The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Thinking of getting your own horse?

85K views 159 replies 105 participants last post by  horselovinguy 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
It seems that a lot of new riders will get a horse within a year or two of starting to ride and then hit upon problems.

Here are some useful tips on many of the pitfalls - remember horses have been around a lot longer than cars, we all know what tricks there are to fixing cars! There are as many tricks and more to passing on a horse that is not as described!

To make sure you are ready for your own horse ride as many different horses as you can. Riding the same horse every time is not going to teach you anything about quirks of different horses.

It is no good asking "What breed?" there are as many differences between each animal of the same breed as there are in breeds themselves. Go for temperament rather than breed, colour, registration or anything else.

Just because you are over 5'5" does not mean you need a tall horse. Mark Todd at 6'2" was very successful internationally riding Charisma who stood 15.3. William Fox Pitt is 6'6" and rides 16.2 horses equally as successfully.

When you do start looking for a horse be honest with yourself as to your ability. Just because you once jumped 3'6" on a schoolmaster does not mean you are ready to ride a green young horse that is jumping the same height.

Always go to see the horse. See it in the stable, in the field, being ridden and ride it yourself. Take someone along with you that knows your riding ability and is very experienced with horses. If you can see the horse more than once. Ride it in the arena and out on trails. See if it is barn sour by riding it away from other horses and away from the barn. Have the vendor prove it is traffic proof, handle the horse in and out of the stable.

Ask what it is like with the farrier and to clip, load and ask about any health issues.

Some sellers will allow a horse to go on trial. Personally unless I know the buyer well, I will not allow this, any trial on or around the local area is fine but I will not risk a horse going off with someone I do not know.

Always have a horse vetted. Try to be present when this happens. I have known horses to have mild sedation when tried, then they vet goes along and the horse is dope free but ridden by an experienced rider and passes all health tests.
Ask the vet to draw blood when he examines the animal. One phial is given to the vendor and the other the vet takes. Both are labeled and initialled by vet and vendor. If the horse goes lame or is of very different characteristics to when you tried it, or goes lame, you can have the blood tested for either dope or pain killers.

If you are keeping your new horse at a livery barn then make sure that the staff are willing to help you. Continue to have regular lessons there is to much to learn to think you can manage on your own!

If you are keeping a horse on your own then again continue with the lessons. Make sure that you know a lot about the care and of maintaining manners on that horse. You can only do this if you have been use to handling a lot of horses.

Never be afraid to ask for help.

Owning a horse involves a lot of commitment as well as expense but the rewards can outweigh everything else.
And here's one good experience by a forum member:

A follow up thread prompted by the discussion that the term green on green equals black and blue is an insult http://www.horseforum.com/new-horses/how-many-years-before-no-longer-389874/ your thoughts on that topic should be added over there.

This one a whole new thought especially for those buying their first horse..

First of all GREEN: I am an experienced rider in terms of years, started lessons at 6 had 10 years of tuition, which I really enjoyed. Looking back now, I spent 10 years having fun at the cheapest place my parents could find, getting poor instruction, doing crazy things, all it gave me was the ability to stick. I then had many years off and on, riding other peoples horses having a ball thinking I was all that and change:grin: Then I had time off while I had the kids, and came back a few years later, went for a private lesson at my first real barn, and OH what a shock, I soon found out what I didn't know and started learning again, now having to overcome bad habits. Then I had a few horses of my own, switched to Western, had a few lessons, rode alone a lot, few more lessons, very basic, and I was good to go....yeah right.

Now we move to Canada, I buy myself a western horse, ride on my own for a while, go for some lessons to get some help, and somehow get converted back toward English, by a trainer who I now know made my probably already poor hands HORRIBLE. I can't imagine what my poor trained horses went through, but I know that it hurt my green horse.

So here I am many years riding, and I bought Big Ben, 9 years old and only just backed, thought I could work with him myself, and with my trainer WRONG, just WRONG, I did that horse a disservice, I should never have bought him, in the right hands he would have done well, in my slightly nervous heavy hands, well green on green was inevitably heading to black and blue, and in my case broken, like a month in hospital broken. If you have a trainer holding your hand each and every step of the way, MAYBE you can get away with it, but learning together is the worst thing out.

But what about the green on gold? Well this weekend I went to my first reining clinic, the first time I have had any instruction in reining, and if you have never tried it GO TRY, IT's A TOTAL BLAST!! In the morning I rode Bailey a big stock paint, so comfortable, so much fun, I was getting to feel like I was really getting this. In the afternoon I was upgraded to a trained reiner, he has won lots with a youth rider, I have seen them run, he is a great horse, I was very excited. Well it was a disaster, he is such a well tuned athlete that the fuzzy, slightly off time, cues I was giving him upset him, as he got upset I got nervous, which made me tighten up, and start trying to hang onto his mouth. We dropped his curb and tried a snaffle, but that wasn't much better, he was still very unhappy with me. So I got to swap back onto the baby sitter.

