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How did you "find" your trail horse?

5K views 41 replies 30 participants last post by  BlooBabe 
#1 ·
I'm asking because I'll be replacing Mr. Big Stuff this year and it's been ages since I've gone looking for a new horse. I'll be looking for quiet, safe and basically a confidence builder. I'm way too old for any excitement.
 
#3 ·
I bought a ring sour show/lesson horse from the place I was taking lessons at. I was the only rider he didn't buck off or even try to buck off (I think it's because I gave him a lot of snacks and extra attention whereas the others just tacked up and rode).
 
#4 ·
HagonNag I'm so happy to hear that you are going to keep riding! My prayers have been with you!

First off I start by looking for horses that are said to be kid broke, have worked in cattle pens, can be shot off of, will drag, and are advertised as trail horses and been in parades. I put the word out that I was looking with my vet, and did a CL ad detailing EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Of course that's not what I got! I found the PERFECT horse from my CL ad when I but my vet called the weekend before he was delivered and told me about some horses that were in need. I went and looked at Rick there and he had so much potential I couldn't pass him up. He was lacking in so many areas so I sent him off to a trainers for over a month to work out his kinks. I was recovering, still am, from a car accident and didn't have it in me to do the initial work. Got him back and spent months on the ground, took him on some smaller rides and he proved me right. He's a bomb proof mountain goat. There was just something about him, a little fire but a calm one, good feet, and he stayed calm when a cow burst through a fence 20 feet away when I tried him out.

For my kid I looked for a bomb proof kids horse and found Cowboy on CL. He was used at Cowboy Church for kids to ride. So he came home with me. He's a doll and bomb proof too. Dosen't know much but stop and go but that's all I needed for her. We ride him on the longer rides, he's QH/Arab and stocky. He can go all day long.

My hub found his through family friends. Someone knew a great trainer/trader who only worked with good QH's. His wife wanted to get into showing more and Dash was a great WP mare but the lady wanted a less stocky horse, more the modern type. She is a great trail horse with all the right Cadillac moves. Not very athletic though, too much halter breeding. So we take her on the shorter rides only.

Good luck and I hope your recovery is FAST!!
 
#5 ·
I was looking at Equine.com/DreamHorse and places like that for a new trail horse. I went and tried 6 horses in a weekend, driving all over Louisiana and east Texas!

I didn't have my own horse anymore as I had rehomed my horse due to anhydrosis not being good for trail horses. I was going riding with my group and going to borrow a friend's horse. My cousin knew the horse well and sent me a picture of him on text that said "please buy me". LOL I rode him that weekend and his owner said I could take him on trial as long as I wanted. I kept him for a week and decided to buy him and the rest is Biscuit history.

Ask everyone you know if they know of a horse that would be suitable. You never know who has one that needs a job, needs a new owner, etc. My boy was ridden by everyone under the sun as the go to horse. He was under weight by about 150 lbs when I got him. He isn't the same boy that I bought - he is now full of spunk but still gentle! Someone's underfed under utilized horse may be a diamond in the rough!
 
#6 ·
I started on CL and put the word out with folks I know. Rode a half dozen or so horses and then made up my 'must have' and 'must not have' lists. Rode a few more horses, rode a couple a second time and matched them against my must(n't) have list. Narrowed it down to a couple/three and called a close horse friend for a good chat and her advice (since she couldn't come out and look at them with me). Lucky for me, the one that I really felt a connection with was also the one she said I should get. The rest, as they say, is history.

Just don't get suckered in by a sob story, rave reviews, or a price tag- go with the one that FEELS right when you're in the saddle, because that's what you want the horse for, right?
 
#7 ·
I've found some great horses on Dream Horse. My little mare was just across the river about 6 miles away. My (free) gelding was about 40 miles away or so, but he was delivered home the day I went to look at him. I did look at a few others but knew right away they weren't right for me-I never even got on them. I go alone to look at horses.Once I start looking-it's a few days to maybe a month to when I'm enjoying my new horse. Hope you enjoy your search, once you're healed.
 
#8 ·
Also don't forget about horse rescue places. A girl who boards where I do has 2 that came from an equine rescue. She has spent so much time with them and they are solid trail horses in excellent health. Her husband has been laid off so she has sadly decided to return the horses to the rescue facility (per their agreement). Whoever adopts them next will not be dissapointed!!The economy is tough and the drought makes hay expensive and hard to find. This means people may be facing similar tough decisions and having to part with some of their better stock. Good luck!
 
#9 ·
I got so lucky with my horse! I deliberately looked for horses that were a bit underpriced and undertrained. I had a trainer I knew (and trusted completely) so I factored in a month with him into the cost. So when I was looking, I was looking more for the personality and brains than what they had already been trained to do.

When I found Éowyn, she was VERY green but had a lovely personality. Hadn't been trained much but she let me handle her all over, pick up her feet, and she just felt right. When we picked her up she went straight to the trainer's, where she spend 45 days being worked with 5x a week.

