horse for begginer?

[lovechick]

Hi, its me again, and not anytime soon, but I wanna buy a horse, I was wondering what is the best horse for begginers? and I would definitely want a horse that looks nice like throughbred, morgan, saddlebred etc.. and I know its better to get a gelding cause theyre calmer. also what age is the best for the horse for begginer? Thanks

[PyscoFalcon]

It all depends on your height and weight really but I would go with a Cob ( Welsh Cob) as they have good lucks, calm, steady and can carry a good weight.
I would also go with a school master (1 that has been there and done it) of around 10 to 15 years old.

[lovechick]

I have nothing against how horses look, but I'm not too fond of cobs they look kinda heavy to me. Well I might not be a begginer I will be taking 2 years of riding lessons prior to getting a horse. What I mean is what horse is good as a first horse? even if I will ride well... bytheway I'm 5'9(the last time i checked, but probably 5'10 by now) and i weight 150 lbs... I'm not overweight or anything, but I'm planning on exercising when I get a dog so I can jog, and I wanna lose 20lbs.lol yeah... Anyways thanks a lot ...:angel6:

[SacredWarGirl23]

Depending of what kind of gait, like a gaited horse or a horse that isn't gaited, there are quite a few different breeds. I would say that if you wanted a gaited horse with a really smooth ride go with a Paso Fino. There are really intellegent horses and have a really smooth gait. If you would want a horse that is not gaited I would say maybe a Quarter Horse between the ages of 9 to 11 depending on the horse. I can not give you an age for a horse because different horses vary in disposition and personality. But I will say DO NOT get a 3 year old or under. They can be really spooky and spirited.
I have to go know, but I will reply again when I have more time and maybe give you a few websites.
Talk to you later
~Haley~

[lovechick]

thanks, I was also wondering is the horse is 3-4 years of age, is that good? because it seems to me that 10 or 11 years is kinda old, especially if I wanna keep it for a while. and in general how long do horses live in good conditions? about 25? Thanks

[PyscoFalcon]

Most horses if kept well can be ridden until 25 years of age - maybe older. Horses live for around 30 years.

My old loan pony was still taking me for gallops in the woods at the age of 45 (Arab x Welsh) But had to be put down last year at the good old age of 47. I haven't ridden since but when I can afford my own horse I'll be getting either an Arab (nice and fiesty) or a Lustitano.

Icelandics, conamaras, welsh (all sections), Appys, QH and paints are all good first horses.

What you DON'T want to get are TB's, Arabs, neys etc as there all flighty horses and need experianced owners (people who have worked and ridden them before from a young age)

I still say go for a school master at LEAST 8 years of age - any younger and there still green and learning themselves.

How much is your weight in stone? Should be able to work out what breed is best when I know.

[MagnoliaFly]

Yeah. I was going to say the same about the TB, they are really high strung and difficult even for someone who has ridden two years (which still basically qualifies you to be a beginner depending on how often you ride, once a week isnt enough) and expensive to keep. Quarter horses or appaloosas would be good for you I think. I agree that the horse should be at least 10 years old. You may think that is old but it really isnt. Good dressage horses arnt in their prime until they reach their teens! Your going to want a mellow horse for a while even if you are on the taller side. Most people dont try and get an off the track horse or barely-broken horse until they've ridden for SEVERAL years.
Go more for disposition than looks. Dont discount a horse just because he's heavy looking. That horse may be smarter than you think and save your life a time or two from doing something stupid.
Ask your trainer to keep an eye out for a good "first horse" when you get ready. He/She will know what you need to learn on.

[lovechick]

Thanks guys I really appriciate it~:angel5:

[Nevertoomany]

Before you even look at horses you need to know what style of riding it is you are going to do.

Do you want to show?
Do you want to Jump? Trail ride, drive?

After you decide what it is you want to do THEN go look. But take someone with you with a LARGE amount of knowledge.

Vets are good, as are instucters, breeders, 4-H leaders, Judges.

You may find what you are looking for may not be what you THINK.

