How long should you have been riding before you buy/lease a horse? Please help me (REPOSTED)?

Question

What should you be able to do before you buy/lease a horse (Riding & education wise)?

i've been riding since the begining of the year, and been having lessons for 1 1/2 months. i can rise to the trot, can jump small jumps properly and have started cantering. i can do horseback games like bounce pony, bending etc. I know basic horse care, rugging, can saddle, bridle and un-saddle, clip and can handle horses.

I've done research on how much it would cost and know how much feed, aggistment and worming is.

I've been riding quite an old pony (26) but is very energetic, and is one of the fastest ponies at the school. i can control him when he has his spat attacks (personal space issue). and can controll ponies that just want to go.

i'm thinking of LEASING a horse/pony NOT buying, when i'm ready. if i lease i will have the help of many people a reputable stable and when away i can have the horse fed and rugged. I can also have lessons on that horse.

Answer 1

It sounds like you have worked hard to learn how to ride and what you need to for caring for a horse. One very important thing to know is horses and ponies can be very expensive to care for in todays market. They are a great responsiblity to take on since they count on you for all their needs.  So when you are ready and can afford a horse it would be time to lease or purchase one.

Answer 2

I'd say a MINIMUM of 2 years of riding lessons.

In the small 6 months or so you've been riding, I'm sure you wouldn't know how to handle an emergency like if a horse has an injury or gets sick.

Anyways, I'd ask your horse-riding instructor he/she will have a good idea whether or not you are ready for the huge responsibility of owning a horse.

Answer 3

For years my parents had been buying me horses and paying for board and vet bills. Finally, I convinced them to loan me the money, and I would take care of one myself. I've been at this for only a month now, but every day I find something new, and even though I've owned horses since I was 4 (so 14 years) I still find new things.

I would tell you to go for it :) You learn so much, and I find it all worth it :)

Answer 4

when you know u will have the time for it then you are ready

Answer 5

it doesn't really matter how long you have been riding, but you should be able to care for a horse properly and know what to do if something happens, like your horses gets a cut. I would work at a barn/stables for a few months first to get used to caring for horses like being able to muck them out. Then get a horse on loan. i was riding for 3 months and i got a horse on loan then then 6 months later i bought a horse so it depends on how much you progress.

Answer 6

as long as you know somebody experienced, it should be ok.  I would reccomend riding for about 3 months at least, and make sure that you know for example: the bridle isn't meant to turn, but to block unwanted turns.  another example is how to create the 'bend' ,how to have 'light hands' and a 'light seat', also I would definetly take lessons on your new pony. and also remember to have fun!  horses are fun!!  If you have any problems(physical/mental/riding/training... I would ask your trainer because nobody knows your horse here, so it would be wrong for someone to give advice to you here. as long as you know how to pick hooves, and stuff like that you'd be fine.  oh, i'd consider MEMORISING your vet's number!! VERY IMPORTANT!!

Answer 7

I think it depends on when you feel ready for your own horse. I lease my current horse and absolutely love him. I think I came to that decision when I advanced to the point in my riding when I needed a horse that could do more than the school horses could. Another plus to having your "own" horse (whether it's truly yours or another owner's) is training. You learn to ride that horse, what his quirks are, and how to work with him. You become a team. (thus, you are able to cooperate together for a long time. my horse and i have had three awesome years so far) Good job for doing your homework (researching feed, and all that.) If you plan on buying a horse, these are all good things to consider. If you lease a horse, the owner may assist with board, feed, worming, medicine...etc. Also if you know good basic horsemanship, coming to own your own horse is easier. But that's how we learn of course. I've been riding for 5 five years, but only learned some things about horse care and horsemanship when it came time to taking care of one of my own horses. learning what's good for him, being allowed to ride bareback (and how!), and taking care of expenses during shows.

I also had a friend who recently was trying to convince her parents that she needed to lease a horse of her own. The horses that were available for her to ride were below her level of riding. Perhaps, if you are content with the pony you are riding, can keep riding him, and if you have formed that 'team' relationship with him, then maybe you don't need to lease or buy yet.

I hope this helps, it's kinda long. =)

Answer 8

being able to ride a horse does not mean you can or cant own one. If you think you can be reasponsible enough to feed and take care of it then go for it. If you know how much they cost and can afford it then its fine. I know people that can ride them really well but are very irrisponsible and take poor care of their horses. So its not a question of can a own a horse because I can ride its a question of am I ready for the task to take care of a horse. Also when you have to ask it is a good sign that you are not ready, but I don't know you on a personal basis, so I am just giving you my opinion. Good luck with what ever you decide.

ok...so you asked for help I just told you what I thought from the little amount of information you gave me. I wasn't criticising you. You asked what you should do before you buy or lease a horse I told you that it was about owning not being able to ride one. My response was not intended for you to get offended. I told you to go for it if you believe you can take on the responsibility. I believe my response was very mutual on the situation. I suggested a few things and you blew up. I just wanted to make sure you knew that you can still own a horse even if you aren't the worlds greatest rider. I know people that can hardly ride but take better care of their horse then some people that can ride well. Your question should be reworded. You asked how long should I be riding before I lease or own a horse....so alls I said that just because you can ride one doesnt mean you CAN OR CANT OWN A HORSE. Well I hope you realize that you got defense over nothing. Don't ask a question if you seem to know the answer.

Answer 9

I don't think you should base such a thing on a length of time. Everybody learns at different rates and some people just soak it up like a sponge. As long as you have the back up of people with knowledge and experience and are not afraid to ask for help when you feel that you need it then I can't see a problem.

Leasing is a very good idea as if you find it is all too much it is easier to get out of the situation.

Answer 10

I answers you're last question related to this but ill do it again..

I think anyone who is looking to buy their first horse should know the basic care of a horse such as feeding (amount of hay and grain your horse should be given a day, how many times a day to feed your horse. this website can help: http://www.horses-and-horse-information.... ), basic hoof care (you should know how to properly clean and take care of your horses hoofs, regular trimming and shoeing  ever few weeks), find an equine vet and have them do regular check ups on your horse,  basic riding skills and how to take care of bad habits horses sometimes pick up(but if your getting lessons this shouldn't be a problem for you), knowing when it is to cold for your horse to go without a blanket or to hot to have one on, before getting a horse you should know that you have the money to pay for all there needs (horses get VERY expensive. i would say buying the horse is the cheapest part.), where you are going to board your horse and finding a barn that you can trust to do as you ask for your horse such as feeding and turning your horse out. and last but not least as i told you before, find a horse you feel comfortable on, one that fits you and will teach you things on becoming a better rider and owner.

i can honestly say that when you do find the right horse for you, you will know. when i found the horse i have now from the moment i saw her i know i wanted her, and after all the time I've had her i still feel the same as i did the first day the trailer pulled into the barn drive way and she was finally mine. i couldn't be happier with her.

dont get over excited when your looking for a horse and buy the first one you see, it takes time to find the perfect one for you and your riding skills.

and another thing, it doesn't matter how long you have been riding so don't listen to people that tell you that you should wait because what really matters is how much you have progressed since you started riding.

hope this helps :]

and thanks for picking me as best answer on your last one.