Hello, I am sort of new to this site. Me and my dad are moving to Utah or Colorado (we live in California right now) and he said I could have a horse when we move. He will have a lot of extra money since living in Sou. California is pricier than Utah. I have been riding for four years, almost 5. I know the basics of horses (taking care of horse, stall, and I am and intermediate rider. There are a few things I am questioning. How do I know what saddle and pad to use? How do I know what food to use? How do I know if the horse needs wraps/boots or not? When I ride different horses some need wraps and some don't. I know how to ride, but I have always had someone to tell me what to do. i.e. my instructor would tell me when to pick up the jog, when to do circles, etc. How do I know which bridle to use?
I know so far this post has not belonged in this topic, but now it will.
When I buy a horse, Here are some things I want:
I am 12, and quite tall for my age, so I would not want a pony.
I want a sound horse, but I still want it to be energetic.
The horse needs to be trained, as I know I am not in any position to train.
Please note that I am not planning in showing or jumping the horse. I ride Western, not English. Sorry for taking all of your time up, but I really want to make sure I have this whole thing down. I will probably start out with leasing, but I dont want to be making mistakes. I just want whatever horse I own to be unhappy. Thanks!
Equine.com is a great place to look. I sold both of my horses on there and on average they sell 11,000.00 horses A DAY! You sould like you need a nice, well broke, 7-9 year old Quarter Horse gelding.
Can anyone help about the other questions besides buying the horse? These are my main problems. When i move I will probably buy a horse from a local stable.
Hello, I am sort of new to this site. Me and my dad are moving to Utah or Colorado (we live in California right now) and he said I could have a horse when we move. He will have a lot of extra money since living in Sou. California is pricier than Utah. I have been riding for four years, almost 5. I know the basics of horses (taking care of horse, stall, and I am and intermediate rider. There are a few things I am questioning. How do I know what saddle and pad to use? How do I know what food to use? How do I know if the horse needs wraps/boots or not? When I ride different horses some need wraps and some don't. I know how to ride, but I have always had someone to tell me what to do. i.e. my instructor would tell me when to pick up the jog, when to do circles, etc. How do I know which bridle to use?quote]
I'd definately find out what size tree the horse has been using before when you buy them (the tree is the part of the saddle that goes over the horse's withers....shoulder blades)....with that, then you can determine what size saddle you will need. For the type (Western or English) do whatever you like best...it should not matter to a horse that type of saddle you are using. For the pad...if you use an English saddle...use an English pad (usually thinner) and for a western, use a western pad (usually thick or an indian blanket type material).
See what type of food the horse has been on previously...most horses won't need a certain type of grain or certain cutting of hay
Simply ask the previous owner...it's not going to hurt the horse to put boots/wraps on unless you put them on wrong
Again bridle depends on your likes.
I ride my horse in an english saddle...western bridle...and a western bit. I perfer a western bit and western bridle to an english bit and bridle. For the bridle...it's because my western takes less time to put on than an English one...and my horse responds better to a western bit.
Ask questions when you go to see a horse...make sure the horse is something you'd want and not get bored of..
Also, I highly, highly recommend doing a pre-purchase on the horse you buy...the first horse I did a pre-purchase on...the lady assured me she was sound...but it turned out she wasn't. Without the pre-purchase I wouldn't have known that...and looking back I would have been bored with that mare easily.
Also, don't rush into purchasing a horse...it's the worst mistake you could EVER make.
If you have any more questions you can always drop me a private message.
Think you need to do some research before buying a horse :? It's a big responsibility and you should be familiar with easy things like saddle parts before actually buying.
Think you need to do some research before buying a horse :? It's a big responsibility and you should be familiar with easy things like saddle parts before actually buying.
agreed with Irish here...definately be able to know simple saddle parts, bridle parts, how to tack up both western or english (yes it will come in handy), know the basics of what each bit looks like, and much much more.
Tizz, I would highly recommend taking lessons for a while at a good reputable barn where they will show you how to tack up, groom, AND take care of a horse.
Like I said...any other information you need feel free to send me a message. I spent a good 50 hours or more learning about horses to see if I was ready to take care of one...though I know I'm not hte most knowledgable on this forum, I try to help when I can
that's a good idea
I took 4 months of lessons before planning on buying a horse, you might not think that's a long time...but my lessons are 3 hours...and I went up 2 times a week other than a lesson to work and ride.
Also, ask questions...if you are unsure of something, just ask. When I was learning about horses I'd always ask questions...even if it was the silliest of question.
Here is what I wanted to learn before I bought a horse
-learn to tack up both western or english
-learn all the parts to the saddle (both w and e)
-be fairly familiar with bits (this one is hard cause there's sooooo many bits)
-know what medicine would best treat a cut, swollen joint, or anything else the horse does
-know a little on conformation of a horse (really important when going to look at a horse, I think)
thanks that will help alot i wish i know some one that had horse experiance like you i will go and find some where that does horse rideing lessons for adults its so hard cause it will be my first horse and iv got to find out everything about them as it looks so easy but i will get there :? nice horses by the way there very sweet
I do know the parts of the saddle and how to take care of a horse. I have been taking riding lessons for about 4-5 years. I am just making sure I don't make any mistakes. You don't have to be rude to me.
I do know the parts of the saddle and how to take care of a horse. I have been taking riding lessons for about 4-5 years. I am just making sure I don't make any mistakes. You don't have to be rude to me.
Nobody is being rude. We're just making the point that common knowledge of certain things in the horse world will help if you're considering buying and taking on the sole responsibility of one
My advice is to find an experienced breeder, trainer, vet, and farrier. My experience has been that experienced horse people in these areas are more than happy to answer any questions that you have and/or let you help around the farm/ranch to gain some experience.
Thanks. I went to my stable this weekend and we prepared the horses for a show that happened today. I actually did horrribly in the show. Its a little show that is not a real competition, it is just organized by my riding teacher. Anyway, I was riding a pony named Roxy. She was really hyper and ready for the show. We had four events: Trail, Horsemanship, Poles 2, and Cloverleaf Barrels. For Trail and horsemanship I had to hold her back the whole time. She reared when I was backing through a serpantine in trail. During horseman ship she refused to pick up the lope and when she did it was the wrong lead. For poles, she kept on getting too close the the poles and knocking them over, and for barrels she suddenly stoped midway on the first turn. I lost my left stirrup so I had to fix it and it took 5 seconds off my time.Then at the last barrel I tried to make a tight turn. We made it, but coming out of the turn I kissed to her to gallop and she bucked. She always does this, but this time she hit the barrel. Well, learn by practice.
are both great sites but I would go look at a local stable. you might know the horses better.
The bit depends on the horse. The saddle pad depends on how you ride. Western typically you use a larger thicher blanket. English you use two thinner pads.Barrel racing you use lighter saddle pads such as air ride wich the make for roping too.
Feed also depends on the horse. Usually you have grain ( I use smart choice nutrina) coastal hay, and if you really want to spoil your horse a little alfalfa! :wink: Not to much food or your horse may collic.
Whatever your choices are, dont worry, we all make mistakes, and we all learn from them. Hope you get a great horse. Your friend - Courtney
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