Paul Zeller (estranged_son) wrote in find_horcruxes, @ 2010-03-10 20:59:00 |
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Entry tags: | !owl, patrice nott, paul zeller |
Owl to Patrice Nott
Mr Nott,
As promised over journal, here is information regarding upcoming horse shows as well as various breeds suitable for a child.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show is held mid-May each year and includes one of the most complete wizarding competition. There is also Hickstead, which is reknowned for showjumping especially, though it holds three different horse shows throughout the summer: the British Jumping Derby Meeting at the end of June, the Longines Royal International Horse Show at the end of July, and the Hurstpierpoint College National Schools and Pony Clubs at the beginning of August. There are many more, so I have included a listing (please tap your wand to view).
The first question when looking into purchasing a horse always should be why are you getting a horse? Different breeds are best for showing, racing, etc, and so it is important to know what you want to do in order to choose a breed that best fits your needs. Here's a list of a few breeds that you might want to consider. I have not included draft horses as I assumed you were looking for a lighter horse, but if I was wrong let me know and I will add them.
Andalusian
It is a breed good for driving and riding and, as such, has been used as a cavalry horse (it's also used in bull fighting in Southern Spain, but that's another story). The Andalusian has been part of the development of many other horse breeds. Intelligent, docile and calm, it would be good for a child.
Characteristics: Long head with broad forehead and convex profile, long arched neck, short body with powerful hindquarters and strong fine legs. High knee action and short striding.
Colour: Grey or bay.
One of the oldest European breeds, native to the Netherlands. It has been used for riding, agricultural work and as a cavalry horse. It is quiet, willing, hard-working and sensitive, and so I believe it would be a good choice for a child.
Characteristics: Long head, strong body, full mane and thick tail. Fast high stepping trot.
Colour: Black but can have a small white star.
This breed originates from the Tyrolean mountains on the border of Austria and northern Italy and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. They are surefooted animals used to the mountain terrain. Halflingers are good for dressage, endurance, jumping, riding and working. Personality-wise, they are willing, docile and uncomplicated horses. As it is a small horse, it might be an easier transition for your daughter.
Characteristics: Sturdily built, with short, well-boned legs and "feathering" at the fetlocks.
Colour: The most notable characteristic of the Haflinger is its striking coat color - a golden chestnut color with a white, or "flaxen," mane and tail.
This breed is known for its good temperament, athleticism, beauty and grace. It is a good choice for jumping and dressage. Their natural friendliness and good tempers make them excellent working horses and sporting companions, and a well trained Hanoverian can be a good choice for an up and coming young rider like your daughter.
Characteristics: Elegant, strong, and robust, they are bred to be willing and trainable, and have a strong back, powerful body, athletic movement, and strong limbs. The gaits of the Hanoverian include a ground-covering walk, an almost floating trot, and a very rhythmic canter.
Colour: Chestnut, bay, brown, black and gray.
The American Saddlebred, also called American Paint, is an american breed, as its name tells us, that comes from the Old English Ambler (now extinct) and the English Thoroughbred. It is a good breed for endurance, jumping, racing, riding, and even rodeo back in its native USA. They are usually alert, intelligent, eager and gentle horses. I would not hesitate to recommend it for your daughter.
Characteristics: Narrow refined head with large honest eyes, long upright neck, deeply sloping athletic shoulders, good deep barrel, strong hindquarters with level croup, long refined legs. Tail and neck are carried high, with good natural poll flexion. High stepping motion off powerful springy hocks.
Colour: Chestnut in all its shades predominates, with browns, blacks and bays available. It would be possible to find Saddlebreds that have been especially bred for the palomino and pinto colours if you wanted. Greys also occur.
The American Quarter Horse is so called because of its great speed at one quarter of a mile. It is a good breed for competition, endurance, jumping, racing, showing, working, and even ranch and rodeo in its native America. It is an intelligent, versatile, docile breed, with even a sense of humor!
Characteristics: Tremendously strong, powerful shoulders and hindquarters. Agile and flexible (able to execute quick starts and tight turns). Short, wide head with muscular neck. Short-coupled body with fine legs. Well balanced with well-defined withers. The Quarter horse is bred in 3 types: Racing Quarter Horse (consisting of Thoroughbred with some ranch horse blood), Show/Halter Quarter Horse (of the old bulldog type with more refinement, smaller bones and longer legs), and Stock-type Quarter Horse (used as a trail mount, cutting horse, etc.)
Colour: Solid colours, mostly chestnut.
If you're looking into racing, then this is a breed that would interest you, for the Standardbred is widely considered as the fastest harness racinghorse in the world. It is bred for speed, literally. Personality-wise, it is keen, willing, courageous, but also calm, which is important with children.
Characteristics: Varies due to breeding. Generally a Thoroughbred physique (see below) but heavier.
Colour: Usually solid colors - bay, brown, black, chestnut and others.
This is a polyvalent horse if I know one, good for competition, dressage, endurance, jumping, racing, riding, showing, trail, working, even ranch work though I doubt that interests you. It is a brave and intelligent breed, but spirited, so I wouldn't recommend it for a child.
Characteristics: Small head with concave profile, large eyes and small muzzle, arched neck, sloping shoulder, strong level back, strong hindquarters, strong legs. Tail carried high, fast and free action, plenty of stamina.
Colour: Bay or chestnut but gray is also seen.
An English breed, good for competition, jumping, racing and riding, but it is spirited and bold and as such I wouldn't recommend it for such a young girl.
Characteristics: Refined head, long neck, sloping shoulders, deep body, muscular hindquarters, fine long legs.
Colour: Any solid colour.
An American breed founded from a single stallion named Figure foaled in 1793 and the breed was named after his owner Thomas Justin Morgan. It is quite polyvalent and will do good for competition, dressage, endurance, jumping, riding, showing, trail and working, and in the USA they even use this breed for ranch and rodeo. It wouldn't be my first choice, because it might be too active for your daughter, but it is a good-natured horse, and hardworking as well.
Characteristics: Small head with slightly concave face, thick neck, strong shoulders, deep chest, short broad back, muscular hindquarters. Strong with good stamina. High stepping action.
Colour: Any solid colour.