1. TeresaA suggested that I consider a baroque horse when I start looking for a new horse. Auke, a horse I had before Jackson, was a Friesian. He was beautiful but we weren't a good fit. Baroque horses also tend to be quite expensive and I'm not going to be in the market for a pricey mount. If I could find a Quarter horse that is built uphill, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
2. Val, along those lines, noted that I was very happy with Jackson. Of all the horses I've had the pleasure of knowing, Jackson is still my favorite. My heart horse. If I could find a horse with the sweetness, heart, and try of Jackson -- with strong feet and a straight body, I would be in heaven. Jackson is "just" a Paint horse with crummy feet but he made me smile everytime I rode him. He still makes me smile.
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3. Kate and a few others made the observation that while Winston and I aren't a good fit, I did give him a good start. Kate's comment that Winston may well be as frustrated with me as I am with him hit home. I am sure she is right. I don't know if Dom still reads my blog, but if I could find a local clone of her it would be the perfect fit. She's a brave and sensitive rider; just what he needs. She would have his number in a way that I don't. He needs someone to take him over fences and gallop down the trail, in addition to dressage. He needs variety to be happy. And when he's happy, he's a lot of fun.
4. Many of you share in my transition to different goals; away from competition to a focus on harmonious, peaceful riding at home. I'm glad I'm not alone in this. I thought maybe I was; that I was a wimp and you would all desert me.
5. Inger asked if Sedona is still with us. Yes! Sedona is doing great. I took the dogs on a three mile walk last night after work. Kersey, the youngster, struggled along on her short legs panting up the hills. Sedona trotted easily the whole way; up hills and down, ears pricked, tail up, watching the deer, wild turkeys, quail and trying to chase squirrels. She is still on pain meds but has put on weight and is happily patrolling the property.
No, you're not alone at all - that's one of the big benefits of horse blogging - the community is very supportive.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Sedona is doing well!
There are uphill QHs with excellent conformation. It's a bit like needle in a haystack, but it can be done. Red would fit your bill perfectly - he's uphill, has very correct conformation, excellent feet and amazing gaits - it's one of the reasons I got him - but you can't have him, sorry!
Oh look at that smile yes that is what you want to see more. Hugs B
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, after a long search to find a horse breed that is 1) hearty and has good feet 2) kind and willing and 3) Athletic, I settled on an Azteca. If you are unfamiliar, they are a Quarter Horse/Andalusian cross.
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty popular for dressage - at least they are up her in the PNW. I found a sweet little Azteca mare and I haven't been disappointed. She does trails, drill, basically anything I want. She's also naturally collected. I always comment that she's wasted on me - she should be someone's dressage horse.
Aztecas often seem to get the best of both breeds - the willingness of the AQHA (and that big booty!) along with the intelligence and the athleticism of the Andalusian.
Regardless of the breeding, now that you know what you want, you'll be able to find your perfect horse!
i hope you will find the perfect new owner for winston.
ReplyDeleteand i love sweet sedona!
I'm so glad about Sedona. I thought afterwards that I shouldn't have asked in such a public place. I love the picture of her, my Angel used to keep her legs crossed like that.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about Winston though, but I know how you both have struggled, so I hope you will find the right match for him.
Finally, the way you increased the close up shots of Jackson was brilliant. I will definitely steal that idea sometime later.
I am glad for you and Winston. This is such a tough decision to make, but I think it is one that all riders face at one time or another. You certainly aren't alone. For me, it came some years ago after I nearly lost my right arm at the shoulder in a bad wreck. The horse I was riding at the time was a great deal like Winston. She was incredible if I could keep her in steady work, but the rest of my life didn't allow for that. I thought I had failed her, but when I finally sold her, she went to a home with a woman who rode 6 days a week. The mare went on to be an amazing field hunter. I know I would never have gotten her that far. We both ended up happier in the end.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, have you seen these new Easyshoes:
http://www.easycareinc.com/our_shoes/Easyshoe_performance/easyshoe_performance.aspx
I really think you might be able to get Jackson back in work if his thin sole are his only problem. Especially if you combined these with dental impression material for complete sole protection. After a few applications, you may even find that he doesn't need them anymore as this is an excellent way of improving sole thickness and health. Just a thought, good luck.
I wasn't aware you'd decided to sell Winston...I've been MIA from the blogs lately. I do understand struggling with a horse that isn't a good match though, and don't blame you one bit for wanting a harmonious riding partner. That is all I want these days. No competition for me anymore, I just want to enjoy and have fun with a loyal steed. I think there are wonderful horses among all the breeds, and that expensive doesn't have anything to do with quality, or heart in a horse. I believe you will know the horse when you meet him or her. Like an earlier gal mentioned though, Aztecas are wonderful!!! We have a lady in our area that raises Andalusians and Aztecas, and her horses are amazing for so many disciplines. But then again, so are Mustangs and ... I could go on and on. Have fun and good luck in your search, both for a new home for Winston, and for your new partner.
ReplyDeleteSoooo happy to hear that Sedona is doing so well!!!
Lost track this week, Annette, while still in the throes of moving... I'm going to read backwards... and Annette, I don't see a thing wrong with attaining quality riding just for YOU and your horse, not an audience!
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to be said for Quarter Horses, they are wonderfully versatile and can excel in dressage if you're willing to put the time in. It's a bit more of a challenge for them, but isn't that half the fun?
ReplyDeleteHorses are just like people: you get along with some, not so much with others. There's no shame in that and there's nothing wrong with it. Too bad Winston is all the way in CA, I'd love to give him a whirl. I've got a soft spot for spots and attitudes!
That is one of the many reasons that I love Harley, my Quarter Horse. His conformation is far from perfect, but he is the most fun, most sensitive, most wonderful dressage horse I have had the pleasure to ride and spend my hours with. I miss you talking about Jackson that way.
ReplyDeleteNeed to catch up- selling winston?
ReplyDeleteIts always a good horseman who recognizes when it becomes no longer a working relationship - and still wants the best for their horse...I agree, a Dom type personality (shes so much fun to read, i relive my younger days!) would be perfect to work him through. Are there any local colleges with equestrian teams? The profs might know of someone...
Take your time in finding another, if your goals are more close to the heart then rather the competitive field. That special working relationship takes time. Sometimes a lease to purchase works out better in that instance...
xoxo
When you described the horse you wanted in your previous post, I immediately thought of Jackson. That last photo definitely needs framing!
ReplyDelete