I've only had her for a couple of months but she's already my heart horse, the trainer did a fantastic job and while she's still got some things to learn, I think I ended up with the perfect horse for me!
 
#10 · (Edited)
I also did a must have list....

No more than 15.1 hh so I could mount without aids
No crazy horses
No buck, rear, run away nutballs
No more than 14 years
Gelding preferred
Lots of trail miles
absolutely had to be barefoot and have great feet

I did try a little Missouri Fox Trotter mare - she didn't pass the feet inspection with my farrier at the time so she was returned.

What I got was:

10 year old 15.1 hh gelding that had miles and miles on trails with everything for kids to people who had never rode before. He wasn't crazy but had been harshly handled by a trainer. Nice hoof walls but his feet had been neglected his entire life and just lopped off a few times a year. He was under weight and due to harsh treatment was often terrified. He wouldn't run or kick...he would just stand frozen.

With love and attention and great nutrition, he has gone from this
Horse Mammal Vertebrate Mane Mare

Horse Mammal Halter Horse tack Bridle


They don't have to be perfect when you get them if they have the right stuff. A little training, handling and nutrition can make a world of difference! That is a fairly nice picture of Biscuit the week that I got him. His back swooped away from his backbone and he was delicate looking under saddle. Now he is a big strapping boy. A young lady that had rode him once before and wasn't happy about it because she said he was ugly and lazy couldn't believe that he was the same horse! She said "he is beautiful!!! What did you do to him" She was shocked!!
 
#11 ·
Thanks everyone! While I'm sidelined and I can't go to work, I figured I could at least shop online and see what's out there. I doubt I'll get clearance to climb on a horse for at least 6 months. Before he left my hospital room (after I asked him when I could ride again) my doctor gave me a pretty big piece of his mind and included some muttering about death wish and psychiatrist.... He's a really negative man.

I'm planning my return very carefully. I think I'll start by taking some lessons. Don't laugh.
A beginner safe horse in an arena will let me know if my mind has healed as well as my bones. I had to rebuild my confidence once and if I have to I can do it again, but I'm hoping it won't be necessary. I won't know though until I settle into the saddle. If it's ok, I'll be looking for a total confidence builder. I figure by the time I'm really riding again, I'll be 65. I don't care if the horse is safe with kids --- they bounce!!! I think my question will be "Would you put your granny on him?" LOLOL
 
#12 ·
I'm planning my return very carefully. I think I'll start by taking some lessons. Don't laugh.
A beginner safe horse in an arena will let me know if my mind has healed as well as my bones. I had to rebuild my confidence once and if I have to I can do it again, but I'm hoping it won't be necessary. I won't know though until I settle into the saddle. If it's ok, I'll be looking for a total confidence builder. I figure by the time I'm really riding again, I'll be 65. I don't care if the horse is safe with kids --- they bounce!!! I think my question will be "Would you put your granny on him?" LOLOL
Taking lessons sounds like an excellent idea!! No matter your riding level/experience, EVERYONE can benefit from lessons. I'm planning on taking some myself this winter. :D
 
#14 ·
I am also not quite as young as some of the kids on this forum. (almost 55). The days of me rescuing throw away horses and retraining them are over. If I were in your shoes, I would look for an absolutely dead broke horse. I also think that you are wise to do the lesson thing. We all would love to see you keep riding. But if you decide not to keep riding, that is an ok decision. I have had young people tell me that horse back riding is a dangerous and very stupid sport. My doctor says the same thing. I plan to ignore that doctor's advice.

I really hope that you get all better real soon. You have plenty of time to find a horse. I would wait for the perfect one. You can't afford a "cheap" horse. They are way too expensive unless you are one of those bouncing kids.
 
#17 ·
My 'gamble horse' paid off for me, but it's not for everyone. I think taking it slow and building confidence with lessons is a great plan - and the trainer you go to for lessons will probably be a great asset in helping you find a good horse.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you get better! :)
 
#15 ·
I got Dancer from a trail riding place down in the outer banks of NC. (I would warn you to be really careful if thats the route you go, though.) Dancer did trail rides for tourists for 4 hours a day for 6 days a week. I was so naive when I got him that I thought him to be a really quiet, slow going mount for me to learn on. I was wrong. Once I got him home he was basically on retirement. He fattened up and his true personality came out. He's still a great horse but I've had to put a lot of work into him and I don't think he's a beginner horse anymore.
 
#16 ·
HagsonNags...I think taking lessons is a good idea. I took some. I, too, got my butt busted (really my leg - my butt wasn't involved!) trying a horse after not riding for 26 years. Talk about a confidence killer.

Biscuit has helped me gain confidence but he has had his moments. He is NEVER crazy though - and isn't a spooky fellow. LOL Biscuit became MY Heart Horse after I had had him for 8 months. Young hogs literally exploded out from under his feet and all he did was jump a little. It took me a long time to get attached to him - I didn't want to lose objectivity about him.

