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Looking into Buying

2K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  englishrider 
#1 ·
I'm sixteen years old, and a little bit desparate.

I'm aware that we don't have that much money. I'm planning on boarding at my trainer's for a while while she makes sure I'm sound on husbandry before I go boarding somewhere else, I'm just a tad bit torn.

Having a muscular dystrophy, it's hard to find something I'd like to do. I don't have the strength to get up onto an English saddle without a handicap ramp, so I normally ride Western, and quite lately I've had the want to do trail riding. Riding is nearly the only way I can get exercise, considering I can't run or do anything like that on my feet without having a high risk of hurting myself. I'm just not sure what to get. I'm looking into it now so I have a good idea whenever I actually start searching for that special horse.

I've been thinking about doing trail riding. My muscles are very weak, and I'm doing physical therapy and still managing out my nerve pain with my doctors. I have a very healthy heart, though, and a good spirit, and I think if I ride, riding will be a training for me as well as the horse. Considering this, if I don't do trail riding competitively, I'd like to do it as a hobby. I'm not sure what I can or can't do, but I have considered qualifying for the handicapped olympics, the only problem is is most of my problems are internal and takes a doctor to notice, so people normally mistake me for being normal.

Anyhow, I want a reasonably sized horse. I actually usually ride ponies, the QHs being 4.1 and a half hands, and barely making it. I'm 5'5" and do feel a tad bit large on those horses, so I'm thinking something around 5.2 hh. I am about 130 and although I do seem proportional and fit, I am a tad bit overweight. With genetics and the sedentary lifestyle caused by my MD, I'm not entirely hoping on losing a lot of weight, even though I have been dieting and watching my weight a good bit (and I dip down to about 115 in the summer). Regardless, considering I need a mounting block to get up, and I mount from the right side usually, I need a horse that's patient and will stand still.

I'm confident and can handle fast and strong horses. My problem usually lies with the horse /refusing/ to go. Yet another problem, I do have some problems kicking and sometimes rely on neckreining and kissing. My ankles usually give way and 'm still working on developing the kicking--because that's just one of those things that normal people can do that I can't.

I don't want to deal with a mean horse. I'm very caring towards animals and animals, in particular cats and dogs, tend to come to me and love cuddling, and with horses, I can have a good relationship with a good horse, but I don't have the time or the experience to take in a horse that's been abused or neglected, or isn't very nice.

I know that the horse doesn't necessarily depend on the breed, and I'm sorry for going a tad bit overboard with all my explanations. I'm just kind of filling in a few blanks and trying to come up with a breed that would most fit my needs.


Thanks,
D.B.
 
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#5 ·
I would try to encourage you to get a shorter horse because it's easier to mount. And you sound petite from your description. :)

I weigh, well, let's just say ALOT more than you, and I'm 5'6" (short and fat, lol) and my main riding horse is 14.3, but he his built very strong and carries me great, even at faster gaits. Height doesn't necessarily make a horse stronger, but it does make it harder for the rider to mount.

I go by the horse's build more than it's height. There are a lot of tall, fine-boned leggy horses out there. I am happy with my 14.3 tank!

I hope you have lots of fun riding! And like another poster said, a good gaited horse might be something you should consider.

PS. I think when you say 4.1 or 5.2, you really mean 14.1 or 15.2. :-p
 
#6 ·
Oh, about the kicking. A responsive horse you really shouldn't have to worry about kicking all the time anyway. So even though you can't kick much, I wouldn't make that a goal.

Kissing, clucking, and maybe slapping the end of the reins against your leg should help the horse go without you having to kick him. And you could always carry a short crop. I ride western and carry a crop if the horse I'm riding requires it. A lot of times, they just have to see you have it in your hand rather than you actually having to use it. :lol:
 
#7 ·
I don't consider myself petite. Actually, I've been gaining a lot of weight, which was recently discovered to be from some meds I'm taking that cause weight gain (and I'm taking maximum dosage of nearly everything.)

Eh, I must not've been thinking. Riding a 4.2 hh horse would be quite challenging for the horse, to say the least. ^^ I'm getting a lot more strength in my legs and find it easier and easier to mount every time. I'm looking for more of an average-size with good build. One of my main problems is that going into a trot, some horses respond best by kicking, and if I kick with one leg they instead get confused and think I'm trying to go into a canter.
 
#8 ·
Having a horse is a big responsibility. I think you are ready for it. Idon't have a horse yet but am getting one in 2 years! So, I would try to get a stong bombproof pony for your case. And for the kicking thing ask whoever you are buying your horse from if their horse replies to a clucking or clicking sound. Oh ya and on the trails, I would go with a experienced buddy just in case anything happens. Even if it is a bombproof horse ALWAYS be careful and gentle because horses/ponies are UNPREDICTIBLE. And ya as said above maybe get a gaited horse! Happy trails :)
 
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