[EZFEED]

Hello all! I need some advice here. I am looking into buying a few horses to help out on my ranch. I've got a somewhat small place, bout 23 acres, and I keep Bison. I have good animals and they are content and dont roam EXCEPT when the neighbor leaves a gate unlatched :? Usually I can get them to come right in, as a matter of fact all I usually do is raise my hand and fuss and the few that do tend to walk out will come right back but some of the older bulls are a little defiant and will continue about their buisness until I get on the 4 wheeler, get in front of them, and fire off a few rounds to motivate them back.

I've been thinking of getting a couple horses to replace the 4 wheeler and for working. I really wanted to go with a couple Mustangs because I like wild things and they seem to do OK with Bison from what other Bison ranchers tell me because they are always more aware of whats going on around them.

Heres the problem, I am 6'2" and 280lb (In the process of losing :lol and I am concerned that the Mustang may not be large enough for me. I need something that will carry myself, maybe a little bit of gear like fencing pliers or a rifle, and tack. Will I need a draft size or will a mustang suit? And jfyi the only reason I have preferred the Mustang is because I also collect the classic automobile version of the pony and it seemed fitting.

 

[kevinshorses]

A mustang could probably carry you but if you adopted a wild one it would most likely make you want your four-wheeler back. They are not for the inexperienced. Look for a nice older well broke horse. Doesn't matter the breed or even really the size as long as it's 15 hands or more (there will be some arguement about that). The most important thing for someone getting into horses is to get something that won't get them hurt. after you get some experience you may want to get a different horse but you have to crawl before you walk.

 

[EZFEED]

Perhaps so, I may opt for one thats older and broke like you say. I always thought that mustangs were sub 14 hands, do they get around 15 or more???? I am familiar with horses to a degree....I'm more utilitarian about them I guess you'd say but I have never owned any myself. I do allot of civil war reenacting also and I may also want to employ one for that role.

 

[Cheshire]

Mustangs are generally smaller, yes, but there are a lot of exceptions. I know someone who has a gelding born on the range who is 16.1. Breed-wise you may also want to also look into quarter horses. They can be smaller as well, but a good quarter would be able to hold the weight and do what you ask of it. Excellent horses. I'm sure there are "bison-y" qh's out there.

As for reenactment...definitely look for something that is an older "been there, done that" horse. I suspect there are a lot of loud noises and general commotion, and as a newer rider you will want a horse that doesn't mind it so much, heh.

 

[EZFEED]

Cool cool, do appreciate it mam. Yes lots of noises but thats not a problem to break them of that if it's done gradually. We broke a friends of it a couple years back, got it used to having a pistol fired off it then worked our way up. She doesn't flinch a bit now and we've used her in movies with lots of pyrotechnics in the past. Great pony and I'd love to own her but my buddy wont give her up

 

[wild_spot]

I don't think you would go far wrong with either a well-broke mustang OR QH. It might be a good idea to get a horse that has done some cattle work - Bison can be trickier to work than cattle and a horse with some stock-work experience would be a definite plus if your bulls can sometimes be 'confrontational' - Lol. If you were in Australia I would recommend an Australian Stock Horse - I actually got some bulls in on him yesterday and got charged by a bull and he got me out of it in one piece, and a hammering heart!

 

[Honeysuga]

I say get you a well broke ranch Qh right now that will be able to handle your bison and further your knowledge in riding and horse wonership and when you have a little more time in the saddle, then move up to a challenge like a Mustang. Just my opinion.

Or if you do end up finding yourself a stang, make sure to work with a professional trainer, they benefit greatly from a well trained horseperson rather than a beginner.

Being a beginner it could be just a bit overwhelming working with one, they are crafty and extremely smart, much like your bison. (I own one) An inexperienced person could do a lot of damage to himself and the animal, both mentally and physically. As Kevin said, A little time with a feral horse can and will make wish you had decided to just stick with your atv.

It is great you are interested in such a wonderful breed of horse.

Welcome to the forum and world of horses!

 

[EZFEED]

You know, one of my buddies here at work raises QH's and I may just get one from him for the time being. I know all of my stuff will be a good fit with one of his, I do need to get my saddle repaired though. Sad to say it's been sitting a log time and has gotten kind of hard and the old cracks got a little worse in the leather.

I would hope to eventually get a couple mustangs though. As you said they are crafty and smart and I do like that about them Same as my Bison, independant and self sufficient...kinda like me. I've got my place out there in the sticks all alone and independant...my little empire lol! Anyway, thank you kindly for the advice!

 

[Cowgirl140ty]

If your looking for something like a mustang because you like wild things. You could also consider and appaloosa. Which is an indian breed. I own three... and i do cattle work and they do great. Appaloosas tend to be fearless and work of a bond of love betther than forced. I know... because my older one was started rough... when I got him.. i had to completely re-train him. (i am a trainer) And now I am the only one who can ride him. But look at the indians... they never used bridals or even kept their horses in a fence. Here is a video I love by the way... this appalossa Is working Buffalo.

 

[Honeysuga]

It is a Native American breed, Indians are from India.

 

[Cowgirl140ty]

Thank you for pointing that out. I was trying to shorten it up. But since I was unclear... they got their name from the Nez Perce NATIVE AMERICANS who live along the palouse river(which is where the name appaloosa comes from.). They spent a lot time investing in their breeding to make a great horse... and so they did.

 

[EZFEED]

Thank you much guys! I will check into an Appaloosa

I've had my lead animals since they were calves and they grew up with me and I've spent lots of 1 on 1 time with them, these few animals do not get processed and they are more so pets but they provide me control over my herd.

Whats to say I cant do this with a horse? Perhaps one two to four years of age. Would this be a better approach altogether regardless of breed?

 

[Honeysuga]

With a horse, you want to get an experienced one just to get your feet wet, then after a bit get you a younger one to work with, kinda the opposite of the bison. You want s more experienced one so you can learn all the ins and outs on a horse you are not going to influence too strongly should you make a mistake, with a younger, unbroke/gentled one, you could do a lot of unintentional harm. Again, no offense.

And thank you very much Cowgirl140ty sorry to be that way, that is just one of the few things I can't stand. Kinda of a pride thing with me....ancestors and all...

 

[haviris]

Mustangs do tend to run small, but there are some larger ones to! One we had looked like she had some draft in her and was probably 15.1 or.2, she was a big girl. She would have been great for you!

I also knew of one that was 15.3 as a yearling (born in a holding facility)! So if your heart is set on a mustang you could probably find one to suit you. (I'd look more at build then height)

If it was me and your not stuck on one breed, then I wouldn't worry about the breed, just find a nice, stout horse, that's good w/ cattle. Generally you won't go wrong w/ a nice quarter horse, Paint, or Appy (although my Paint is afraid of cows).