Qualities of a Good Horse

Whether you are looking for a new horse orconformation qualities based on the discipline that
considering breeding or buying young stock, there arebreed is made to perform.  For example, quarter
certain qualities of a good horse that you should behorses are low set to the ground, are compact in the
aware of and look for.  Here is a list to consider inbody and have very powerful hind quarters. They are
order of priority:built for sprinting short distances and fast turns, ideal
1) Temperament.for working cattle, barrel racing and reining.
This is absolutely the most important quality in a good4) Bloodlines.
horse.  Whether you are a trail rider, dressage rider,Tried, tested and true.  For centuries bloodlines carry
hunter/jumper, reiner, barrel racer or just a person on athe genes that indicate successful show horses that
horse, temperament is key. You can have all thego on to reproduce champion after champion.  They
talent in the world, all the looks, all the moves, butact as a guide line for qualities you may want in a
without a good temperament, you have nothing. good horse and there are still risks when buying a
When the going gets tough, the horse with the betteryoung horse based on bloodlines alone, but your odds
temperament is more likely to see the job through.are considerably better when choosing a performance
2) Willingness. horse from a proven pedigree than from all the rest.
Two months ago I would have put this into the same5) Health.
category as temperament, but recent experiencesWhat are the horse’s physical capabilities?  Does
have taught me otherwise.  I just had a horse inthe horse have endurance, stamina, power, longevity,
training with an amazing temperament.  Nice to worksoundness?  There are lots of horses who possess
around, loves to go new places and do different things,all of the qualities above, but lack the physical
no problems there.  But putting her to work was asoundness to perform to the highest levels of sport. 
whole other story - she just didn't want to work.  IHealth can still deteriorate, but with proper nutrition and
didn't understand it at first, and it took me awhile todevelopment your horse is more likely to stay sound
figure it out.  Although temperament-wise she was aand healthy.  Other hereditary factors such
solid character - no bucking, rearing, or bolting, sheas osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and navicular can
would have none of working.  I have another horsestop your horse in his tracks.  X-rays can determine
that is hot to trot!  Likes to show off and throw a littlethese complications and are always recommended
buck into the mix, just for fun.  However, he loves towhen doing a pre-purchase exam.
work!  He is excited to come out everyday and tryThere are also others factors that make one horse
his hardest.  That is what makes him a champion,better than the other, but this list is a good guideline to
willingness to do the job and work needed of him.follow when you are looking for or breeding your next
3) Conformation.performance horse. You will often also see horses
This ones a bit tricky and there are exceptions to thethat look like camels and donkeys out performing the
rules.  Some horses are just made to do the job. best of the best. This is because they have the
They have powerful hind quarters, strong loins, slopingtemperament and willingness to do so.  Every horse
shoulders, straight legs and good neck sets can makeis different, but in the end, a good horse is a good
a rider’s job a lot easier.  Things like solid bone andhorse and this list of qualities of a good horse will help
good feet also help a horse stay sound.  Differentyou find exactly what you desire!
breeds are designed to accentuate different