Cross Breeds

Would these breeds make a good cross?

Would and Appaloosa crossed with a Thoroughbred, make a good cross? Will it be a good jumping horse? Could I find one that would be 14.2hh? Also I would like to know other horses that would be good crosses with Thoroughbreds, and that can be as small as 14.2hh or a little more.

Public Comments

1. Yes, these two breeds typically mix well so long as the breeding stock are carefully chosen. Appaloosas can also have TB in their lines IIRC. TBs are tall horses but can cross with some of the taller ponies to produce sporty riding ponies. I've seen some lovely Welsh x TB crosses that made it just under 14.2
2. Most TBs are 15-17h (especially ones bred for jumping and racing), so I doubt you will get a cross that is under 14.2h. 14.1 is pony sized, so you would need to cross with a pony, which added breeding and pregnancy issues. As for good jumping horses- it all depends on the foal. You could cross a TB and App 5 times, and get 2 good jumping horses and 3 not, or all could be well suited, or none- breeding is a gamble, your best bet is to buy a foal that has good jumping characteristics. To get a horse that is 14.2h, you would need both parents to be about that size for the greatest chance. Foals usually average out right between their parents. That being said, my main mare whose parents were both ~16-16.2h, ended up at 17.2h- definately one of those freak occurences. TBs are one of those horses that cross well with almost any breed, and influence a lot of breeds, providing that the TB has good conformation in the first place.