Fred - 9 yr Old Thoroughbred Gelding

catriona23 · 05-31-2008, 09:07 PM

Breed: Thoroughbred (reg name: Algonquin Farewell)
Age: 9 (March 1999)
Gender: Gelding
Height: 16h
Horse's current job and future intended uses: currently he's working Intro Level for dressage. The intention is to get him up through 2nd level, and then decide. That'll take a couple of years.
Additional Information: I like him, that's why I bought him. He's been mine for about 6 months, and is doing well now that some minor soundness issues have been resolved. He used to be a racehorse, but ended that career at 5, after 31 starts and 0 wins. I bought him from the person who re-trained him after his track days. Thanks for looking!!!!

Video (playing by himself in the arena): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYNn4mUTzFU

Pictures:

Pictures taken today:

Pictures in the last 3 or 4 weeks:

From this winter (horse is dirty)

pvf · 06-03-2008, 08:20 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.
__________________

catriona23 · 06-04-2008, 01:01 PM

OK, since no one has offered, and it's my horse, I'll offer what I see as flaws.

He's not a bad example of a riding horse. He's got a nice back, his neck attaches well to his shoulder, good butt. Horse has a beautiful face.

However, he's got some flaws:
His neck is a little short.
You can't see in the pictures, but he's a bit 'base narrow', his front feet are toed in just a little bit.
He is slightly sickle hocked.
He could have more bone.
He is quite big bodied for a thoroughbred.
He is built a little bit downhill.

C'mon, someone out there should have an opinion, right?

arabiancowgirl · 06-04-2008, 01:10 PM

I prefer dressage horses with an uphill build, but he has a kind eye, and a nice TB face

His neck is just a tad short. I love his coloring, he reminds me of my OTTB

catriona23 · 06-24-2008, 06:14 PM

No one else?

nickie · 06-25-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catriona23

OK, since no one has offered, and it's my horse, I'll offer what I see as flaws.

He's not a bad example of a riding horse. He's got a nice back, his neck attaches well to his shoulder, good butt. Horse has a beautiful face.

However, he's got some flaws:
His neck is a little short.
You can't see in the pictures, but he's a bit 'base narrow', his front feet are toed in just a little bit.
He is slightly sickle hocked.
He could have more bone.
He is quite big bodied for a thoroughbred.
He is built a little bit downhill.

C'mon, someone out there should have an opinion, right?

I agree with what you said, but he does tie in together well for his body. He looks great for lower level Dressage. He is a nice looking horse.

KatieMae · 06-25-2008, 11:16 AM

I like to see a more uphill build on a dressage horse, as well... But I can see him making it to 2nd level.

Honestly, I think his neck isn't too short.. He's proportioned rather well, actually...
Typical high Thoroughbred withers, but I'd rather see his back muscles fit to create less of an illusion of being slightly swayback... Which, is a normal TB thing.. But it could be the way he is standing in the photos.. Would probably be a little easier to critique if he was staning perfectly square..

I can't see his front legs, so I can't really determine how far toed in he is.. But his legs look very clean and sturdy..

And his face is just absolutely lovely.. Sweet eye, kind face..

I personally like him alot.. But then again, I'm a TB lover

reba4 · 06-25-2008, 12:56 PM

Have you tried free jumping him? I would be very interested to see his form over fences. I have a hunch the boy can jump.

18handsoffury · 06-25-2008, 08:18 PM

I think he's particularly balanced, even if he is toward the downhill side... assuming you stick with dressage, he will develop better muscling along his topline.
The fact that he doesn't have a very long neck will help him balance properly without becoming two heavy on your hand. So theoretically, he should be able go quite lightly on the forehand.
Personally, I would like to see more heel when it comes to his feet (easier said than done, I know).
Conformation isn't everything when it comes to dressage...with training, good maintenance, and willingness on the part of both horse and rider, there's no reason to limit your goals to 2nd level.
Love that head and kind eye, reminds me of my own 4th level OTTB (who's reg'd name coincidentally is Forty Foot Fred

).
Just curious, but do you know his bloodlines or where he came from? (Please PM me if bloodline-talk isn't allowed in the conformation clinic, I wasn't sure)

Appy_527 · 06-26-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reba4

Have you tried free jumping him? I would be very interested to see his form over fences. I have a hunch the boy can jump.

Yes, please! I'd love to see him jump!!

pvf · 06-26-2008, 03:15 PM

remember this is a conformation thread. All comments must be about conformation or they will get removed.

catriona23 · 07-07-2008, 12:28 AM

For the person interested in his bloodlines....