Lessons on my other horse helped my confidence, Biscuit has a trainer that works with him and I rode him 530 miles last year. Slowly but surely my confidence rises and so will yours. I can't tell you how many times I have rode with my heart in my throat!!!

Look for that non spooky horse - a spooky horse would make me a nervous wreck!!
 
#19 ·
I called a trail riding barn that only sells horses that aren't good trail horses...The worst way to get a good one. But, it turned out all my horse needed was a little training and desensitizing to be fantastic on trails. He's many peoples worst nightmare on trails because of his clumsiness and bouncy gaits, what matters to me though is a horse that you can trust to be calm and focused in a risky situation.
 
#22 ·
I guess you could say i was kind of pushed into buying my trail horse by my VERY un horsey husband.I was very seriously injured on a horse last year and lost all confidence. When I could ride again I rode a friends bomb proof horse simply because the thought of not riding was more terrifing than the thought of riding,but I was just a scared passenger. Even taking riding lessons all winter did nothing for my confidence.I felt I was broken.I wasn't looking for a horse, I was happy with my mini and my Morgan pasture puff that I would "someday" send to a trainer. 3 months ago my husband seen this appaloosa on Kijiji (its like CL) and he kept pushing me to go see him. I had all kinds of excuses like I didn't want another horse, I had no money, the horse was too far away, horse was too old etc etc. My dear husband just kept pushing. He even made an appointment for me to go see the horse and asked a very experienced horse person to go with me. We drove the 8 hour drive to see this horse and I must admit I was nearly shaking with fear when I got on him in the round pen. He almost immediately shied violently at some imaginary thing. Somehow I didnt fall off and he literally turned his head and looked right at me. We walked around for a couple minutes and the owner suggested a trail ride. 10 minutes into the ride all my fear vanished and I was in heaven. I knew he was the one for me. I feel that Little Foot (thats what I named him) has given me back my life and I couldn't be happier. We trail ride several times a week and we have even participated in cattle sorting events, and an Old Timers Gymkhana. We are going to start dressage soon and tonight for the first time ever we loped out on the trails. He has never hesitated to do anything I ask and he has never spooked since that first time. He is the perfect horse for me and I will be forever grateful for my husband for pushing me into getting him.
 
#24 ·
HN, I'm very glad to hear that you didn't lose your spirit and confidence after that accident!

I'm no help really, because I trained my horses for the trails myself (I bought my qh as a yearling with only trail riding in mind, which we did till I decided to switch to arena work couple years ago :) ). But if I'd look for the trail horse for my beginner friend I'd spread a word around at my local forum as well as would look for the help from the friend who works with trail horses (making them "safe" on trail). Definitely NO to auction horses (yes, I know some coming from there are very nice, but there are too many rip-offs as well), and NO to horse dealers that has a bad reputation in my area (I know several).
 
#25 ·
I found mine in an ad in the local paper, actually.

I knew I wanted a younger horse, sort of a "project" but not a total baby. Size/height didn't matter so much to me. Actually, the gaited/non-gaited thing didn't mean much either. I grew up riding hunter/jumper and dabbled in dressage, so I wasn't biased about whether the horse trotted or gaited.

He was advertised as a green broke three year old - a registered TWH gelding. I drove an hour or so to "try" him. Rode him in the arena and took him for a spin around the perimeter of the owner's farm. They had some "trail obstacles" set up in the arena and that little gelding would try anything you'd point him at. Not that there wasn't some nervousness or hesitation, but he would try it.

By the time I drove home that evening, I called my parents and told them "I just found my new horse."

That was 11 years - and several thousand miles - ago. I still have him.

At the time, I was working for a woman who was big (and I mean BIG) into the WP QH thing. And I think she was offended that, not only did I not buy one of her youngsters, but I didn't even buy a Quarter Horse. Oh well. . .
 
#26 ·
Another option is to try calling some trainers in your area. Lots of trainers either have or know of someone who has horses for sale. If they're honest, then they could match you up perfectly with a good mount.

Reading your posts, I am so proud of you for already planning to get back in the saddle. I'm sure there will be some moments of doubt, but you've got such a great attitude those moments will be very short lived. :D :hug:
 
#27 ·
I actually found my boy on here! I saw his ad on google when I was searching for a new horse (my last girl just wasn't working out, she was a fruit loop). I had looked at several other horses with no luck, they were all either too small, too old, too expensive, or too far away. I wanted something that was 15hh+, 5-9 years old, within an hour away, level headed and my budget was $1,000. Skip met my standards perfectly, and then some. The only thing I would have changed was his color, he is a chestnut and I absolutely adore bays, Grullas, roans, and greys. Now, I wouldn't change anything about him. Chestnut has to be my favorite color now lol.

My only suggestion is to not settle for a horse. Don't let small things turn you away, but don't settle on the first horse that fits one or two of your criteria. I did that with my previous mare, and it was a pretty big mistake(and a huge loss of $2,600). It would have saved us time, money, and a few hospital bills if I would have said no, she isn't what I am looking for.

You seem to be off to a great start, good luck finding "the one"!
 
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