I went looking for a nice jumper for my daughter and what I came home with was not at all what we had in mind. Butt that appy mare was the best jumper, western and all around horse.
Looked kinda funny with all the Pintos in the pasture but she was just what we needed.

Older is better. I use my 32 year old for beginners and anyone who has a handicap. She loves the attention and is a great teacher. And for those of you who say Arabs are flighty you have never been around a really good one. Mine are anything but and i'll match their show records with anything out there.

EVERY horse is an individual. There are good and bad in every breed.

Don't dismiss a horse because of it's breed/color you might just miss the best one.

In case you want to know I have been riding for over 40 years and bred my own for 20 years with a few National Champ ( 1/2 Arabs) along the way.
I help out with local 4-H and help a lot of people -- young and old-- find their right horse match.
My 32 year old is the first foal I ever had. She has done it all. Still does <G>

[lovechick]

thanks a whole bunch. I just wanna get a horse because I always wanted one since I was a little girl, now that i'm taking lessons I totally fell in love with them, theyre so noble&beautiful.. And if I get a horse, I just want it for riding out every day, yeah like trail riding and riding out with friends, I'm also planing on being animal artist, equine mostly, so it would be a good idea to have your own that you can draw from. And yes I will definitely ask someone experienced to help me, like my riding teacher and the lady who own the equine center(shes a vet& a good friend of my mom) I also wanted to add that I get a lot of experience from working around horses, I help out there every Saturday, (tack horses up, clean them, wash them, turn them in and out, clean the stalls e.t.c) someone might think I'm crazy for going there to clean poop. but I enjoy every second being around horses, even if it means mucking out, its still very relaxing. ok thats all I wanted to say....Thanks again~and tata~:agree:

[SacredWarGirl23]

It really depends on your horse as to what age you would want to get. When you go to look at one make sure you have a very experinced horse person with you. Some people do drug horses so they'll act like they are sweet, but once you get them home it's a different story. Good horse people can look at a horses eye and that tells them everything they need to know about the horses attitude, disposition, and spirit.
Know depending on the breed and your horse in general, that usually decides how old your horse will live to be. For most horses late 30's is the max, but I have know some horses to live to be 52 years old and still in fairly good health.
~Haley~

[Nevertoomany]

I"m sorry to tell you my dear that you have an incurable illness.

It will cost you thousands of dollars, a lot of time, and never be cured no matter what you do.

It is called Horse sick (Arabitis, QH Disease, APPitis -- what ever your poison)

You have got it bad!!!!

Cleaning stalls becasue you LIKE to, doing anything to be around horses,
like the SMELL ....yep..... you got it.

Well might as well just give in. It doesn't go away. You can only hope that your horse approves of your friends, mates, family cause you will take the horse over them any day ( just ask my kids!!!)

Welcome to the club!!!!!!

[PyscoFalcon]

lol.

Another thing - ALWAYS get your horse vetted before you buy - this can save a lot of heartache and money in the long run. It will see if the horse is up to what you want it to do, see if it's drugged and also see if there's any hidden illness etc. Vetting comes in 5 stages and you should have the 5 stage Veting done.

[horseluver12]

Physo Falcon, let me just say that Arabians ARE NOT a flighty breed! Too many people mistake Arabs for that, and quite frankly, I am downright tired of it! I have ridden, trained, sold and owned Arabs all of my life, and they are the most gentle breed of horse that I have ever seen. I have a 3 year old son that rides my Arab stallion, and he has never had a problem riding him, or any of the other arabs that I have. Arabs are quite gentle, and fun loving horses. I would suggest an arab for a beginning rider any day.


Now for the question: If you are getting a horse, and you're a beginning rider, then I would suggest you take riding lesons first. If you have already done that, and are up to about intermediate level, then I would start looking around for a nice, non spook horse. I never tell any of my riding students to go out and buy a horse without taking a least a month of lessons from me or another instructer first. It doesn't really matter what breed you choose, just make sure that the horse has no injuries, is sound, and has a good temperment, is willing to please, and has good comformation.If you have a riding instructor, then I suggest you take her/him with you while looking at a horse. They usually know what to look for in a horse, and they will help you out a great deal. There are too many horse-sellers out there that will try to take advantage of you, and sell you a real crappy horse.