His Registered name is Algonquin Farewell - public information:
http://www.pedigreequery.com/algonquin+farewell

There are a few well known racing names in there.

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05-31-2008, 09:07 PM
catriona23 Newborn Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 31	Fred - 9 yr Old Thoroughbred Gelding Breed: Thoroughbred (reg name: Algonquin Farewell) Age: 9 (March 1999) Gender: Gelding Height: 16h Horse's current job and future intended uses: currently he's working Intro Level for dressage. The intention is to get him up through 2nd level, and then decide. That'll take a couple of years. Additional Information: I like him, that's why I bought him. He's been mine for about 6 months, and is doing well now that some minor soundness issues have been resolved. He used to be a racehorse, but ended that career at 5, after 31 starts and 0 wins. I bought him from the person who re-trained him after his track days. Thanks for looking!!!! Video (playing by himself in the arena): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYNn4mUTzFU Pictures: Pictures taken today: Pictures in the last 3 or 4 weeks: From this winter (horse is dirty)

06-03-2008, 08:20 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

06-04-2008, 01:01 PM
catriona23 Newborn Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 31	OK, since no one has offered, and it's my horse, I'll offer what I see as flaws. He's not a bad example of a riding horse. He's got a nice back, his neck attaches well to his shoulder, good butt. Horse has a beautiful face. However, he's got some flaws: His neck is a little short. You can't see in the pictures, but he's a bit 'base narrow', his front feet are toed in just a little bit. He is slightly sickle hocked. He could have more bone. He is quite big bodied for a thoroughbred. He is built a little bit downhill. C'mon, someone out there should have an opinion, right?

06-04-2008, 01:10 PM
arabiancowgirl Long Yearling Join Date: May 2008 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 1,156	I prefer dressage horses with an uphill build, but he has a kind eye, and a nice TB face His neck is just a tad short. I love his coloring, he reminds me of my OTTB __________________ I thank God for my horses and german shepherds.

06-24-2008, 06:14 PM
catriona23 Newborn Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 31	No one else?

06-25-2008, 11:16 AM
KatieMae Seasoned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: C.FLA Posts: 4,005	I like to see a more uphill build on a dressage horse, as well... But I can see him making it to 2nd level. Honestly, I think his neck isn't too short.. He's proportioned rather well, actually... Typical high Thoroughbred withers, but I'd rather see his back muscles fit to create less of an illusion of being slightly swayback... Which, is a normal TB thing.. But it could be the way he is standing in the photos.. Would probably be a little easier to critique if he was staning perfectly square.. I can't see his front legs, so I can't really determine how far toed in he is.. But his legs look very clean and sturdy.. And his face is just absolutely lovely.. Sweet eye, kind face.. I personally like him alot.. But then again, I'm a TB lover __________________ Slow down, everyone. You're moving too fast.

06-25-2008, 12:56 PM
reba4 Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Traverse City, Michigan Posts: 1,006	Have you tried free jumping him? I would be very interested to see his form over fences. I have a hunch the boy can jump. __________________

06-25-2008, 08:18 PM
18handsoffury Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cochrane, Alberta Posts: 25	I think he's particularly balanced, even if he is toward the downhill side... assuming you stick with dressage, he will develop better muscling along his topline. The fact that he doesn't have a very long neck will help him balance properly without becoming two heavy on your hand. So theoretically, he should be able go quite lightly on the forehand. Personally, I would like to see more heel when it comes to his feet (easier said than done, I know). Conformation isn't everything when it comes to dressage...with training, good maintenance, and willingness on the part of both horse and rider, there's no reason to limit your goals to 2nd level. Love that head and kind eye, reminds me of my own 4th level OTTB (who's reg'd name coincidentally is Forty Foot Fred ). Just curious, but do you know his bloodlines or where he came from? (Please PM me if bloodline-talk isn't allowed in the conformation clinic, I wasn't sure) __________________ Why does everyone insist that everything has to be fun? If you want fun, go home and get yourself a monkey.

06-26-2008, 03:15 PM
pvf Regional Forums Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6,441	remember this is a conformation thread. All comments must be about conformation or they will get removed. __________________ www.prairieviewfarms.net Raising Reg. Paints and Quarter horses

07-07-2008, 12:28 AM
catriona23 Newborn Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 31	For the person interested in his bloodlines.... His Registered name is Algonquin Farewell - public information: http://www.pedigreequery.com/algonquin+farewell There are a few well known racing names in there.