing little horse, but not the only appy, they had lots go through as peoples's preception of a western trail co. is of apps and paints, the apps were always the ones that people chose to ride, as they were safe and smart on the trail, and these people won a heck of a lot of ribbons on these duel purpose horses. I am an english rider, and at 18 years old Nanny learned to go english just so these people could pay me back in lessons in both english and western!!! now how smart is that! she was awesome too, and won in some junior hunter classes... so go apps you and Nanny have my vote

deb wink

kschmittendorf · Well Schooled

I have run into this also, both good and bad, with my quarterhorse. It depends on the barn I am at and the "horse" crowd I am with. At my current barn, dressage, he was initially looked down upon. But now that others have seen his adaption to training and steady personality, they have changed their minds. Even my trainer has. At my old hunter barn he was the envy of all. Stereo typing is going to happen...can't get around it. But just like humans, animals are individuals and it's how they adapt to the different jobs given them and their general flight or fight response that counts. What I appreciate most is a well behaved, well trained, respectful horse. Whether on the ground or in the saddle. And that only comes from the human that owns it. It doesn't matter WHAT the breed if they are unmanageable. That makes them dangerous.

Jackie Cochran · Advanced

At the hunter stables I've been at Quarter Horses are no problem, they keep their heads down.
Now Arabs are another matter, Arabs will raise their heads if they do not approve of their rider's contact.
Luckily I found the barn of my dreams, a hunter barn that uses Arabs as lesson horses! Debbie is a good teacher, and she thinks that if her students learn to ride on Arabs (she does have other breeds for beginners) and then graduate to OTTBs that they will be good enough riders to ride most other horses. I agree, if riders start on the more sensitive hot bloods and learn to ride them well then the riders' aids do not get heavy. At the stable are OTTBs, QHs, Apps, Arabs, ponies, a mustang, and various Warm Bloods and her students can ride all different types of horses successfully.
Besides, if your hands are good enough that the Arab willingly keeps his head down in a good hunter position you have achieved a stable seat and independent hands! There is no guessing about this, Arabs WILL tell you if your hunt seat contact is bad.
Come to think about it this is probably why Arabs are not popular at hunt seat stables!

KateGreen · Yearling

At least your breeds have been heard of. No one knows what a Galiceno horse is. They are small spanish type horses. Due to their size one cutting horse breeder here called them "throw away" horses and "kids ponies." To him if it isnt 16 hh and AQHA it is trash to be gotten rid of. It really ticked me off. My horses could run circles around his any day. They excel in cutting, reining, barrells, even in hunters. Most are shown in western disciplines due local taste. The breed association is based here in North central Texas. My horses are gaited and beautiful to watch when they go.
As to types, yes there are hot blooded horses that are way more sensitive to what their riders do. There are cooler more calm mannered breeds as a whole, but individual temperment may vary quite a bit. I see it all the time with ours.

UnbridledRider · Yearling

I think streotypes are a way for people to try and differentiate between horses for learning purposes, even if they have had little to no experience with the breed. I don't think it's right, but I think people need to say "i hear arabians are hot-headed, but I'm not an expert on the breed" or something along those lines rather than make claims if they haven't had experience with it.

I worked with Arabians for 8/9 years of my life and Arabians can be stubborn and hot-headed, but other breeds can be too. I think they're a brilliant breed, and definitely good-spirited horses if treated right. They're a good breed to learn on, I think, because they teach you the importance of staying calm at ALL times in the ride (especially random spooks) and being prepared to react if something goes wrong. Arabians are known for being spooky, and to an extent that is true. I had a half Arabian/Quarter horse and his "Arabian" side included being very afraid of water and sometimes being hot, but he was willing to work and trust me as we minimalized how often he spooked or prevented it.

UnbridledRider · Yearling

I agree with what you said, Jackie, about arabians! Very good breed to learn on! :)

Barrelracer106 · Yearling

Horse-hearted wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ba ha ha ha
I have heard many Morgan people say that first time horse owners shouldn't buy a Morgan because they are too smart. Do we agree or disagree?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I`m 50/50 on this, because they are very smart (like all breeds) but I agree with whoever said that they are breeding for knee action and such, sorrry, I forgot to look at the name :p. Not that new people shouldn`t buy a Morgan because someone made up a steroetype about them, they are wonderful first horses, as long as you get the right one. My Morgan mare in my avatar picture can be smarter than me, but she is sweet. Anyone heard the one about Quarter Horses being "prone" to bucking? Someone at the barn was saying this, I own one,( my profile picture) and they don`t.