Critique and Suggestions

[ardie&sparki]

I am definitely more of a lurker on here and definitely have learned a lot and love this forum. We've had Sparki since he was 2 months old, but he just officially became mine 2 years ago. This Independence Day he will be 6, hence the name.

Anyways, we have been driving together for the last two years and done a bit of open and 4-H showing in showmanship, halter and driving. Just wanted to hear your guys' thoughts on his overall confirmation and what he might do better at. I would like to try some in hand trail and jumping with him this year as there is a little open show mini group not far away.

http://a2.sphotos.ak...8_7030168_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak...0_5755587_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak...50_555219_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak...3_2194105_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak...4_2107092_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak...4_4266659_n.jpg

I apologize for the bad pictures, hopefully you guys might be able to get something out of them.

If he didn't currently look like a mammoth, I would take some better ones from different angles lol Please tell me what you think and any ideas for about anything.

 

[Performancemini]

Cutie boy! I like his "chrome". It looks like you had to grow out a roached mane, from the photos. You did a nice job. I hesitate to critique a person's horse and it's hard from photos. From what I can see with them; I would say his tail is a bit low set for ideal. I like the western halter on him; I think it sets off his head well; especially since you are showing in open shows. Sounds like you are having fun with him. I bet he is going to be good in halter obstacle (in hand trail) and the jumping. Keep us informed on your progress! Welcome aboard!

 

[Tony]

It looks like you have done a good job with him. If you can adjust the show halter more, he would look better if the noseband were raised a couple of inches to just below the tearbone. With the noseband so low it actually makes his head look longer than it actually is. Raising it I think will make one able to see his pretty head.

 

[Sandee]

The photos are always difficult to really tell much a bad angle can cause a horse to look totally different than he does in person. You do need to bring the noseband up if possible. I know that western halters for minis are hard to fit as they don't make then right. You don't want the roached mane look and it may help when trying to get it to lay down etc. if you will thin it. Pulling is proper for big horses but minis often have extremely thick manes so clipping it on the underneath side is an option.

Looks like he stands well for you so just keep up the good work and have fun.

 

[Marty]

He's adorable! And a little bit of a chunk too. Loving his color. I would completely do away with that kind of halter and get a more traditional mini show halter for his halter classes. Its just too big; the concho at the crown piece and the silver and width of the leather just overwhelms his little face. Let his mane and tail grow. This horse shows how well loved and very well cared for he is. Good luck with him.

 

[ardie&sparki]

I forgot to add that the roached mane and tail were from a while ago, both are grown out although he sort of stays with the banded, quarter cut mane. The halter was too large, it was a foal halter borrowed from a friend, but now I have invested a new mini sized one for him. I tried the Arab style halters but they don't show off his head as well personally. He looks more like a QH so the Arab style halters just look too dinky and out of place for my taste. Thanks for the feedback though.