Green Rider from Michigan :)

[CaitRose93]

I'm 19 years old and decided I want to begin my first relationship with a horse <3 (I know I'm a little late in the game, but I think it's the perfect time for me to do this, since my only obligation taking up time is work and my only expense is my truck insurance and gas). When I was a child and my parents were married, my dad asked my mom one day what she wanted for their anniversary; she said she wanted to go horseback riding. So he went and bought her a horse. She grew up in Southwest Detroit, so I'll let you imagine her initial reaction.

I was absolutely smitten with Rounder until we had to put him down. </3

I'm looking for advice on what to know and buy before I buy a friend of my own later this year. I live out in the country, so there's a lot of barns nearby where I can board him/her. But what are some things I should look for in a barn (besides budget, hours, references, and hygiene)?

I have a friend who has been riding for as long as she can remember offering to give me lessons, so that's covered.

About how much should I aim to have saved up before starting this lifestyle? A couple thousand, in addition to how much I'm willing to spend on the horse? Of course I make enough to cover monthly costs, I'd just like to have a cushion behind me to make it more comfortable, you know?

Obviously I'll want an older, experienced horse. I've read that geldings are generally best for less-experienced riders, is this true? What breeds would you recommend for a "green" rider interested in Western?

I would loveeeeee any help y'all can offer. Thank you so much :)

-Cait

[Country Woman]

Hi Cait
Welcome to the forum
So nice to meet you you are never too old to begin riding

[CaitRose93]

Originally Posted by Country Woman    

Hi Cait
Welcome to the forum
So nice to meet you you are never too old to begin riding

Thank you :) I figured better late than never, right? Haha
I'm really excited to get this relationship started. And don't worry, I'm not being irresponsible about it, as simple and broad as my questions seem. I'm volunteering and helping out around some local barns and hanging out with some of my riding friends, so as to learn how to care for my new friend. And I'll continue to educate myself for the next four months or so. The questions I asked above are just some that no one seems to be able to answer in laymen's terms haha

[PaintHorseMares]

Originally Posted by CaitRose93    

Obviously I'll want an older, experienced horse. I've read that geldings are generally best for less-experienced riders, is this true? What breeds would you recommend for a "green" rider interested in Western?

Welcome from the Paint mares in NC.

I'll admit I'm biased, but...

- Don't exclude mares. There are just as many easy going, level headed mares as geldings (and I've come across lots of ornery geldings, too).
- For Western, it's tough to go wrong with one of the stock breeds..QH, Paint, or Appy.
- Look for a "low maintenance" horse, I.e. A simple diet (grass/hay) and good feet. That will make a big difference between spending all your time and $$$s caring for your horse (and supporting your feed store, vet, and farrier) and enjoying and riding your horse.
Good luck.

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[HorseLovinLady]

Welcome to the forum!! I agree with PaintHorseMares, Mares rock! I prefer mares over geldings any day of the week lol.

[autumnheart]

Welcome to the forum!