Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Weight of horse compared to rider

I find this discussion interesting as I had formerly believed smaller horses
stayed sounder, etc.  Being almost 6 ft myself; I always yearned for a
really tall Arab; and never could find one, so went to Arab crosses (Arab
crossed with mustang, QH, Tb and Walker)  My gut feeling is that the pure
Arab is the best endurance -prospect-, not to say that there aren't other
breeds that have done extremely well....but odds are you will have better
success with a pure Arab, and I have found the purebreds have a kindness and
sensitivy lacking in the crosses......

Anyway, I always look hard at confomation of horses at endurance rides, and
of course, you see good and bad that are successful.  Even though there are
criticisms of modern show Arabs, I find as many in the photos of the early
breeders and "foundation" stallions, that I feel have some seroius
conformation faults!

My teenage boarder here has a polish lineage mare that is barely 14.1.  This
mare is an excellent representative of the Arabian breed.  She is
conformationally correct, and a beautiful mover. She only lacks perhaps a
more arched neck and typed head.  She is sensitive, obedient, quick and
surefooted.

A friend just bought a gelding that is one of the loveliest Arabs I have
seen.  He is at least 15.3.  He is a mix, i think, of Varian and BAsk
breeding.  He has a balanced, rounded body, perfect shoulder, level back,
and then the most beautiful long, arched neck and typey head.  He also
happens to have about the biggest feet I have ever seen on an Arab, and
perfect legs.  It will be interesting to see how he does as his conditioning
progresses. Right now he is young, green and a klutz.

I still see too many Arabs that are long-back high croup.  they sort of look
disconnected, and the root of the tail is higher than the withers.  This is
not to be confused with the table-top show backs of the 80's......anyway,
this is a conformation I dislike.

I think structure and conformation are much more important that height.

Karen


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