Help me solve a mystery?

Knightrider · 03-30-2008, 01:03 AM

Breed:Paso Fino
Age:12
Gender:gelding
Height:13.2
Horse's current job and future intended uses:Family horse--a little girl's best friend, camping trips, a little bit of gaming at local shows
Additional Information: Tico is the ugliest horse I have ever owned. And one of the best horses I have ever ridden. He goes anywhere, does everything. His gaits are glass smooth. He jumps like a dream, though we do not jump him much because of his conformation. He loves to work cows. Is there the potential for suspensory ligament disorder? I hope he stays sound until my little girl is an adult. His nickname is The World's Greatest Pony. I wouldn't sell him for six million dollars. Why does he ride so well? I thought horses with great conformation were supposed to ride great . . . and vice versa?

pvf · 04-01-2008, 11:10 AM

How to Critique Horses - read this if you want to comment

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

Here are the rules about how to critique horses in the conformation clinic. Please check back here as this forum progresses since we will be making updates as we go along.

1. Be honest but friendly.
All horses have flaws -- you can certainly point them out. BUT, do not say things in a way that could be construed as rude or overly negative.
Keep all comments focused on the horse. Do not say anything critical about the owner.

2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
Just like how all horses have flaws, they all have good points. If you have something negative to say, be sure to also include a positive comment.
Keep things friendly -- give your comments the way you would if a good friend asked you for your opinion.

3. If you don't have anything conformation-related to say, please PM the horse's owner instead of replying in here.
People posting in this area are looking for conformation-related responses. Even if you're not well versed in conformation, please don't be shy about trying to critique the horse or ask questions about his/her conformation. But, since this is the conformation clinic, please make sure your response does pertain to conformation! Comments such as "he sure is pretty!" should be made via PM if you aren't also commenting on the horse's conformation.

4. People WILL say things you disagree with.
Keep your comments focused on your own ideas, and not reactions to other people's posts.
If you think you'll be bothered by seeing comments that you think are "wrong" - then don't visit this forum!!!
It is not your job to convince everyone that your opinion is correct. Say what you believe and let others come to their own conclusions.

If people have trouble following these rules, we will make critiquing by invitation only.

HotxtoxTrot · 04-01-2008, 09:05 PM

He has a very nicely shaped/sloped shoulder, which probably attributes to the good jump and gaits.. He has a lovely face!

pasopony · 04-02-2008, 01:43 PM

Tico is built like many of the old-timey pasos.

A little coarse, but has great bone. His conformation appears to make him look very smooth, but also his long pasterns may lend themselves to DSLD in the long term. His hoof angles do not match his pastern angles - not sure if this is poor farrier work or degeneration of the joints. You may want to be sure your farrier gets enough toe off the front of his hooves, some of them tend to let the gaited horses get too long in the toe. He has a great laid back shoulder and nice hip - this also helps with good gait. Good depth in the heartgirth. A nice kind eye with the Spanish face too.

A J · 04-02-2008, 02:23 PM

Those slopey pasterns tend to cause a smoother gait - not good for the horse, but it does make them nice to ride!

Pasodeb · 04-02-2008, 02:36 PM

Tico does look like some of the older Paso bloodlines, tends to be a little fuller bodied. One of mine is like that, and it reminds me of the Mustangs. I like his head, and he does have a sweet face.

I do agree on the farrier work though. You need to make sure they leave heel and cut the toe back. If you were to drop a straight line from the top of his shoulder down the leg, it should intersect the hoof. The hoof should be up under the pastern, not in front of it.

He is a pretty boy, and your little girl looks like she really loves him.

Littonian · 04-02-2008, 09:13 PM

Well, I don't know much of anything about Pasos, but here goes nothin':

Likes: Fabulous shoulder, thick and sturdy with good slope. He has a great expression, very kind and soft. Great substance, with plenty of bone.

Dislikes: A bit long in the back for my taste, and too straight behind. That combined with being camped out, makes for quite a light hindquarter. His front pasterns are quite long and sloping, making him almost look a bit club footed. This can often be corrected with proper trimming. While a concern, I don't think it's the end of the world, or his useful working life. I'd be more worried if you were planning on going out jumping and galloping over cross country, but for the job you're looking to do, I think he'll suit just fine.

Overall a solid, sturdy, dependable looking fellow.

pauldonnelly · 04-03-2008, 09:31 AM

Anyone forget to mention any horse that rides well and is good for kids or adults is worth 10x thier weight in gold i love the old school almost mustang look and he seems real tolerent of ur little girl moving and holding him so i vote a dam fine looking horse

Knightrider · 04-03-2008, 12:38 PM

You got it exactly! The day I brought him home, I wrote to my friends and said I bought a horse straight out of a Charlie Russell painting! He looks just like the horses the cowboys used to ride in 1840! But he's a real good boy and does everything we want, real smooth, and a sweetheart too.

