What do you think about this TW?!?

Question

I just posted a question about a 12 TW but this is the 6 yr old I am looking into... He is $5,000. I have not rode him yet, will hopefully do that within the next couple of weeks. Any thoughts?

http://www.stepnstyleranch.com/images/major_large2.jpg

http://www.stepnstyleranch.com/images/major_large1.jpg

Answer 1

he's got average conformation, a plain head, and a shorter than desired neck. he's also cow hocked (which really isnt uncommon in walkers) a flat shod pleasure horse should not need a twisted wire gag bit! my pleasure horses (even my flat shod show horses) all ride in a snaffle mouthpiece with 8 inch shanks. he'd have to be an EXCELLENT, not just average mover for me to consider paying anywhere near 5,000 dollars for him. at first glance this is NOT a 5,000 dollar walking horse. i think you can do a lot better for less money. just from what i can see in pictures this is a 2,000-2500 dollar horse. now a lot depends on location but around here (east coast) this horse would be lucky to bring 2,500 dollars based solely on those pictures. if you just absolutely click with this horse and you *know* this is THE horse for you then 5,000 dollars isn't a horrible price but you're not going to get anywhere close to that if you end up having to sell him. i just bought a 5 year old 15.3 hand gelding by a WGC sire that's broke to death and has a show record (in shelbyville, tn and placing 1 and 2) for less than 2500 dollars show ring ready and able to be shown and trail rode by juveniles. point being... there are a lot better horses to be had for less money. if you're near va or nc i know of tons of great, reasonably priced walkers for sale. i show/train flat shod walkers

**that's not a standard bit for a walker! a standard walking horse bit has a solid curb or snaffle type mouthpeice on 8 inch swivel shanks. that bit is a double twisted wire gag in that horse's mouth. that bit is used on hard mouthed horses that won't stop or padded performance horses that pull the rider out of the saddle. it has nothing at all to do with keeping reins away from the horse's face. that's not the function of a bit. walking horses wouldn't need that anyway due to their "high head carriage" as you mentioned. the world champion lite shod plantation horse rode in a loose ring snaffle! there's no reason a flat shod horse needs a double twisted wire gag bit unless it's unruly

Answer 2

What kind of horse is that???  He looks big.

Answer 3

1. He's adorable!!!

2. He looks healthy

3. He looks like hes got good conformation

I say if you ride him and you like him, go for it!

Answer 4

Really flashing looking horse.  Love him!

Answer 5

He is typical in conformation for a TWH...probably Pride bred from the looks of him.

My guess is he has a lot of go and a hard mouth. I think you should ask why he is in such a severe bit. A well bred and well trained TWH will gait in a halter and lead. Don't buy into the whole "needs a special bit" to gait, because that is not true. I also think the price is high for what he is.

Have you seen a pedigree?

Answer 6

What do his front feet look like? I can't tell with the sand and shadows but they look a little odd, but that could just be the picture. He's a little cow hocked, but that can be fixed with good trimming of his feet so that's fine. Looks like a sweet boy, and I really like his face! Just one thing, if I were you, I'd ride him in a hackamore or simple bit at first just to see how he does, since that looks like an awful bit he has now (he'll probably love you, too!).

Answer 7

He is definately a looker! I would ride him and see if you like the way he moves and how well he listens. His looks are definatly worth it, but make sure you don't just fall in love with his looks and make sure you are going to be happy riding him.

Answer 8

He's cute, but it is his training that matters most.  It looks like they have a really strong bit on him (I could be wrong) and the guy on him does not look like a very good rider.  I read your other question and it looks like you aren't looking for a training project, so you might want to ask how this horse is without such a heavy bit.  Especially if you will only be doing trails.  It would be nice if they had actual riding pictures, even though those still aren't a substitute for getting out there and riding him yourself.  I think he would make a good trail/all around horse, but I am concerned about his level of training.

Answer 9

Listen to the answer from super goofy girl - also check out walkersforsale.com - thats where i found mine and he is a gem - you definitely need to ride him - in fact see if they will let you ride him away from his surroundings.

Answer 10

i own a couple of Walkers, and love each one of them ,.both good trail animals   super personalities, one is very laid back the other is a go getter.. The price seems a little steep for me.  He looks healthy enough with what can be seen. There are a million TWH out there, not all of them are priced so high.  If you are looking for a trail horse...then I would look around some more if price is an issue.  Now is the time to buy, people are having to get rid of some of their horses so it is a buyers market.

Answer 11

You'll get more use out of him that the 12 y/o. I think he is a really really pretty color. You must ride him first. He really is a beauty with his mane the way it's laying int the fist pic.