Horses...another question about what i should do...?

Question

i am looking into buying three horses, please dont tell me all the basics (asked other questions/been riding for years/owned other horses).

i wanted to know what would one look for along the lines of good comformation for an endurance horse? (what are some key points i should be looking for).

the breeds are: arab/qh, qh, and saddlebred/qh. . . they've only been used as trail horses. if they are all sound/okay comformation, would any one be a better endurance horse due to breed?

last: would you want a higher strung horse to train for endurance?

any other advice would be nice, all three of them would be used as trail horses. i just wanted to know what i should look for in an endruance horse to help choose what one to train as such. thanks!

Answer 1

Here's what I look for in my endurance horses. 1- Good legs and feet. If you have interference and traveling problems, going 25 miles plus only makes them worse  2- Enough common sense to take care of itself on the trail.So no, you don't want a high strung horse.They will only burn themselves  (and you) out, by not pacing themselves and not eating or drinking  3-A comfy ride and a ground covering gait. You'll be on its back for hours and the easier it is to ride the happier you both will be. A horse that can "eat some ground" at a walk and trot can get you to the finish faster and easier. 4- Good metabolics,heartrate recovery,the ability to relax and use itself wisely.

For the longer distances ,50 miles or more I would lean to the arab/qh because the arabs excell at this sport. It really depends on the horse and terrain as to who you pick. Do you want to just finish a 25? All of them may be suitable. Top ten a 50? Pick wisely, you need to look for soundness , metabolics and a fast efficient trot.Do the Tevis at 100 miles? A good hill horse with a strong heart and a can do       attitude that eats and drinks like a pig. Get ahold of the AERC website, find a ride or riders in your area and pick their brains.Decide how you want to ride (fast?slow?flats? mountains?) before you buy your horse and then pick the most likely candidate. And take your time getting the two of you ready. It's not just riding fast, its finishing in good shape that really counts

Answer 2

Arab/QH crosses are called "Quarabs" and make superb endurance horses.  Look for a horse that moves well with a long floaty trot.  Look for good bone, straight legs, big strong feet and a sloping shoulder.  A short strong back is nice and a long hip from the side with flat, not bunchy, muscling.  Look for a sensible attitude and not a horse that's going to wear himself out being stupid.  A low resting pulse is a plus.  The QH and saddlebred/QH might be okay, but I would bet the Quarab will be better for endurance due to the Arabian blood.

Answer 3

First of all I highly recommend you get full x-rays, front and back.  Its a bit of an expense, but so is a permanently lame horse.  it sound like you really have an interest in endurance horse, so with such prolonged riding, you really want to insure the soundness of the animal.  

Arabs have been revered for there natural agility and endurance, so look for Arab type horses.  Quarter horses gained their name for being the quickest horse on the quarter mile, so sprinting is more their thing, but do not discount this breed completely.  The level of spirit or high strung as you put it, that a horse possesses is not an indication of there overall health, how fit they are, or there capabilities as far as endurance is concerned.  Ideally you are looking for a sound horse, with good solid straight legs, nice round hooves, and a natural athletic ability.  Endurance will come with training slowly, just as you would for a marathon.  But it would be hard to excel a a marathon if your feet were sore and you had bone splints.  Age is also something to consider, as horses age so does their respiratory and pulmonary systems, which are vital to endurance. Take your time and find the horse that is not only best suited for what you would like to use him for, but also a horse that is a good match for you.  Hope this helps.

Answer 4

i wouldn't necessarily choose a 'high strung' horse for endurance - it just needs to have stamina - typically an arab is chosen for this... (you don't want your horse to 'lose his mind' because horses are leaving him/passing/he's alone etc...) you need a sensible horse...

are you doing distance only or NATRC type events...if comfort for you is of importance look into a gaited horse (is the saddlebred/qh) gaited? ahhhh comfort!  especially on a long ride

Have fun, and good luck!!

Answer 5

Well the Arab/QH will be a higher strung horse, because of the arabain in its blood. One thing with arabsis that they give you their all and can handle stress as well as long distance pushing. My thoughts are to go with the arab/qh...but this horse might be a bit much to handle. I dont know if you've ridden that breed before but its different.

Hope everything works out and your choice is the one.

=)

Answer 6

I've never ridden endurance but as a 3 day eventer I have to say high strung horses are great fun but not if you want to be accurate. Horses with lower energy levels let you focus more on your self and the discipline for the beginning of your riding in an endurance circuit.

Given the breeds you talked about I think the Arab/Qh would be the most comfy to ride on for long periods of time. Saddlebreds in my opinion tend to be very jerky and uncomfy but maybe the one you is better. The Qh is a great breed but I they do tend to get tired and lazy faster then other breeds.

Hope I helped