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help choosing a horse

2K views 19 replies 12 participants last post by  Speed Racer 
#1 ·
I am looking to get my daugheter aged 11 her first horse, she has never ridden before. Any suggestions on what to look for, what size, age, breed, gender. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks
 
#2 · (Edited)
Instead of buying her a horse, you might want to consider getting her lessons first. Then, once she has some experience, leasing a horse instead of buying outright.

That way, should she decide she doesn't want to bother with horses anymore, you won't have to find a buyer for a now unwanted animal. Many youngsters, tweens, and young teens think they want a horse until the hormones kick in and they discover the opposite sex, make-up, parties, clothes, etc.
 
#3 ·
Instead of buying her a horse, you might want to consider getting her lessons first. Then, once she has some experience, leasing a horse instead of buying outright.

That way, should she decide she doesn't want to bother with horses anymore, you won't have to find a buyer for a now unwanted animal.
AGREED!!! Lessons are a wonderful option! And she won't be overwhelmed and defeated before she can really begin!
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#4 ·
I agree with Speed Racer. I started taking lessons when I was 6, and was not allowed to lease until I was about 14. Full leased an amazing OTTB until I went to college and just bought my first boy at 22.

When/If you do go ahead and get her a horse, please be realistic about her capabilities AT THE PRESENT MOMENT and not "what she might want to ride someday". My boy I have now was bought as a first horse for a 7 year old girl and it caused both him and her a lot of pain and unnecessary stress. He had no business being a first horse for a small child.

Another benefit of starting lessons is when you do start to look for a horse your trainer can more than likely help you find a horse suitable for your daughter :)
Also keep in mind that sometimes the horse is wonderful, but there just isn't a good rider/horse relationship combination. Drifter is great with me and most others on him but I have a select few friends who he hates. He turns into an other worldly being from hell if they try to mount him.

Whatever route you decide to go, good luck!
 
#6 ·
I was the opposite of the above. My dad bought me my first horse when I was your daughter's age. I'd had very little experience beforehand, though I had ridden family horses from time to time. (I DO suggest lessons even if you buy her the horse, if only to begin building her confidence)

My dad knew a lady down the road who we'd met a few times before, and he asked if she would help us find a horse suitable for me. She went with us to all the horses we looked at and rode them first, and finally we found one we all thought would be good for us.

Unfortunately, he did have shipping cough, but after his quarantine period and treatment by the vet, he became my best friend. I rode him everywhere.

My suggestion would be to first be sure of your finances. Set a budget (a realistic one) for a first time horse. Don't scimp on the money for a good beginner horse. They are priceless. It would be in your best interest to ask an experienced rider for their help. And GET A VET CHECK BEFORE BUYING!!

You don't want to get sucked into a longterm loss of money as far as health goes. Also, be sure the seller has ALL the right paperwork for the horse you decide on, and even requesting a trial period where you come and ride the horse for a week wouldn't be a bad idea.

As far as a good breed, I like Quarter Horses for their all around disposition and ability. Most people would suggest a gelding, as they tend to be most laid back, but I have never had problems with a well picked mare. I would not suggest buying anything under the age of 6 and anything as old as 18. As far as size goes, that really depends on what your daughter is comfortable with. I prefer a horse in the 14.2-15 hand range.

Also, be aware that taking your daughter horse shopping will be DANGEROUS. haha. So take caution that the pretty ponies will be alluring, but don't buy on looks alone! Look for the right temperament, a seasoned horse that has experience with kids (lesson horses are awesome for this), and a horse that is willing and curious, yet not easily shaken.

Being picky will save you both a lot of headaches and a lot of heart break in the long run.

Feel free to ask any questions! 14 years in, and I still ask questions. You can never be too prepared or know too much when it comes to horses.
 
#7 ·
Thank you to everyone who replied, she will be taking lessons, fortunatly for us their is a ranch down the road from us that does lessons:) We are def. going to be purchasing one though because the lady that gives lessons suggets that the child ride w their own horse that way they can become used to each other. Also we have 4 other children behind our oldest, so the horse will be well loved and taken care of for many years. We urrently only have ponies but at 11 our oldest is now too big for most of them. That is why we need a bigger horse. :)
 
#15 ·
at this point look for a well seasoned horse, one that has been around the block, as they say....they are usually very tolerant of rider mistakes & can "babysit" a new rider. There are many breeds known for their "calmer" personality....of course, there is always individual personality. stay way clear of anything "green broke" your daughter is too young & even with lessons it could be disastrous! what an exciting time for her..& BTW get a nice camera =))
 
#8 ·
Sounds like a good plan then, Jessie. I was just a little concerned because you said she doesn't know how to ride.

Far too many people go off half cocked and buy their kid a horse, and nobody has a clue. Situations like that are just disasters waiting to happen.

Glad you have knowledgeable people around you, and someone to help you pick out the right horse for your daughter.
 
#13 ·
I agree with everything posted above. Just wanted to add: Before you actually decide to buy the horse, be sure to get it on trial for a month or so to make sure it's a perfect match :)
Good luck!
My first horse was a Shetland Pony. Shetlands are the greatest little kids ponies, and Star was the perfect match for me when I was little (and I still have her!) :D
 
#16 ·
Take lessons before you buy, or lease a lesson horse. Currently she will be needing a calm, bomb-proof, level headed, well schooled, packer. As she grows and learns more about her discipline she is going to "out grow" this horse quickly. Depending on how fast she advances she will want/need a horse that is faster, jumps higher or is more educated. Leasing will allow her to change horses as she grows.

Another thing riding many horses gives you a better "education". Even horses in the same discipline operate differently. They have smoother or rougher hairs, different quirks, and different needs. Learning on various horses will help her build a tool box and make her a much stronger rider in the long run!!

I would also be wary of ANY place telling me I needed to buy a horse to take lessons. IMO no place should EVER ask a person to buy a horse before they are really ready. Do you or your daughter know about proper tack fitting? How to tack? Properly groom? Horses body language? How to handle one from the ground? There's a hundred things I can think of. I know she is going to be taking lessons but who will be supervising/teaching her the other days of the week? Horses are large and potentially dangerous animals, not dogs. To me this sounds like an easy way for this place to make some QUICK MONEY plus get your lesson money multiple times a week. It seems veryyyyy fishy to me!
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#19 ·
in that case my suggestion would be a QH/paint in the 12-15 y/o range. They are typically level headed and easy going. This age has already been through the toddler, teen juvenile stages yet still is young enough for many years of enjoyment. Horse behaviour/language crosses the size barriers so she is not totally a newbie. ..and actually, sometimes ponies can have more difficult personalities than horses. Another point to look for is dominance in the herd the horse comes from. I would not put a newer rider of any age on an alpha who will regularly test his/her rider. Hope this helps a little!
 
#20 ·
Well, looks like we're talking to an empty room, folks. The OP has been banned.

I had a feeling they were either a child playing at being an adult, or an alter of a previously banned poster. Figured I'd be nice and play along, just in case I was wrong. :wink:
 
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