I wish you good luck with your search, and I hope I helped a little!

Thanks, Lisa :angel6:

[PyscoFalcon]

All Arabs I've ridden and seen over here ARE flighty and deff not for the beginner. There just as bad as TBs especially the Racing Arabs.

[Nevertoomany]

Sorry PscoFalcon you are outnumber on this

Lisa is correct. As a matter of fact the Arab is the only breed that allows Stallions to be ridden by Jrs.

I have bred and raised them for over 30 years and although some are flightly MOST are just fantastic. They can NOT be bullied and you have to understand that having one is a partnership NOT a master/slave situation.

They are VERY smart and willing but they have a long memory and will not tolerate abuse.

So if you are one of those people who has to dominate their horse DON"T get an Arab.

Lisa -- do you know DIck Dady??? He was in Texas a while ago. I think he does mini's now. I'd love to find him -- he trained my 23 year old and just wanted to let him know B-way is still around and wonderful as always....

[PyscoFalcon]

Could it be a country thing? Everyone I know or have seen/talked to and heard in the UK all say Arabs are flighty but everyone in the US say there not.

The only Arab I rode that was reasonably calm (and loving) was very old but spooked and napped lots at water and anything bigger than a car.

Could it be that the amount of traffic over here upsets them but you have hardly any traffic over there so much calmer or is it the feed?

I never would dream of bullying a horse - I love them too much and would love an Arab - I like something with a bit of spirit.

[horseluver12]

PsycoFalcon,

That's right, you're outnumbered on this! In fact, my first horse was an ex-race horse, arab, in fact. She was always kind to me, never flighty, dangerous, spooky, or ill mannered. The only thing she evr did to hurt me was accidently step on my foot. No, I don't think it's a country thing, I just think there's a lot of people out there that don't know how wonderful that Arabian breed is. After all, they are the oldest pure bred horse known. Almost every horse that's out there wouldn't be in existence today if it weren't for Arabs. We have a lot of traffic here in the U.S. We feed our older arbs a pelleted feed, 14% protien and 6% fat, and then free choice alfalfa. They look wonderful on it, and have very shiny coats with long manes and tails. The younger Arabs get sweet feed, and free choice coastal. The stallion gets oats, with free choice alfalfa. They all look good, and we have one mare that's going to be 30 years old in May. We still ride her, and she placed 2nd last year at the county dressage show. I'm very proud of her, and boy she's a looker! Anyway, back to the subject. Yes, Nevertoomany, Arabians are the only breed that allows stallions to be ridden by Jrs. I got my first Arabian Stallion when I was 5 years old. He did quite well in the jumping and dreesge ring, as I got old enough to do that with him. As he got older, we competed in Endurance. Gosh, I loved that horse, wish I could have another one just like him! He never had any nipping habits like most studs do, he acted just like a gelding, actually! Well, I hope I've convinced you that Arabians are really a fantastic breed!

Thanks, Lisa

P.S. Nevertoomany, I don't know Dick Dady, but I think I've heard of him before. Don't know where, probably heard from the horse-shoer!

And also, when I was 12 years old, I had a TB gelding. The most beuatiful TB you had ever saw! He was a grey, and had the most wonderful gaits! Trot was like floating on air, Canter also air, gallop was a bit of a rougher ride, but hey, don't do much galloping in dressage and jumping! I also had a Appaloosa mare when I was 12, can't say enogh nice things about her! Great eventer, and great broodmare!


Lisa:angel5:

[PyscoFalcon]

I know how good Arabs are - there my fav breed!

It's deffiantly in the food then - you feed yours basic low energy feeds ect whilst ours get Corse mix, Sugar beet, Various supplements etc all in 1 feed!

Bit like feeding a kid nothing but sugar I suppose :agree:

So what would you say is the best feed to bring out the best in the breed and not make them highly strung?

