Horse Questions

[Cavy]

Hello Everyone. I have a few horse questions for ya' as I'm concidering buying a horse (after much research and thought, of course)-

1) I'm an ameture when it comes to riding. I've ridden for a while but still don't have a ton of confidence. Would you reccomend a gelding, mare or stallion?

2) What age would you reccomend? I have a library book and it said if your 14-18yrs old a 14-15hh horse would be best. Does this sound correct? Should I get a bigger horse so I will fit with him for many years? :confused:

3) Any breed reccomendations? I ride mainly english, I enjoy just riding around but I'm also concidering starting up some jumping, and i wouldn't mind taking a few trips to local horse shows. :saturn:

4) We don't have the space to keep a horse as we live in the city, but we will find a good stable to board him. I can't, however, decide whether to do a Half Livery or a DIY Livery. I'm not going to do the Full Livery I don't think because I have alot of time to spend with this horse and I know I am capable to doing some (if not all the) work. So I'm stuck at DIY or Half. How much time does it generally take to do all the work each day?

Thanks for all the help everyone. Its really appreciated! :D

[Fluffyrice]

IMHO, i would even consider buying a horse if you are asking those questions. how old are you? do you have a trainer? do you ride at a stable? how long have you been riding for?

1) I'm an ameture when it comes to riding. I've ridden for a while but still don't have a ton of confidence. Would you reccomend a gelding, mare or stallion?

you should know what the typical behavior is for a mare, gelding, especially a stallion.

2) What age would you reccomend? I have a library book and it said if your 14-18yrs old a 14-15hh horse would be best. Does this sound correct? Should I get a bigger horse so I will fit with him for many years?

that's something you should discuss with your trainer, if u don't have one, i highly recomend getting one. how old you are shouldn't matter how tall the horse you should get. it all depends on your experience and the horse's disposition.

3) Any breed reccomendations? I ride mainly english, I enjoy just riding around but I'm also concidering starting up some jumping, and i wouldn't mind taking a few trips to local horse shows.

all breeds are different, i really recomend finding a local stable and try out different horses. breeds, yes some have the same traits, but horses are like humans, all different personalities.

4) We don't have the space to keep a horse as we live in the city, but we will find a good stable to board him. I can't, however, decide whether to do a Half Livery or a DIY Livery. I'm not going to do the Full Livery I don't think because I have alot of time to spend with this horse and I know I am capable to doing some (if not all the) work. So I'm stuck at DIY or Half. How much time does it generally take to do all the work each day?

that, you should ask the barn. talk to the trainer and see if you can ride there.

i might sound harsh, but if you really didn't know the answer to those questions, i highly recommend wait to buy a horse. learn some more about horses, gain some experience before you hurt youserlf and the horse. find a stable to ride at, learn some stuff and get a trainer! if you have any other questions let me know, and ill try and help.

you can also try: www.horsecity.com and ask...

[lneill84]

Agree with the above-you have a lot more learning to do about horses in general. I was 15 and on an 18 hand horse, just to give you a comparison. Im on 5'9. You need help from a well qualified trainer, someone that you trust and gives good guidance. Horses come in all shapes, sizes, whatever. You need a good "seeing eye" horse that is going to give you confidence. Do NOT buy a young or "green" horse. If any trainer suggests that, run for the hills. You want a steady, knowledgable horse that you can learn on, and then progress to something more difficult. Breed doesn't matter entirely, but if you are thinking hunter/jumper shows, stick with something in the warmblood family. Most judges, for some reason, don't care for arabs, or other hot blooded horses.

[Cavy]

I have opinons on all the questions above, but I wanted your guy's opinions ;)

I've been riding for about 7 years but I'd rather not post my age :)

Yes, I do have a trainer who I've been with for just over 4 years and yes, I do know the the general traits of stallions, mares and geldings but I wanted opinions from experianced riders. I'm not always asking questions because I don't know, somtimes I want another veiw. I probably should have posted that, sorry for any confusion :)

As for my answers for my questions:

1) I'm not going to go for a stallion so I'm concidering a mare of gelding, I'll take to my trainer more about it.

2) For age, probably somthing older than 5yrs. I think I'd be best with a horse with mroe experiance.

3) My favourite breeds have been thoroughbreds, arabians, quarter horses, and paints (I've ridden each breed at least 3 times at my stable) so I'll probably choose from those.

4) I talked to my trainer and I can do a Half Livery Monday-Friday and on Saturday, sunday, summer break, etc. I can do DIY.

Thanks for the help and sorry for confusion anyone!

[Cavy]

Well, my trainer called me back and she did find a 7yr old horse that could work. She's going to the stable he is at the check it out and if she thinks he could work, she's bringing me to see him :D

He is a 7yr old, bay in color, Hanoverian. He is a gelding, 17.2hh, and is at a stable about 30mins from my house. I'm not sure on price but I emailed the seller to get more info, including the price.

I'll keep you all updated :)

[Catmakemebark]

A mare is very good for a novice.
I like arabians a lot. They are one of the most intelligent horses. Appoloosas and quarter horses are also good.
An older horse that is very well trained would be the best.

If you like the 7 year old I say go for it. Is he broke to ride. A kid broke horse is probably the best because they have a lot of experiance and are the best for beginners.

[RabbitMage]

No stallions. I can't really think of a good reason to have a stallion if you're not actively involved in breeding. Plus, you know all the hormonal issues they come with, too. Between mares and geldings, I have a slight preference to geldings.

Age and size will depend on a lot of things. I prefer to go more by a horse's training and experience than age. Sizewise, it depends on how much more you think you'll grow, if at all, how tall you are now, and if you 'need' a tall or short horse for any events you might be doing. I'm an adult, 5'5", and I've ridden everything between 13-16.2 hh.

If you're not looking at going to A rated shows, any breed can be ridden English and any breed can be trained to jump. I wouldn't go by breed, personally. Find a horse with the training you need and that your comfortable with.

I keep my horses at home, but if I could get someone to help with the work around here? I'd do it in a heartbeat!

[LoneStar]

some mares have a tendency to be moody when they are in season, its just something to watch out for.

If you ride at a barn it might be worth asking if your favourite horse might be for sale, or for loan. Its well worth considering loaning a horse before you buy one.
Good luck!

[sparkyharky]

First, if this is your first horse I would recommend an aged gelding as their temperaments are usually more stable than a mare and as a novice you definitely DO NOT want a stallion. Depending on your height a 14.2- 15hh is a good height for most people. The Quarter Horse is probably your best bet as they are USUALLY steady horses. Arabians have a good bit of spunk and I would not recommend one for a rank novice.

[Catmakemebark]

All of the geldings I have had have been very skittish, but I seen some that are so sweet. It is true that mares are a bit touchy during season. I have 13-18 year old arabs and they are very sweet. I also have a quarter horse appy mix that is 24 I think and she is very nasty. She was abused as a filly. It really also depends on who raised the horse. Your horses personality is going to reflect of the owner a bit.

[Cavy]

Thanks for all the replys!

I don't see why you'd really want a stallion if you aren't breeding either. I've met a few and can't say I'd want to ride one yet alone HAVE one. (sorry to all stallion owners!)

I think I'm going to go for a gelding as for some reason I like male animals (don't know why). I will try to call to see if my favourite horse (Little Ranger) is for sale, thanks for the suggestion.

I'll continue to keep you all updated!