The point of this story?

When you are horse shopping be totally honest about your skill level, both with sellers and more importantly with yourself. Riding should be fun, and if you buy too much horse it quickly can stop being fun and end up being a train wreck. There is nothing wrong with that rare gem of a horse, the confidence giver, one who is trained enough that he will try and do whatever you ask, but not so highly trained that he gets in a panic if he doesn't understand just what it is that you want.

When shopping for your first horse,buy the horse that you need NOW, not the one you will need later.
I am sure many others have more to add.
 
See less See more
#74 ·
Hi there,

Well I jumped in as a horse owner for the second time. This time my life is stable and I love the horse I purchased. The horse I purchased is a wonderful 13 yr old TW. She has excellent ground manners and is saddle ready, but not rider ready as she has not been ridden in a year - she was out to pasture. She is skiddish and I have been walking her about the neighborhood trying to get her to loosen up as we walk together. However she became very stubborn last night and I took treats with us - she did ok as she new I had treats. Then tonight she absolutely refused to leave the barn. No matter what I tried she wasn't moving. She thought I was coming out to feed her, but I heard that you make a horse work prior to feeding. It wasn't feeding time either. She got the best of me today as I left the barn without feeding her and without getting her to walk with me. I will feed her at the normal time. Does anyone have suggestions? I will be looking on line also. Thanks.
 
#77 ·
Hi everyone!

This is a great thread. I actually had to join the forum after reading through it.

I am....well, I'm not going to say how old I am (LOL). But, I've been around the block a time or two. So, I know how easy it is to get really excited about something and then, once the hard work begins, have the luster wear off.

I began weekly lessons last summer. I tried a couple disciplines and trainers before settling on hunt seat and my current trainer (who is amazing). My next step is to lease the horse that I am currently using for lessons so I can practice what I am learning. Thankfully, the lease is very generous (month to month) so as riders progress, they can move into horses that match their skill level.

I DO see myself owning a horse one of these days. BUT, until I am a much better rider and horseman, I will not subject myself, my trainer and a horse to my learning curve.
 
#78 ·
My advice to a total beginner/novice rider is listed below.

1.) Always have a professional involved somewhere.
2.) Budget accordingly for PPE, vet, farrier, costs of upkeep, etc.
3.) Leasing option is always the best way to go first. Most farms if you take lessons will more than likely have school horses up for lease during certain points of the year.
4.) If you are willing to learn to become a better horseman and a better horse owner, spend more time around the barn if you are able to. Ask everything and anything that helps you gain more knowledge.
5.) Don't settle. Buying horses is like dating, don't settle for the pretty boy/girl that is not a right fit, nor settle for the first one that comes along. Find the one that matches you best and meets your goals.
6.) Before deciding, ride every breed, discipline, personality, etc. you get your hands on. It helps.
7.) Always get a pre-purchase exam. It is expensive but buying a horse without one is like playing Russian Roulette.
8.) I'd go with connections first before answering Craigslist or online horse ads. Networking is important.
9.) If you are underage, especially in the 15-17 range, be cautious when buying because if college is a plan, you have to plan accordingly what you will be doing with said horse when the time comes. (I just think leasing is the best option in this case)
 
#80 ·
My advice to a total beginner/novice rider is listed below.

5.) Don't settle. Buying horses is like dating, don't settle for the pretty boy/girl that is not a right fit, nor settle for the first one that comes along. Find the one that matches you best and meets your goals.
Well said. ESPECIALLY #5.
 
#81 ·
I have been a horse owner for a few years now and the assistant manager/trainer of a 15 horse stable but I am moving to another state with my horse and am now realizing how used to having a trainer/experienced horse person at my right hand I've gotten.
I'm fine with my rider and such but care taking I'm just a little AHHHHH HOLY SH**, Mostly just because I'm nervous.
He's gonna be at a stable with experienced people around feeding him and cleaning his stalls, and I can keep up with the farrier and vet but those little things like what to have in my vet kit etc....
I really don't know why I'm so worried lol.

Does anyone have any tips on the actual care taking of a horse witch btw the post above does not mention anything about like everyone suppose to have there own personal groom or something...

Alright thank you!!
 
#82 ·
I bought my horse once I got to college and I met a ton of great people by joining the equestrian club. I got a lot of different opinions and help and was also able to meet other horse people from town (farriers, stable owners, breeders, etc.) I think getting to know other horse people around you and spending time with them and learning from them are some of the best lessons you will ever recieve!
 