Wendy F · 04-05-2008, 01:58 PM

BTW- you haven't seen ugly until you've seen by girl's pony. Half shetland and half QH. I tell people he's a Curly horse LOL! A lady tried to buy her at the Cracker day Rodeo, and my husband told her she was the ugliest, but we wouldn't take any amount of $$ for her! We still have another child for her to teach!
A good safe horse is worth it's weight in gold! But I don't think that he's ugly. I like that stout look!

Quarters N Paints · 04-05-2008, 02:11 PM

Pretty is as pretty does and if this guy is all you say he is and is your daughters best friend then he is TRUELY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HORSE IN THE WORLD. True beauty lays within remember

While he is a bit coarse looking I certainly would NOT call him ugly.........

beaner1962 · 04-24-2008, 04:31 PM

Hey, Seabiscuit was a small TB and his conformation compared to WarAdmiral was not the greatest but he sure showed him who's boss. Sometimes conformation doesn't mean that much specially when the disposition and ridability is great and for a kid to have a safe animal like that is peace of mind for the parents.

Appy_527 · 04-25-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaner1962

Hey, Seabiscuit was a small TB and his conformation compared to WarAdmiral was not the greatest but he sure showed him who's boss. Sometimes conformation doesn't mean that much specially when the disposition and ridability is great and for a kid to have a safe animal like that is peace of mind for the parents.

Couldn't have put it better myself!!

Bandit · 04-29-2008, 05:24 PM

Another one to look at is Dynamic Deluxe. Its amazing he wasn't gelded when he was a foal. However, his conformational flaws are the reason he had one of the most amazing canters out there.

Just_Another_Love007 · 05-19-2008, 10:14 PM

Now im not very good with conformation because of my old crossbreed who is the sweetest horse evry with nice smooth layed back gaits. but i dont like how your horses legs are smaller than the body just like i hate it when horses legs are too big for their bodies kind of a pet peeve of mine. he does have a nice neck though and i like his hind quarters. but believe you me if your daughter grows up with a well schooled horse she will know much more than what the books can teach you.

[i just started lessons and have already shown my trainers green horse and placed in almost everyone of my classes. i have already gone over jumps and have my own horse at the barn. i learned everything i know from my little crossbreed pony who is now 26 i think i have had him since i was 5]

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03-30-2008, 01:03 AM
Knightrider Weanling Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hildreth, Florida Posts: 347	Help me solve a mystery? Breed:Paso Fino Age:12 Gender:gelding Height:13.2 Horse's current job and future intended uses:Family horse--a little girl's best friend, camping trips, a little bit of gaming at local shows Additional Information: Tico is the ugliest horse I have ever owned. And one of the best horses I have ever ridden. He goes anywhere, does everything. His gaits are glass smooth. He jumps like a dream, though we do not jump him much because of his conformation. He loves to work cows. Is there the potential for suspensory ligament disorder? I hope he stays sound until my little girl is an adult. His nickname is The World's Greatest Pony. I wouldn't sell him for six million dollars. Why does he ride so well? I thought horses with great conformation were supposed to ride great . . . and vice versa? __________________ Before each ride, I think to myself, "I hope no one tells me I am 'a heck of a rider.'." Last edited by VickiE : 04-07-2008 at 02:24 PM.

04-01-2008, 11:10 AM
pvf Regional Forums Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6,441	How to Critique Horses - read this if you want to comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are the rules about how to critique horses in the conformation clinic. Please check back here as this forum progresses since we will be making updates as we go along. 1. Be honest but friendly. All horses have flaws -- you can certainly point them out. BUT, do not say things in a way that could be construed as rude or overly negative. Keep all comments focused on the horse. Do not say anything critical about the owner. 2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Just like how all horses have flaws, they all have good points. If you have something negative to say, be sure to also include a positive comment. Keep things friendly -- give your comments the way you would if a good friend asked you for your opinion. 3. If you don't have anything conformation-related to say, please PM the horse's owner instead of replying in here. People posting in this area are looking for conformation-related responses. Even if you're not well versed in conformation, please don't be shy about trying to critique the horse or ask questions about his/her conformation. But, since this is the conformation clinic, please make sure your response does pertain to conformation! Comments such as "he sure is pretty!" should be made via PM if you aren't also commenting on the horse's conformation. 4. People WILL say things you disagree with. Keep your comments focused on your own ideas, and not reactions to other people's posts. If you think you'll be bothered by seeing comments that you think are "wrong" - then don't visit this forum!!! It is not your job to convince everyone that your opinion is correct. Say what you believe and let others come to their own conclusions. If people have trouble following these rules, we will make critiquing by invitation only. __________________ www.prairieviewfarms.net Raising Reg. Paints and Quarter horses

04-01-2008, 09:05 PM
HotxtoxTrot Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 768	He has a very nicely shaped/sloped shoulder, which probably attributes to the good jump and gaits.. He has a lovely face!

04-02-2008, 01:43 PM
pasopony Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 819	Tico is built like many of the old-timey pasos. A little coarse, but has great bone. His conformation appears to make him look very smooth, but also his long pasterns may lend themselves to DSLD in the long term. His hoof angles do not match his pastern angles - not sure if this is poor farrier work or degeneration of the joints. You may want to be sure your farrier gets enough toe off the front of his hooves, some of them tend to let the gaited horses get too long in the toe. He has a great laid back shoulder and nice hip - this also helps with good gait. Good depth in the heartgirth. A nice kind eye with the Spanish face too. __________________ Horses are not my whole life, but horses make my life whole.

