I've been riding and leasing Mel for a year. My instructor got two new horses a few weeks back and asked if I wouldn't mind being her guinea pig once the horses settled in. The horse I'm most interested in hurt herself and is on stall rest, probably until winter. The other horse, a 16 year old, who I didn't pay mutch attention too because of his age and he's a little on the thin side. I got to try him out yesterday. OMG!! Looks can be deciving!! WOW what a horse! Lots of power and get up and go! Where I have to squeeze, encourage and demand Mel to get into gait, this new guy just wants to go, go, go. It took me a few spins around the arena to relax and get in tuned with Flake, but boy was it fun! So instead of working to get going, I'm having to work to keep slow and steady.
Flake is on a diet to bulk up a bit and I'm sure more exercise will help, but boy did he feel skinny compaired to Mel who is a bit more round chested.
I might look at switching my lease to Flake, give myself a new challenge. I love Mel, he is awesome and dependable and I always know he will take care of me. But maybe I'm ready to move on to a different challenge and let Mel take care of a new rider. Although I'll offer to my instructor that if Mel is ever not being ridden enough I'd be more than happy to hop on and make him work. You know, to keep him in shape and all!!
Your note should be an eyeopener for everyone....Never, Never, judge a horse by his/her looks. By the way, most 16 year old horses still have a lot to give. Enjoy !
I was definatly judging a book by it's cover. And I got a nice suprise!! I think I associate older horses with more medical problems, it might be because I started riding hunter/jumpers which puts more stress on the horses legs. Also older horses tipically have more experiance and therefore cost more to buy, which is another reason I've written off looking at older horses. But I also know that buying a young horse is not for the faint of heart. (Which is another reason I have not yet bought a horse of my own)
Regardless, I am so in love with the breed that I'm riding (tennessee walkers) and the barn that I ride at is amazing. Even the people at the shows are supportive and fun. A big change from the hunter/jumper competition barns I use to take lessons from. I always felt like a 5th wheel because I didn't have the money to own or lease.