#83 ·
Interesting thread, so many different views from many different people:) There is a time and place for everything. I have seen green folks that are better stewards of our equine friends than some "seasoned professionals" however well intentioned. What it all comes down to is education, an understanding of the animal, and resources. The mechanics of riding change from one stable to the next, opinions on training etc-etc... Each person finds their own path. What is most important is the fulfillment of the needs of the horse :) The rest is just a bonus! <3 However you may come to the point of obtaining your first horse, the most important thing is that you have prepared yourself and are mature enough to know you are ready :)
 
#85 ·
You most probably wouldn't!

As I said in the opener of this topic, take someone who is genuinely experienced and knows how well you ride and what sort of horse would be best for you.

Years of experience has given me the ability to assess a horse before it is even ridden.

One friend went and bought herself a horse and brought it to me. It unloaded well and she asked what I thought. My opinion was that I just did not like it. Its conformation was fine, it moved well but there was something in its eye and demeanour that told me it was not genuine in its character.
I was proved right, it was barn sour, and given half a chance would bury the rider.
Unfortunately I ended up riding it most of the time because his dirty tricks never worked with me. We sold him as soon as we could.

Look at several horses, know your ability to not only look after a horse but in knowing the ways to keep a well mannered horse, well mannered.

If you can buy from recommendation. Get a vet to examine the horse and when you go rode it ride it as if it was yours. If you want a trail horse ride it out on trails, both with others and on its own. Do what you want to do with it.

Good luck!
 
#86 ·
To the person who said they weren't sure they'd buy the right one... I wanted a gelding, a nice easy going slightly stupid, but not really stupid gelding. I bought a green mare, an extremely intelligent, really bright, crazy, hot, stubborn mare.

Have there been hard times, yes, that's what I have a trainer for, but I love trulee, so much. I love her so much that the idea of ever loosing her makes me cry. I love the dumb things she does, and even when she starts b........ like only a mare can, I love her to death. I formed an amazing bond with the wrong horse, and she became the right horse. She is my pride, my joy, my best friend, my companion. In everything I do, I think of my baby girl. My 1100 lb baby girl
Posted via Mobile Device
 
  • Like
Reactions: L8rg8r and bsms
#87 ·
It seems that a lot of new riders will get a horse within a year or two of starting to ride and then hit upon problems.

Here are some useful tips on many of the pitfalls - remember horses have been around a lot longer than cars, we all know what tricks there are to fixing cars! There are as many tricks and more to passing on a horse that is not as described!

To make sure you are ready for your own horse ride as many different horses as you can. Riding the same horse every time is not going to teach you anything about quirks of different horses.

It is no good asking "What breed?" there are as many differences between each animal of the same breed as there are in breeds themselves. Go for temperament rather than breed, colour, registration or anything else.

Just because you are over 5'5" does not mean you need a tall horse. Mark Todd at 6'2" was very successful internationally riding Charisma who stood 15.3. William Fox Pitt is 6'6" and rides 16.2 horses equally as successfully.

When you do start looking for a horse be honest with yourself as to your ability. Just because you once jumped 3'6" on a schoolmaster does not mean you are ready to ride a green young horse that is jumping the same height.

Always go to see the horse. See it in the stable, in the field, being ridden and ride it yourself. Take someone along with you that knows your riding ability and is very experienced with horses. If you can see the horse more than once. Ride it in the arena and out on trails. See if it is barn sour by riding it away from other horses and away from the barn. Have the vendor prove it is traffic proof, handle the horse in and out of the stable.

Ask what it is like with the farrier and to clip, load and ask about any health issues.

Some sellers will allow a horse to go on trial. Personally unless I know the buyer well, I will not allow this, any trial on or around the local area is fine but I will not risk a horse going off with someone I do not know.

Always have a horse vetted. Try to be present when this happens. I have known horses to have mild sedation when tried, then they vet goes along and the horse is dope free but ridden by an experienced rider and passes all health tests.
Ask the vet to draw blood when he examines the animal. One phial is given to the vendor and the other the vet takes. Both are labeled and initialled by vet and vendor. If the horse goes lame or is of very different characteristics to when you tried it, or goes lame, you can have the blood tested for either dope or pain killers.

If you are keeping your new horse at a livery barn then make sure that the staff are willing to help you. Continue to have regular lessons there is to much to learn to think you can manage on your own!

If you are keeping a horse on your own then again continue with the lessons. Make sure that you know a lot about the care and of maintaining manners on that horse. You can only do this if you have been use to handling a lot of horses.

Never be afraid to ask for help.

