When you’re choosing a sport horse you may encounter two words, rideability and temperament. They are 2 different traits, but are related more than you may well think. Actually to understand the relationship between the two, simply look at your hand. The thumb and index fingers have their own jobs, but together they help comprise the hand.

Rideability

Rideability gives possible customers and breeders comprehension of how well the horse can perform its duties. It does not directly correlate into how simple a horse is to ride, even though it can factor into the score as the horse’s psychological and physical features influence rideability. The rideability score includes the horse’s eagerness, athletic capability, cooperation and intelligence. Bear in mind though that the test riders are very proficient and horses they give a good rideability scores to may sustain hugely different scores if an amateur was riding the same horse.

Temperament

Whereas rideability scores are given while the horse is under saddle, the temperament characteristic is essentially judged using the horse’s ground manners (although under saddle behavior is considered in the judging). The judges talk to the horse’s handlers to find out if the horse is straightforward to please or if it pins its ears at the smallest provocation. A horse with a good temperament tends to be a ‘people pleaser ‘ and simple to get along with.

Which is Better

Since judging is subjective, how do you know which characteristic is more crucial? Sadly , you don’t. Amateur riders have a tendency to prefer temperament over rideability because they need more forgiving horses. Pro riders have a tendency to like rideability over temperament because they are able to handle more difficult horses that possess a surplus of talent.

Hence where do you slot in? When picking a horse, make a list of what you need and then be pragmatic. Truthfully evaluate your riding capabilities and goals and know what faults you can live with in your potential prospect because a fair assessment will aid in avoiding buyer’s remorse. If you have started riding again after 1 or 2 years off, selecting the gifted, green horse may not be the best decision for you. Likewise if you’re a pro rider preparing to move up the ranks, you may not need to purchase the steady horse and instead select one with indulgent gaits with a fiery temperament to match. Remember, there is not any such thing as a perfect horse and these characteristics only give a glance into a horse’s talent.

Ashley Kantter is an established independent writer and journalist specialising in subjects linked with horses and equestrian matters.

Harthill Stud is a stud farm based in the UK. Focusing on breeding sport horses it offers a range of showjumping stallions at stud in up-to-the-minute premises.

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