A Quick Evaluation of a 2 Year Old Horse (Episode 211) - Herm Gailey: A Lifetime with Horses

Though you can spend hours evaluating a young horse, and equally as long explaining the process, impressions are important. Here is a quick study evaluation of my considerations in evaluating this young gelding.
About Herm Gailey:
Herm Gailey has spent a lifetime with horses. He is a nonprofessional rider who starts and trains his own horses to successful careers in multiple disciplines. Away from the show ring Herm retains a deep respect and appreciation for good reliable trail riding horses and believes that all horses benefit from this type of riding.
There is nothing for sale here. If these videos allow one person to avoid fear, frustration, or injury or help one horse get a better deal, then that is payment in full.
Filming and production by Kim Gailey-Fitting
Video Camera Company: Canon
Microphone Company: RODE
Song Credit: "Devil's Son" by Enter the Haggis
(www.enterthehaggis.com)

[@gypsyroserider6224]

Lil surprised myself quite the Cadillac!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

For me his way of moving was a revelation!

[@carolynstewart8465]

Tiny little thing❤

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Unfortunately they all look small beside me!

[@arlysdavis3694]

Thank you. Lots of good info and a very nice colt.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@twildy8917]

I think he's nice too!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I am betting on him being a good one to ride.

[@gypsyroserider6224]

Wow I 2nd that!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Yes. He wants to be a nice horse.

[@chrismecier5473]

I love hearing your view. Your years of experience is amazing. I heard about you from Ryan rose. What kind of headset do you start riding a horse in.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Thanks for your comment. Not quite sure what you mean by headset. If you mean head position I start young horses as naturally as possible andwith as little interference with their natural way of going as I can.If you mean headgear see episode 90 which deals with headgear options for young horses. Typically use a loping Hackamore at first but quickly transition to a snaffle.

[@barbarawitt9989]

I never did like a bald horse, myself. I just don't like the look especially. He's a real nice colt though.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Definitely a matter of taste.

[@cubsfan910]

Nice video. I learned some new 'pointers'. Question- The line between his withers & point of his shoulder seems to match his pastern angle fairly well. Do you see that as a positive? Or is that pastern angle you mentioned still too much. Hard for me to see exactly since I'm not there with the horse in person. Thoughts?

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

That is a very thoughtful comment. I agree then he has a slope to his shoulder that is at least close to the pastern. On the one hand, that suggests that he is in balance in his body parts match. As to whether or not that in anyway cancels out the pastern angle I believe it is possible it could. To explain, the shoulder angle will also soften his stride. That may result in less force being exerted on the pastern. The worst combination would be a mismatch pastern and shoulder with a steep shoulder and a extremely sloping pastern. Very thought-provoking question. I hope the answer is useful.

[@catherinebrady2640]

He seems reluctant to put weight on his rear left hoof.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Don’t really think there is any problem. Just his casual way of standing. When he moves there is no question that he is fine. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@catherinebrady2640]

Why is his whither quivrring when he is touched.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Just ticklish.

[@carolmay-ud8cs]

There is an old time expression “fat is the best color.” Not!

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Fat covers a multitude of sins.