04-02-2008, 02:23 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,353	Those slopey pasterns tend to cause a smoother gait - not good for the horse, but it does make them nice to ride! __________________ Try not, do. Do or do not. There is no try.

04-02-2008, 02:36 PM
Pasodeb Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Watertown, TN Posts: 827	Tico does look like some of the older Paso bloodlines, tends to be a little fuller bodied. One of mine is like that, and it reminds me of the Mustangs. I like his head, and he does have a sweet face. I do agree on the farrier work though. You need to make sure they leave heel and cut the toe back. If you were to drop a straight line from the top of his shoulder down the leg, it should intersect the hoof. The hoof should be up under the pastern, not in front of it. He is a pretty boy, and your little girl looks like she really loves him.

04-02-2008, 09:13 PM
Littonian Weanling Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 338	Well, I don't know much of anything about Pasos, but here goes nothin': Likes: Fabulous shoulder, thick and sturdy with good slope. He has a great expression, very kind and soft. Great substance, with plenty of bone. Dislikes: A bit long in the back for my taste, and too straight behind. That combined with being camped out, makes for quite a light hindquarter. His front pasterns are quite long and sloping, making him almost look a bit club footed. This can often be corrected with proper trimming. While a concern, I don't think it's the end of the world, or his useful working life. I'd be more worried if you were planning on going out jumping and galloping over cross country, but for the job you're looking to do, I think he'll suit just fine. Overall a solid, sturdy, dependable looking fellow. __________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, but rather to skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO - what a ride!"

04-03-2008, 09:31 AM
pauldonnelly Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: tecumseh oklahoma Posts: 389	Anyone forget to mention any horse that rides well and is good for kids or adults is worth 10x thier weight in gold i love the old school almost mustang look and he seems real tolerent of ur little girl moving and holding him so i vote a dam fine looking horse __________________ Show me the open trail and get outa my way me and the kids are comin thru

04-03-2008, 12:38 PM
Knightrider Weanling Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hildreth, Florida Posts: 347	You got it exactly! The day I brought him home, I wrote to my friends and said I bought a horse straight out of a Charlie Russell painting! He looks just like the horses the cowboys used to ride in 1840! But he's a real good boy and does everything we want, real smooth, and a sweetheart too. __________________ Before each ride, I think to myself, "I hope no one tells me I am 'a heck of a rider.'."

04-05-2008, 01:58 PM
Wendy F Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 975	BTW- you haven't seen ugly until you've seen by girl's pony. Half shetland and half QH. I tell people he's a Curly horse LOL! A lady tried to buy her at the Cracker day Rodeo, and my husband told her she was the ugliest, but we wouldn't take any amount of $$ for her! We still have another child for her to teach! A good safe horse is worth it's weight in gold! But I don't think that he's ugly. I like that stout look! __________________ Breaking,Training,Raising Quality bred QH's Home of Blue Roan Stallion "Blue Woody Hancock" AQHA, NFQHA 96.63% Foundation www.wfquarterhorses.com It should be a sin to talk about someones kids, horses, or dogs!

04-05-2008, 02:11 PM
Quarters N Paints Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Monterey Michigan Posts: 787	Pretty is as pretty does and if this guy is all you say he is and is your daughters best friend then he is TRUELY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HORSE IN THE WORLD. True beauty lays within remember While he is a bit coarse looking I certainly would NOT call him ugly......... __________________ http://quarterpaintranch.homestead.c...AINTRANCH.html RIDE LIKE A PILOT NOT A PASSENGER

04-24-2008, 04:31 PM
beaner1962 Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WI Posts: 89	conformation Hey, Seabiscuit was a small TB and his conformation compared to WarAdmiral was not the greatest but he sure showed him who's boss. Sometimes conformation doesn't mean that much specially when the disposition and ridability is great and for a kid to have a safe animal like that is peace of mind for the parents.

04-29-2008, 05:24 PM
Bandit Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 1,789	Another one to look at is Dynamic Deluxe. Its amazing he wasn't gelded when he was a foal. However, his conformational flaws are the reason he had one of the most amazing canters out there. __________________

05-19-2008, 10:14 PM
Just_Another_Love007 Weanling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: florida Posts: 404	Now im not very good with conformation because of my old crossbreed who is the sweetest horse evry with nice smooth layed back gaits. but i dont like how your horses legs are smaller than the body just like i hate it when horses legs are too big for their bodies kind of a pet peeve of mine. he does have a nice neck though and i like his hind quarters. but believe you me if your daughter grows up with a well schooled horse she will know much more than what the books can teach you. [i just started lessons and have already shown my trainers green horse and placed in almost everyone of my classes. i have already gone over jumps and have my own horse at the barn. i learned everything i know from my little crossbreed pony who is now 26 i think i have had him since i was 5]