Rescue Horse Or ....

How many rescue horses have you owned??? My were great, wonderful loving horses, best mounts I have ever had and I have worked in the horse industry for many years. Rescues come from everywhere and there are plenty of great well trained horses, and with todays economy there will be many more great horses looking for a good home.

Here's a suggestion: since your heart is in the right place and you want to help a horse in need, find a good, reputable rescue organization, and volunteer there. You can get to know the horses they have and learn about their needs and issues. You might find your perfect horse, or you might find that the horse you need now is not a rescue horse. Also, there are many nice horses being sold right now that may end up in a rescue or worse. So by buying a horse from an owner who is having difficulties, you may be performing your own rescue. Just make sure you have someone with you who is really knowledgeable and not afraid to tell you the truth--then make sure you listen. Don't ride a horse that the seller won't ride, and please consider a helmet, every time, every ride.

The free/cheap rescue horses are usually the most expensive

Yukontanya,

That's wonderful that you had such great experiences with your rescues, good for you! Unfortunately, judging from my own experience and the dozens of threads on this message board, your experience puts you in a minority.

To the OP - If you were my riding student or a client in my barn, I would steer you away from the rescue route until we had thoroughly explored other options. I would want you to have a known quantity, a horse whose history I knew and somehting that would give you a safe and fun experience. Depending on your location, and because of the market right now, you can find horses like that from 0 - $1500.

If we weren't finding good options in your price range, I'd look at rescues, but I would very diligently screen out maintenence, training and soundness issues, and insist on one that was novice safe under saddle.

It's great that you're asking these questions now; before you start looking. Good luck with your search!

Thats great that your horses were wonderful. However, for a girl with only 4 years experience, picking a good rescue horse suitable for her level would not be something she is capable of. As you said you've been in the horse industry for many years and what you might consider an easy problem with a horse, that might not be the same for her. There are too many things that can go wrong with a 14yo girl and a rescue horse.

Your first horse should be something fun. A pony/horse that you can jump on after 2 weeks of no work and take to PC. Your first horse should teach you the fundamentals of riding, you shouldn't be teaching a rescue horse.

Define 'many years' with a number, please.

I've seen your pictures. You look to be late teens maybe early 20s. If that's the case, get back to me when you've had 30 or more years experience with horses.

Y'know, once you're out of your 'I know everything' phase of life.

This!


I like the suggestion that the OP go find a rescue facility near her and see about volunteering. It will be great experience and she will be helping horses in need.

I forgot to mention yesterday, that based on your finances: is the cost of keeping a horse realistic for you? It's not the cost, it's the upkeep. A healthy horse, kept at home is going to be at least $200 a month unless you have a magical hay fairy. Board, usually considerably higher. Now factor in what might be a special needs horse. You might not be able to continue riding at all. I think if you can buy a horse, get one that is old enough to be sensible, young enough to be healthy, and sound enough to do what you want to be doing. Maybe you could get a half lease on a great horse. And you can still devote some of your wonderful heart and energy to helping horses in need.

I couldn't have said it better!

Thats a hard one. At 14 you have the time and courage to work with a rescue as we get older (me) you don't have the time and the courage to work with a rescue. Some of the greatest bonds are with animals that have been given a 2nd chance - I think they know it. No horse comes with a garuantee of not being a financial or risky burden. Its a horse. If you are surrounded by knowledgeable people that will help you stay safe I say go for it. Know going into it that it will take time and lots of it but you are 14 you got that. Good Luck!