How do you know what horse to buy and what do you think of these horses?

Question

I was curious to what made your decision on what horse you bought?

And what do you think of there horses? Honestly I am not that experienced but my husband is. I like personality but I have young kids. Thank you. Oh And I am 5'6" and weigh 115 lbs too.

http://boise.craigslist.org/grd/774577871.html

http://boise.craigslist.org/grd/752044349.html

http://boise.craigslist.org/grd/763086172.html

Answer 1

In all honesty - I would keep looking. Until you get a little more riding time under your belt and the kids grow up a bit - stay away from young horses!

A green horse = black and blue rider.

For a general pleasure horse or any horse that children and inexperienced riders will be using the Number 1 priority is temperament. You're going to want a horse that is BOMBPROOF.

Remember not only is RIDER experience important - it's also important for the horse! You're gonna want a horse that's seen it all and let it slide. Horses can pick up when their rider is unsure of what to do - a more aggressive or bold horse WILL challenge you. And that's not a very good way to learn.

If I were you I would be looking for a horse in it's teens. Maybe something that was a child's horse, but the child has grown and is heading off to school.  

Answer 2

Remember that you get what you pay for in horses just as anywhere else.

I'm not saying you have to buy an expensive horse. I bought my gelding for $500 as an unbroke 4yr old and love him to death, but I also spent about $400 for a really good trainer to start him and I had 14years of experience at the time (now 20yrs).

If you want something that may be safe for the whole family you could check out the horse that was the 4H project.

You could also check horse rescues, stables, etc... in your area. Some friends of mine got a bomb proof pinto mare from a local rescue. She's perfectly sound for light riding.

Something else to think about is that younger horses are going to be less experiences and have had less exposure to different situations. You might look around for an older 10yrs+ horse whos been & done nearly everything.

I would see if you can write up an agreement and try an animal out for a month before purchase... either at your home or at the current owner's place. That way if you make a wrong choice you won't be stuck until you unload it.

Last piece of advice and most important. VET CHECK ALWAYS !!!!! Never purchase a horse without a soundness exam from a vet you trust. Friends of mine who are trainers will recommend this to people buying horses from them because sometimes a problem that even they weren't aware of turns up, and a reputable seller does not want to sell an unsound horse. It is worth the cost in peace of mind and can save a lot of $$$ in the long run. I have other friends who have purchased a horse without the vet check and nick named it "the money pit" finally have to have him euthanized.

Oh, and go home and think about it... even if the seller has "several other offers." There is always another good horse out there.

Answer 3

Refer with one who have a good knowledge about horses

Answer 4

I would suggest the pair as you see and are told they hold children well. The others to me seem like they haven't been trained and unless you husband can train a horse well and you have the time. or you are willing to pay to have it trained the best route to go would be to buy the pair I'm sure if they will do well with children they will most certainly do well with an adult.  

Answer 5

Out of all the horses in the pictures with your experience & having kids the picture with 2 horses the 3 year old that her kids used for 4H might be a good one. She says the horse is 3 years old thats a pretty young horse a lot of horses don't even get broke till their 3 years or older so if you check out that one make sure a vet checks it out & he can tell you around what age the horse is & in the picture it looks a lot older. The Mare & Filly are beautiful horses but the mare is probably still pretty green being only 4 years & I'm sure wasn't rode to much during her pregnancy & a filly is a lot of work & sometimes the mother can get mean when you get near her baby my friends horse was a sweet gentle horse after she foaled she went into the barn & got to close to the baby & the horse kicked her twice in the head now she's scared to death of horses & wont ride & we use to ride all the time when we were younger. The Paint (Pinto) isn't even broke haven the saddle on her is probably as far as they've gotten with her. The Palomino is a yearling filly so she's probably still to young to break she sounds like she's been handled a lot say's nothing about being ridden & if she's such a great horse why are they getting rid of her for a new horse for their 3 year old niece. There's a lot to consider & check out buying a horse ask lots of questions & when you go see the horse make them get the horse out, saddle it & have people ride it in front of you so you can see how the horse reacts. If you plan on having your kids around & riding than you want to make sure the horse is comfortable around kids & you'll feel it if your comfortable with the horse. You might want to look into older horses age range from 8 to 12 years their still young & they are more experienced. Also I don't know how far these horses are from you but your going to have to trailer them so you don't want a horse thats never been trailerd freaking out on the way home it could easily hurt itself in the trailer. Good Luck & I hope I've helped you out some.

Answer 6

Buy the Palomino. They are mellow and sweet, and they are good with kids. I've got a palomino named Butter.

Answer 7

i dont no what horse to buy but them horses look kewl          

marz (s)  

Answer 8

I'm buying my first horse too, I love paints, and palominos (as shown in your photos) but I ended up with a solid black horse with a brown nose, cause he is a god price. I chose him, because the lady who owns him is very knowledgeable, and  was a horse trainer for many years, plus she's willing to teach me :D For us beginners, she recommends to buy a horse who is a little older, well trained, and is soft to handle on the hooves, head, and easy to saddle up and ride. You do not want to start out on a green broke horse with little or no training/hands on. Especially if the horse is going to be around your children. Also, try and find a horse whos's head is about the same level as yours, makes them a little easier to deal with than a horse who's hree heads taller than you. I am 5' 8" and my horse is about 12 hands (appx 5' 9" from front hoof to his ears) and he is 9 years old with extensive hands on and training, perfect for a green horse person like me :) Hope I helped!