When I worked on a racing yard we got a yealing who was realy sweet etc - within a week of being on race horse food he became very highly strung and "spooky"

[Nevertoomany]

Having ridden in Both your country and mine
I think I can explain

Arabs react to the way they are treated and handled. Unless you where on a farm that bred, raised and trained them exclusivley you rode one that some one who is NOT an arab person had dealt with.

I see that a lot here as well. When they are handled in a rather ---- rough --- manner the way TB or Hunters are -- they do not respond well.

If you were to be around Arabs ( or any horse for that matter ) that was treated as a valuable pet -- and not a commodity -- you would see a big difference.

My 23 year old was a National Top Ten and any two year old can handle him on the ground. He has always been that way. But once you get on his back ... he is very HOT. Although he has mellowed a bit he is still a handful when ridden and a puppy dog when handled on the ground. This is TYPICAL Arab behavior.

[PyscoFalcon]

So when I get my own from a foal and bring it up and train it then it'll be a nice calm horse? I use lots of differant methods and am learning Pat Parelli. I see animals as friends and companions - not just animals.

My dream is to own a chestnut Arab stallion that works WITH me and will follow me around without gear and will just let me laze with him in the field. Would also love to do endurance, dressage etc on him too.

[Nevertoomany]

A foal as a first horse is an accident waiting to happen.
UNLESS you are from a totally horsey family this is a VERY BAD idea.

Get some nice older horse who can teach you the ropes, be your best friend and keep you safe. AFTER you have LOTS of experience THEN go buy a foal.

You need to learn a lot about horses, confirmation, tack, training, riding, care, health, and lots more till you start from "scratch" as it were.

Book aren't a substitute for experience. They help but you have a long way to go before you start training your own.

Go back to the first posts in this threaad.....

a nice OLDER horse.

[PyscoFalcon]

I've looked after many foals before and backed a few horses and looked after stallions etc - most were TBs and half were in the racing industry but it's still experiance.

Being working with/looking after and riding horses for 12 years now.

[Nevertoomany]

I was around horse for over 15 years before I sttarted with a foal and then I realized I had NO idea what I was doing.

I was forttunate <?> to be at a barn with 7 professional trainers. It is a real miracle my mare is trained at all. Each one of them was working wi th her
( without my knowledge -- they all thought they were helping me).

Once they all figured it out each one taught me their stong point and helped me with my mare.

Now I can start a horse from the gound and finish after it is saddle trained but I am not good at the saddle breaking. So I usually send them out for that part.

Knowing what I CAN"T do is far more important than knowing what I can.

From what you have posted you really
don't have the the skill or knowledge to start a foal without major amounts of hands on help.
You would not be doing the poor foal any favors or yourself either.

Start with something you can have a great time on. A horse you can decide to do anything with at any time.
That's your best bet for a first horse. You will learn a lot, have a great time and be none the worse for wear.

THEN learn all you can from as many different sources as you can.

THEN you'll be ready to tackle a young horse.

[SacredWarGirl23]

I must agree. Arabians are NOT high-strung and mean. I have an Arabian and he is the sweetest horse I have ever owned or that has ever owned me. When my sister rides him he is like an old plow horse that just came out of the feild because he knows she doesn't like to go fast and like a nice calm horse. When I get on him it's a different story, he's like a bull in the China shop because he knows that I like fast and spirited horses.
All of the good thoroughbreds and the Arabs have the blood of Sham running through them. Think about that horse and his disposition and personality. He was the Godolphin Arabian. In my opinion Arabs are one of the most affectionate breeds that I have ever had the pleasure of owning and I will continue to own them for as long as I live.
When my mom was young her grandpa had 475 head of horses, and she never had a horse like Alladin(my arab). She never had one that was that was never so sweet, gentle, and understanding all at once and more. Alladin is more than that and words could never describe how wonderful he is.
~Haley~
P.S.- If you train you Arab the same way mine has been treated you will be able to ride around on him without ANY tack. It happens, even with the wild BLM mustangs.