Owning a horse involves a lot of commitment as well as expense but the rewards can outweigh everything else.
And here's one good experience by a forum member:



I am sure many others have more to add.
I am just new very very new to horse riding and this story just gave me an awesome blast to think about. Thank you
 
#89 ·
New to Horse Ownership

All I can say is, "Wow!" I should have read more, looked more, learned more before getting a horse. I still need to do all of these things but since already have a horse, well... I was uncertain before and after reading the articles here I am worried but I intend to keep moving forward. I will look for help and guidance from all here and my local people (farrier, trainer, vet and equine dentist and my local feed store) I keep my horse, myself in my barn. I think that he is a pretty good horse but needs some work. He comes when I call. Loves for you to love on him but when I walk and stop, start and back him (right now I am just doing this on a halter trying to show him that I'm his boss) he has his ears back not flat back just back. Should I be worried?
 

Attachments

#133 ·
All I can say is, "Wow!" I should have read more, looked more, learned more before getting a horse. I still need to do all of these things but since already have a horse, well... I was uncertain before and after reading the articles here I am worried but I intend to keep moving forward. I will look for help and guidance from all here and my local people (farrier, trainer, vet and equine dentist and my local feed store) I keep my horse, myself in my barn. I think that he is a pretty good horse but needs some work. He comes when I call. Loves for you to love on him but when I walk and stop, start and back him (right now I am just doing this on a halter trying to show him that I'm his boss) he has his ears back not flat back just back. Should I be worried?
He is probably just listening to you. DO get a trainer soon so he doesn't develop bad habits you can't deal with.

He looks lovely

:gallop:
 
#92 ·
It's interesting how many people suggest getting expert advice. At the same time, there are many experienced people posting who do not all agree on the best approaches. Some suggest diving in and learning by doing, while others imply that until you have hundreds of hours of training, can get a horse to fart rainbows, and have enough cash on hand to put your kids through graduate school at Harvard, you're not ready for horse ownership.

I'm a complete newb when it comes to horses, but in the field where I am an expert I've seen some pretty stupid ideas coming from people who have loads of experience. So while I agree that getting expert help is a good idea, I'd caution anyone against relying too much on experts. In my experience, in most fields it's best to rely on experts to tell you what things you need to know about, then to educate yourself about those things and trust your own judgement.
 
#134 ·
Yes and no. You don't say what your field is, but the main point with horses is that they are animate. They have a brain and use it, they have emotions and don't always behave or react as expected. A novice rider simply does not know what they don't know or how to fix what is broke.

So for someone starting out it IS best to have someone to turn to, that way hopefully less horses will end up as dog food just for want of a bit of knowledge. And certainly they need to be proactive and keep learning.
 
#94 ·
Surround yourself with patient, good horsemen/women and DO NOT be afraid to ask stupid questions!

Experienced horse people can sometimes be intimidating, and sometimes will talk way over your head, but most of them understand that people are not born knowing everything necessary about horses. It is a learning process and they are glad to help. So ask the question!
 
#95 ·
I've bought trained and sold horses for many years and have yet to get a Vet. check, and have only got one I lost money on. He was Conclusive bred and had a Hyp. convulsion after being worked hard, when the muscle contractions came from the hind quarters up to his neck he just gasped for breath.
PHM: After seeing some of the latest APHA jornals, I don't think God would like what's been done to that breed.
 
#98 ·
So I have some unusual advice for this forum, if you want a horse and have not had one before, then go get a small herd (3 or more) of goats. Learn to love them, take care of them etc. Learn to train them to do something like tricks, etc spend time with them get to know what they need to take the best care of them and get used to selecting hay, feed, supplements, yearly care, take care of their hooves etc. Get them show ready, even show them then you have basically learned almost everything you will need to take care of a horse. You will learn how to gently teach an animal how to respect you while you respect them. You will also have learned how to learn how to do routine veterinary care. You will also learn what it is like to take care of a herd animal every day and what kind of care taker you are. After you have done this, all of this information crosses over to horse care. The better you take care of your herd, the more experience transfers over to horse care! Plus the cost of properly maintaining a small show goat herd (3-8 goats) is about the same cost as one horse!
 
#99 ·
My advice to a novice on getting your own horse is to take your time and think it out carefully. Depending on your or your child's ability the horse that is right for you now may not be what you need a year from now. If you are really intent on taking your riding to a higher level there is nothing wrong with "trading up" as you gain experience but you might also want to consider a lease or partial lease for awhile. Foxhunter has offered some great tips once you decide that you are going to buy a horse. Don't be in a rush to buy the first horse you see or the first sale's pitch you hear. By all means have the horse vetted and don't hesitate to get the opinion of someone with more experience. Remember that if the horse is everything he is claimed to be then the seller should have no problem with you proving that for yourself
 
#100 ·
read, learn, read, learn, ask and listen and then question and listen. This is a great forum for information. And most of what I have read I have to agreed with. Know what you are getting into and do not be in a big rush. I had a man ask about buying a young pony for his son. His father in-law had cows, so he had someone to keep it. Talked to him for 10 minutes about my first pony and the fact that it lived to be 38 years old. He said what!! He was thinking 10 years tops. He didn't come back. If you love it, it is great!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top