Impressive-bred horses

I am considering buying a 4 year old mare for a barrel prospect. She has very good conformation, a nice big hip and gaskins (not overly obese as halter horses) a nice sloped shoulder with a long neck of medium thickness that ties in low on her chest. I really like the looks of her but it is her breeding I am concerned with. Everything on her papers I like except that she has some Impressive breeding……Even though the last Impressive link in her pedigree is N/N I’m still concerned that I haven’t heard of any Impressive bred horses being successful in the barrel pen. I have also heard that their attitude and learning ability are not very desirable. The other breeding in her pedigree is as follows; —————top – Skipa Star (Skipper W & Oklahoma Star), Sheza Jag On (Jaguar, Three Bars, Leo)—————bottom – Impressive Redneck (Impressive, Chicory Chic), Ms Tidy Conquest (Vandy, Flicka Hancock, Tidy Quick, Tidy Leo). Based on the information I have provided and your experience, what do you think about this mare as a barrel prospect? She’s not yet broke, so I really can’t tell what her disposition will be. Thank you for your time,
Dawn

I like the Leo and Oklahoma Star in the pedigree but not much else. I would be in question of how much speed this mare could have and though I’ve only ridden a couple of Impressive-bred horses, I was not impressed -excuse the pun – with their ability or brains. There is always an exception to the rule though.
Martha Wright

There is a little more info on Impressive Bred horses click here