Alright, so lately I've been entertaining the idea of getting another horse, seeing as I had to get rid of my old boy back in September, due to financial problems. We're back on our feet, and my parents said that if I get a job, and can pay for board, I could definitely get a horse.
But, in order to do this, I need to understand what level of riding I'm at.
I'm 15, and have been riding for 12 years. Of course, when I first started, I was just in the saddle with my mother. Anyways, I've been around horses all of my life. I mostly ride Western, though I did ride English for a few years. Despite all of this, I find pleasure riding far more fulfilling, and have thought recently about getting involved with barrel racing or something of the sort.
Now, as far as the horses I ride go, well, I've ridden several different temperaments. My horse, the one of whom I got rid of, was 26 years old when I got him, and 31 when I got rid of him. This may make him sound as if he was easy to handle, and I admit he was, though he definitely liked to go. If you weren't paying attention and he decided he wanted to gallop on down the path, he'd certainly try.
With that said, he wasn't enough of a challenge for me. For the past few years I've gone to a guest ranch, and each and every time I'm in the most advanced group possible. Last year, they gave me this spirited Arabian mare, named "Xanado," though her nickname was "Xanadon't," due to her misbehavior. Some of the wranglers hadn't even ridden her, because she was said to be super moody. She was very good for me though, in the few days i was there. Whether or not that was luck, I'm not sure.
At the same ranch, I've dealt with horses that have tried to take off on me, as well as horses that have started rearing, unhappy with the fact I won't let them ride up the butt of the horse in front of me. C; I've always handled them well, and can keep up with the group without problem.
I'm a confident rider, though some situations can make me nervous. I know the horse feels this though, so I try and keep calm.
ANYWAYS, I've been looking at a few "green" horses for sale, and found myself really interested. I've done some ground work on horses before, but never actually trained a horse. Do I have enough experience for a green horse? I wouldn't get some big, beastly, 17hh gelding, because I'm only 5' and 109lbs, so I'm thinking about getting a smaller, 14hh-15hh mare.
Your thoughts? C:
Thanks!
But, in order to do this, I need to understand what level of riding I'm at.
I'm 15, and have been riding for 12 years. Of course, when I first started, I was just in the saddle with my mother. Anyways, I've been around horses all of my life. I mostly ride Western, though I did ride English for a few years. Despite all of this, I find pleasure riding far more fulfilling, and have thought recently about getting involved with barrel racing or something of the sort.
Now, as far as the horses I ride go, well, I've ridden several different temperaments. My horse, the one of whom I got rid of, was 26 years old when I got him, and 31 when I got rid of him. This may make him sound as if he was easy to handle, and I admit he was, though he definitely liked to go. If you weren't paying attention and he decided he wanted to gallop on down the path, he'd certainly try.
With that said, he wasn't enough of a challenge for me. For the past few years I've gone to a guest ranch, and each and every time I'm in the most advanced group possible. Last year, they gave me this spirited Arabian mare, named "Xanado," though her nickname was "Xanadon't," due to her misbehavior. Some of the wranglers hadn't even ridden her, because she was said to be super moody. She was very good for me though, in the few days i was there. Whether or not that was luck, I'm not sure.
At the same ranch, I've dealt with horses that have tried to take off on me, as well as horses that have started rearing, unhappy with the fact I won't let them ride up the butt of the horse in front of me. C; I've always handled them well, and can keep up with the group without problem.
I'm a confident rider, though some situations can make me nervous. I know the horse feels this though, so I try and keep calm.
ANYWAYS, I've been looking at a few "green" horses for sale, and found myself really interested. I've done some ground work on horses before, but never actually trained a horse. Do I have enough experience for a green horse? I wouldn't get some big, beastly, 17hh gelding, because I'm only 5' and 109lbs, so I'm thinking about getting a smaller, 14hh-15hh mare.
Your thoughts? C:
Thanks!