Possible candidate for daughter--are his back legs okay?

I'm 5'7" but I have a grandma and great grandma that were 6' tall. My mom's side of the family is very short so I'm a decent mix. She's 5' in 4th grade. Even if she stops growing in 6th grade, at the rate she's been growing she'll be a minimum of 5'8". We'll see.

I think it's great that you're taking such an interest in your daughter's horsey-ness and actually buying her a horse when she's ten. I am so so envious of her. What a lucky kid! :)

On the train with the others (just to beat that some more, haha) about an older horse (not saying you should get one this old, of course) but I got my mare three years ago when she was 23 and have been riding her hard ever since. I even find her completely overwhelming, at times, with her love of running and her sassy-ness. Haha
Of course, I don't do anything like jumping her, just trail riding, but we trail ride on asphalt regularly and she's holding up just fine. Most of what we don't do is limited by the fact that we don't have access to a trailer. If we had access to a trailer, we'd be showing like crazy and whupping patooties.
Actually, last year, right after she turned 26, was when I first started her on any sort of joint supplement due to her age and nothing else. I forsee any children I might have, eventually, riding her happily when she's 35 or more (barring any sort of medical issue). As long as a major health issue doesn't stop her, she's looking at being around for at least the next 10 to 15 years.


Just find a well conformed horse, preferably one started late (less wear on joints and such), of a breed known for longevity (Arabs, Arab crosses, that sort of thing), about 10 years old, and you're looking at a horse that, barring a major medical situation that you can't predict, will be with you for the next 25-30 years with ease, even with hard riding.


Good luck! I'm still crazy envious of your daughter. :)

We are looking at AQHA or APHA geldings that are bred for pleasure. We've done a lot of talking, thinking, etc. and that's what will be best for our family.

I can't offer any confirmation critique as I too had a hard time getting past the age and not being gelded for your situation.

I also have a 10-year old daughter in 4-H and she has been riding for about 5 years now. She joined in 4-H about 2 1/2 years ago and have been lightly showing for 2 years. We plan to show more in 2012. We took lessons for a while and about 3 1/2 years ago we bought a horse so I know where you are coming from. A couple of things to consider as a mom:

1. Your daughters riding interests may change as she gets older and exposed to more disciplines. My daughter is developing her passion but still has the ol' "I want to try that - it really looks like fun!". Let her give some things a try as it will only make her a better rider. Keep that in mind as you are looking - be open to a horse that is versatile.

2. I certainly respect that your daughter has natural ability (sounds like she has great training to go with it and will probably be very successful!!) however, she hasn't had enough experience at 10-years old to handle some situations that might come up with a very young horse. I know you said that you trust your trainer, as you should, but you will probably find that you will be handling/showing/riding the horse without the trainer around sometimes as your daughter grows in her horse adventure. If a horse is still developing and she is out somewhere when your trainer isn't available you want a horse that has some serious basics engrained in it for safety sake. Also, it could backfire and your daughter could lose some of her confidence and take some steps backward.

Because your daughter has such talent I don't blame you for not wanting a "been there done that" horse. Maybe a horse that is broke and safe, but not yet trained for what she wants. Your daughter could learn so much from training her own horse and sounds like she is very capable with knowledgeable supervision.