Looking at getting a horse

[Herne]

I know theres another thread on here about horses but wanted to start my own to find out difrent info.
Im looking at getting a horse some time next year.
1)whats the best breed to go for? I have experience in riding and caring for horses but on riding school horses and never my own.
2) How much do they cost?

[Ruthy]

Horses can cost anything from £200 + a month to keep, and thats just for one. Before choosing a horse though you need to find out what you can handle. What do you want it for, schooling, hacking, jumping? Are you scared of a spooky horse or a horse that somtimes bolts or bucks? Its all things you have to take into consideration. Unless you have had experience of handling horses your best bet would be to go for a cob. NOT all cobs are slow and ploddy, but oyu usually find that cobs are the safer and saner ones and make brilliant first time horses. Something thats a little older, perhaps a school master or has done pony club activities. Most websites these day have a section for 'family' hoses, or 'Learner' horses which are horses that are easy going and easy to do in all ways. The best thing to do is research, search around the for what you want, what your budget is etc, and then go and try some out. Dont just buy the first one! Its a bad market out there for sellers of horses at the moment, but good for buying as a lot of good horses are going cheep!

Any other questions?

[temerist]

breed of horse would also depend on you, what size, build even colour you wanted your horse to be and also your size. like an arab maybe not be the best choice for a larger person (dont hit me lol). i love id x tb and not really a cob person everyone has their own taste.

[Cheeky-x]

Agree with posts above, To be honest i wouldn't bother going out and looking for a certain breed. As to be honest it all depends on your riding and what you want too do, My first pony was bought off a riding school. Which is normally a safe bet for first pony as they are used to loads of type of riders on them. It does all depend on your build and personal preference!! If your a nervous rider/handler getting a TB or Warmblood wouldn't be the way to go as they are very sensitive breed and will pick up on it, I started with the riding school pony (who was prone to bucking alot- but build up my confidence a hell of a lot) Then bought a cob type (Fenn in the pic) who was the naughtiest pony in the world but got my experience in jumping as i wanted to jump at the time. Now i've got Dylan who is Irish x TB and we will hopefully will be novice/intermediate eventing next season...Go for a horse that you can go out and have fun on one thats a little bit older (10-16) As buying a young horse with out knowing how to bring it on properly is trouble!!

You want to ask history on the horse- how many owners, whats it done etc etc.
Vetting is definatly worth it as well as there are so many horses that are screwed that people will scam you for your money!!

And my advice would be to take someone that knows alot about horses with you, just in case they can spot anything you may miss...A picture tells you everything about a horse..the way it moves, muscle tone etc etc so feel free to post a pic if you find one and ill have a look if you wanted?

Hope this helps Good luck and have fun!!!!

[we2kings]

Echo what every one else has said really--People think your rich because you have horses the truth is your poor because you em!!!!!!!!!!!....I have a very understanding partner and an even more understanding boss .

If your having lessons still I would speak to your instructor about your plans or possible have you considerd loaning or sharing a horse first this is how alot of people make the transition over from riding school.

[rachy29]

Def take your time. U can see loads before u find the perfect one! Be careful of getting a horse from a dealers yard as a friend of mine just brought an ex riding school / pony club pony which is nappy and terrifed of everything as he it hadn't been ridden for years! When you find the perfect one u just know and its worth waiting for as it'll bring you years of happiness. Even when its cold and snowy lol

[poshweiller]

Originally Posted by we2kings

Echo what every one else has said really--People think your rich because you have horses the truth is your poor because you em!!!!!!!!!!!....I have a very understanding partner and an even more understanding boss .

If your having lessons still I would speak to your instructor about your plans or possible have you considerd loaning or sharing a horse first this is how alot of people make the transition over from riding school.

agreed i have an understanding hubby who jokes he is putting my horses name on the divorce papers

[ditzychick]

We have a cracking new forest gelding, great temperment, great manners, and hes good as gold if he has not been ridden for weeks/ months at a time. Not for a heavy rider tho. I used to ride a nice belgium warmblood, lovely girl you could do anything with and feel really safe. Each horse is different tho. It is a good idea to get a vet to look over a horse that you want to buy. Also good idea to get horse/rider insurance, covers vet bills and liability ect if your out riding.