Who Should I Buy?

Its not just because you are 17. Check other threads of other new horse owners asking similar questions and you will find similar responses. No one wants to see someone get in over their head, so they just make sure that they provide a heads-up.

As to buying Matt - it also sounds like you had a lot of responses to just that specific question as well.

What are you planning to do with your horse? If your goal is high-level eventing or something really strenuous - well someone pointed out that can be difficult as the horse gets older. But for most types of riding - low-level schooling, trail riding, etc - 16/17 really is not that old. So if you like Matt, then go for Matt.

However, it also does not hurt just keep an eye on what is out there and see what you find. The benefit of Matt is you have ridden him and you know what you are getting. With another horse they may seem great initially but some buyers just aren't honest, so buyer beware.

Matt sounds like a great opportunity. $1500 isn't bad for an already-trained horse, and it's awesome that you already know him, since you had leased him before.

Make sure your parents are willing to help you out if the costs of horse ownership go a little over your head. Sometimes things come up that you didn't plan on that can make extra $$$, and parents don't always understand. My parents bought a filly for me last summer, and said they'd be willing to pay for board at the barn I love until I could (it was about $200 more per month than at other places, but it's close and has an awesome trainer), but hay prices shot up due to a drought, and now they're paying an extra $100 on top of the $200.

My point is that now my parents are talking about moving my filly to another barn, because of the price increase. So, be prepared. Things come up, like hay prices or an injury. If Matt strains a ligament and needs to be put on stall rest and wrapped and iced for a year, will you still be able to give your time and money to his medical needs while also paying for board on a horse you can't ride? I say this not to be a downer, but because someone at my barn was off her horse for more than a year because of an injury, and he's a young gelding.

I'm not trying to discourage you, believe me! Having a horse of my own is so much better than riding other people's horses. But be prepared for unexpected costs, and make sure your parents are behind you 100%.

The only way to know if he is reasonable priced is to see what else is out there at what cost. If comparibles are 1000.00 then he is over priced if they are 2000.00 then he may be underpriced.
I agree that he is getting older and could be sound for many yrs or you could buy an 8 yr old that might be unsound in a month. No one really knows except if there are obvious conformation flaws that would lead to unsoundness to look for.

I have nothing to say on the topic as everyone else has covered my thoughts already.

It's always wise to ask for advice before making major decisions. And a horse is definitely a major financial decision!

OP, I agree with Matt not being that old at 17. Many horses are sound well beyond that and very capable of keeping up with the average rider's needs.

However, because you're 17 I would discourage you getting a horse that age. Not because it will get sick or lame soon, but because at your age it's a good idea to keep your options open. And if you want to move or go to college in a couple years, or need to pay for an apartment and can no longer afford a horse it will be incredibly hard to sell him because by that time he might be in his 20s and even if he is perfectly sound very few people will even give him a glance.

I've been in that position, and it is really difficult! Think carefully because at your age things can change really fast and if you get a horse that age you are usually their final owner. Is it best for you?

This. My friend had her 4yo mare for about 2 months before she went lame. They found a soft tissue injury in her hoof. $7k later, she's laid up for a year. Thank god she's insured!!!

When I got my horse, I was making 1/3rd more than I am now, and dealing with being unemployed with a horse and little to no savings because things happen sucks. I'm only now getting out of that! Not saying that my horse isn't worth it, but it's definitely a possibility. In any case, best of luck! I tried to buy a horse that I leased at first but it didn't work out. Hope it does for you!

I would buy Matt. I am 18, but I got my first horse when I was 17. You sound a lot like me. But my parents didn't lease a horse for me. Not because they wouldn't but because in our area that isn't common. Anyhow. My horse is a 7 year old mare. I thought that I was an experienced rider. I had been riding for two years after all. Horses have a way of making your ego go way. I got her and was over my head the first couple of months she was here. I couldn't go in the field with her and every time I rode her I ended up on the ground. She is great now that I have learned how to handle her. The point of the story is that I would go for Matt, he will be your best friend if given the chance. If I had to do it over I would buy a 17 or older horse OR lease a horse. I hope whatever choice you pick you post pictures!