Wanted:Some first horse shopping advice.

Hi, I'm fifteen and have been dreaming about getting a horse since forever! But..I'm not ready yet (and there's the whole "horses are uber expensive" thing). So for the next year I plan on being solely focused on improving my riding skills and gaining confidence untill I'm sixteen and can get a job so I can earn money to make a dent in the boarding/vet/farrier/sale price/lesson/food/tack/gas price (plus I think my grandparents will help).
Anyway! Here's where you come in!
1. What horse breed would be good for a first-timer? I was looking at Haflinger Horses (I LOVE them!)
2. What age would be good? I was thinking between 6 (minimum, and would need to be calm, well-trainined, and mature) and 14 (but would need to be in decent health)
3. What would the price be around? I want to spend no more than $5,000 but would like to stay around $3,000.
4. Any tips?
Here is some info about me and my riding.
Height: 5'5
Weight: 150-160
Age: 15
Riding level: Beginner-Intermediate
Riding Style: English (low level Dressage, maybe some light jumping in the future, trails every once in a while)
I also have some questions.
How often would I have to excersise (sp?) my horse (at least)? (In terms of how many times a week. The barn in half an hour away. That's not much to me but gas is pretty high and my Dad hates to travel there alot. I was thinking 3-4 times a week.
What height of horse would I need? I do have pretty long legs.
Does anyone know what the average price of board is in New York state?
Thanks for all the help! Sorry to make it so long!P.S Please tell me if I'm missing anything really important!

When the time comes to buy here's some advice....

1. Take someone much older, who has lots of knowledge about horses, who knows what you want and your riding ability.

2. You do not have to buy the first horse you see or the second or even the third. Always say you'll think about it and let them know... don't let them give you the "oh well there is someone else interested coming by later so if you don't buy now...." Well, if there is, fine, there are lots of other horses to choose from. Odds are you'll get home and start thinking about the horse, then little things will pop up in your mind. You'll be happier if you haven't paid for him yet, because once they have the check we'll it's your problem.

Now not everyone is a bad salesperson but its best to be safe than sorry.

This will save you a lot of heartache and headache.

First time horse... I always recommend the older (10 and up), experianced, been there done that type. There is always time when your older to ride the young, crazy, I'm going to stomp you into the ground type. Then you'll get much older and once again want the quiet, experianced take you for a nice ride down the trail type.

Hello Quiet Girl--

In answer to your questions:

1) The best breed of horse is one that is suited to your needs. IOW - what do you plan to do with him?

2) The best age? Older. Experienced. Well-trained. This is probably at least 10.

3) Price is usually commesurate with training and breed.

In your area, full board probably starts at $500 per month and goes up from there.

Something to think about though - you are still in school full time. You will undoutedly want to be involved with school things - dances, sports, clubs. You also need a job to help pay for horse things. You plan to ride 3 to 4 times a week....

Have you thought about how you will fit all of this into your schedule?

Maybe you should look into a full or partial lease at the stable you have in mind rather than buying at this point? A lease will help you and your family see just how much of a commitment (both time and money-wise) a horse will be.

(Just my .02 - Best of luck!)

Hello!! First I want to commend you on thinking things through logically. Many people beg mom or dad to buy a horse and don't realize what all will be needed. Here are my thoughts -

1.) Breed shouldn't matter so much. Look for a horse that has the abilities and training that you need. While I don't own one, I have heard that an appendix is a wonderful all around horse. You will want a horse that is athletic enough to jump and do dressage, but calm and even tempered enough to take you out on the trail. That can be hard to find.

2.) Age - I have posted this before. You want an OLD horse. Most young people want that 5 year old crazy horse they can show off on. That won't be the best for you. Think of it this way - a young inexperienced horse will need seasoned and trained. A young inexperienced (relatively) rider will need seasoned and trained. You will end up taking a big backseat to your horse's need for training. An older, been there, done that horse will allow you to concentrate on your riding and you will go farther faster.

3.) Price is very training and location dependent. Be thorough with your search. Don't close doors on gender, brred, height and you will find a great horse at a great price. There are a ton of horses needing new homes.

4.) height - this all depends on the width of your horse. A more slender horse will make your leg appear longer than a horse with a larger barrell. If you find a slender horse you may need to go taller than if you had a wider horse. Personally, I think people get too caught up in wanting a tall horse.

5) Exercise - I ride 3 times a week most weeks adn that is sufficient for keeping both us in riding shape. Some horses require daily work (riding, lunging, ground work etc) to get their energy out and others can be ridden once a week with no problems. On average I would say 3-4 times a week is enough.

6.) Sorry, I don't know anything about board in NY. A simple online search should bring up numerous barns in your area with board information on it with the price. You can get a good idea of services offered and prices that way.

One last thing - a lot of people in my area purchase their lesson horse after a while. It works wonderfully many times since you are comfortable with the horse already and have built a bond. Look into riding stables with that option or with a trainer willing to help you find a horse. Good luck!

Here is what I think you should do!

1. Quarter Horses I think are extremely relieble smart and a great horse 4 any rider!

2. For the description of your riding I would suggest a older horse as you said 10-14 would be good.

3. Im not sure what prices are in you.S but in Canada I would spend $4000 at the most but that's just me I go for the sales! :P

4. Bring someone who owns more than one horse and has been doing it for a long time, when I say bring them I mean EVERYWHERE! Also make sure you hunt for the sales because as you may have heard buying the horse isn't the expensive part!

1. I wouldn't limit yourself to one breed but if this is your first horse an "all around" horse is a great start. That way you can do anything you choose to do in the future. (With the right training. ~.^) My suggestion is a saddlebred. They are great overall horses!
2. Now I know everyone is going to say an older horse and most of the time it is. However, if it is a VERY well trained horse I don't think the ago should be a HUGE factor.
3. I think you already have a pretty good idea of what you want and are willing to spend.
4. Be patient. Don't just get the first pretty horse you see. Really take your time and make sure the horse has just as much training and more then you. Get a horse you can "grow" into to.

1 Every breed will have great horses and horses that are not so great.
2 I would like to see you with something over the age of 8 though my son has a 5 year old at his house that is toting my 8 year old granddaughter around.
3 Price will be as stated before, dependent on training and breeding. A grade well trained horse can be $800-$3000 while you can get a not so trained registered horse for under $500 in my area right now.
4 Find the horse that is right for you the first time.... ride it and spend time with it. Take someone knowledgeable along to help you. It is easy to see a horse, see a color and look into those eyes and fall in love... get past that and see if the horse will fulfill your needs. I promise the first horse you bring home will be one you truly love if you bring home the right one the first time!
Good Luck!!!