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Yearling or a trained horse?

2K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  diamondsmequestrian 
#1 ·
I really want a bigger riding pony but I don't know whether to get a fully trained all rounder/jumper or a yearling my horse is best friends with, i just need some advice as I don't want to miss out on the yearlong and regret it but I need to make an informed decision
 
#2 ·
You'll be paying for the yearlings upkeep for at least two years before you can start to ride it - really all comes down to whether just owning a horse is pleasurable enough to want to do that or if riding is equally important too you
 
#10 ·
There is only a few main reason, JMO, for buying a young prospect, versus a horse already trained, that you can try out under saddle

The horse is well bred, and relatively cheap, compared to a finished horse with that breeding, AND, you have the ability to either train that horse yourself, or the financial means to invest in training, way beyond a month

You wish to complete in some sort of young horse futurity, thus need a horse that has not been messed up, and one that is young enough to still be eligible, once trained
Beyond that, the cheapest part often, of owning a horse, is the purchase price
A horse already trained, does not need several years of feeding investment, then training money, before you can ride it
 
#11 ·
Honestly, it comes down to what your up for. I bought a yearling instead of a fully trained horse and to be honest I think you will always regret what you didn't do. My yearling has amazing breeding, pretty as can be, and was close to my hometown. Ask yourself if your able to wait that 1 - 2 years where you can't get on their back, it's allll ground work. Ask yourself if your up to working with that youngster, especially if it's a stud (they usually aren't gelded yet when you get them), every day. Honestly, I was scared to death of my yearling a month after I got him. He bit people, he severely injured my dog, he would run as fast as he could up to you. It was horrible. He got gelded and his attitude changed for the better. He's never bitten me, but he still does bite the woman that takes care of him, but it's because she lets him do it and part of it is because she's the 'food machine' for him, but he doesn't do it if I'm with her. Ask yourself what your top priorities are in a horse; pedigree, conformation, color, training... etc. If you find a horse that is trained and has a lot of those qualities you want get it. If you find a yearling that has most the qualities you want but isn't trained get it. All my advice to you is ask yourself what you want/want to do and you'll know when you see that perfect horse.
 
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