How much should I pay for a first time horse to mainly trailride and maybe do some small shows with?

Question

I'm a novice rider and looking to maybe get a horse in a year after getting more experienced riding. I am a bit fearful of horses after being thrown many times especially by Arabians which I think are so beautiful! I was thinking a Quarter Horse, a Paint, or something that is half Quarter Horse would be good? What do you think??? I'm 35 and I'm not going to have kids so I do have the time to devote to a horse though I'll have to board it. So, WHAT BREEDS DO YOU SUGGEST FOR A BEGINNER? AND HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY? AND WHAT IS A GOOD AGE TO GET??? THANKS FELLOW HORSE LOVERS!

Answer 1

I can't really name any breeds in particular that are good beginner horses. I don't want to steroptype any breeds. Any horse can be if they are trained well. But definetly look into an older, matured horse who can be gentle, forgiving, stress free and show you the ropes.

I think for my first couple of beginner type horses they weren't over $1500.

I do recommend you speak to a trainer in your area though. Are you taking lessons now? They can help you find the right horse to fit your needs.

Answer 2

Your first horse does not need to expensive. You could think about doing a lease, a care lease where you pay for the expenses is pretty common.

I would look for an older horse, something 12+, something 18-20ish would not hurt at all. Young horses can be a big handful. Going with an older more mellow horse for a first one is a great idea! Just because they are older does not mean that they don't have alot of life in them!

I would think you should pay $1000ish, though my first horse was a free, she was 25 and the owners just wanted her to have a good home. Horses do not need to be expensive to be good.

A quarter horse or a paint would be fine, though I might look into a good old mutt of a horse. Unless you are doing breed shows having papers etc is not a huge thing.

Make sure that you take someone that knows about horses with you when you go looking at them. Also shell out of the money for the vet check, it will save you problems later!

Around here, in Oregon, Craiglist and Dreamhorse.com are commonly looked to for horse ads.

Answer 3

Hey my name is Emma and I am looking at getting a horse just like that! An Appaloosa is a really good horse. Paints and QH's are awesome too! I'm looking for horses under $3,000, and they are quite good. I'd say between 1,000 and 2,000. I wouldn't get a horse that is under 12 years of age. Beginners should always have beginner, bomb proof, been there done that type of horses. Good luck in your horse search!

Some good horses for sale websites are equinehits.com and horsetopia.com

Answer 4

Quarter Horse, definitely. Pureblood if you can find it. Most sensible, calm, hardworking horses out there for a novice.

They're actually not my favorite breed- I love Thoroughbreds, and own a TB mare myself- but for a novice rider, QHs are the best.

Yeah, Arabs can be spazzy, so I wouldn't buy one of those, either.

Good age for you: 10-15 years. They've still got plenty of oomph and have a nice long life ahead of them, but they've been well-trained and are experienced.

The price depends on your area, but generally no more than $8,000. I bought my pureblood TB mare for only $5,000, so you should be able to get less than that.

Go to www.horsetopia.com, because it'll help you find some horses for sale in your area. You can even specify gender, color, breed, price, etc. Check it out!

Also, bring your trainer with you whenever you go to try out a horse. She'll help you pick out a good one.

Answer 5

It depends on the horse and its temperament. Quarter horses and paints are usually good first horses because they are usually quite quiet and laid back. A retired lesson horse would be a good idea as long as he/she is not "burned out" and/or pretty old. I would not suggest an arab because they're usually (not always) high spirited. Since its your first horse, I would play it safe until you have more experience.

Look for bombproof horses that are easy to handle and have a good temperament. This will help build your confidence :] I would look for a horse between 12-15 years of age so they aren't young but not old

Answer 6

maximum 1,500

Answer 7

Well, unhealthy or unskilful horses are less and the better ones are more.

Answer 8

anything around 1,000 dollars considering the encomoy is down.

go look for an old lesson horse. my quater horse was more high spirited then mah arab, so go by the horse's temp rather then the breed in general. but those are my quick suggestions.

Answer 9

The price of the horse will vary on the local equine market in your area as well as if the horse is registered, it's age, training, show level, temperment, health and confirmation.

you can do an advanced search on either www.dreamhorse.com to check out the local listings in your area or www.pleasurehorse.com

any stock breed would be suitable for a beginner, quarter horse, paint, appaloosa, buckskin, palomino.

A good age varies, as you want a horse that is sound, has a good even temperment and has experienced what you plan on doing with it. You will also want a re purchase vet examination before any purchase, but i'm probably getting carried away here....first go out and get your fet wet, get lesons and look for a reputable trainer with good beginner skills who can pointt you in the right direction. second and third opinions always help too.

Answer 10

i'm sorry that you've had some bum luck with arabs.  i've never had an issue with arabs.  i've raised my young children with my national show horse (they are part arab) and my arab.  my one child has brain cancer, and my boys (my horses) couldn't be more perfect with my children.

as for suggesting a breed...go check out breeds that catch your attention.

i always suggest a horse who is at least 10 to 15 yrs old, no matter the breed.  that is the age range when horses tend to "settle".  

as for price, it will depend.  if you go with a "color breed", you should expect to pay more, no matter what.  if you want to go "cheaper", you should look into adopting.  many places can help you find that right horse for you.  plus, if you adopt, you'll save 2 lives.  the horse you take home, and make space for another horse to come in.

best of luck with your adventure.  i hope i could help some.