Just rode the horse?

Question

I rode the horse we were looking at. She hadn't been ridden in about 4 years but in the two hour time (that included grooming and lunging with saddle) I trained her (well retrained her) with the owners help to walk, trot, lunge, and backup with me on her back.

Should we buy her....

We would be boarding her there for a while so the owner can help me train her (well technically remind her how to do everything) and I can kick her as hard as I can and she doesn`t even think about bucking, rearing or kicking. What do you think...........

Answer 1

Well, she sounds quiet enough (no chance they tranqued her, I assume, especially if she's staying right there after you buy her), but you ought to have her vetted, if you haven't already.  It sounds like a pretty safe bet since you'll be boarding her with the previous owner.  Can you have a trial period, just in case you don't get along with her?  A good seller will usually agree to this, if they care about their horses.  Otherwise, it's just a decision you'll have to make based on your gut feeling about her, after you take the normal precautions.

Answer 2

Do you 'Vet' horses in America? equal to a human medical examination - in Ireland we would not buy any horse 3 year old or over that was not Vetted. The vet checks the horses wind, heart, eye sight, legs, etc

Answer 3

Uh I'm going to agree about the kicking. If you didn't need to kick hard then you shouldn't regardless what the owner says. If you have to "kick her as hard as you can" then you aren't a good rider. Kicking is all well and good and is often necessary but by the sounds of it you would have been sitting on that horse flapping all over the place off balance.

EDIT: If you are kicking as hard as you can then you have to throw your weight meaning you are off balance. It isn't that hard to understand.

Answer 4

She sounds lovely!

If she needs to be kicked alot to get her moving it simply means she has not been taught to move off the leg properly.

Not a big deal as you can teach her this!

She lunges? Great! And was easy to mount after 4 years? GREAT!

I  guess she was maybe a broodmare or was one of too many horses as the reason for her 4 year vacation.

Make sure it was not a health issue and ENJOY her!

Answer 5

she's not used to being ridden. that's why it problem took so long to get her going. she doesn't know what it means. How old is she. i don't like it if people by a horse 17 and over.i think it's kinda sad. you love the horse for 2 years, and then they die. that's what happened to me. it's your decision. if you want to buy her go right ahead. it's your choice. you don't need a bunch of strangers telling you what to do.

Answer 6

Sorry, Dear, but you are not ready for horse ownership, at least this horse. I base my answer on your comment "...I can kick her as hard as I can...", and the that you stated she had not been ridden in 4 years.

Look into a good lesson program so you can continue learning how to use your entire body when you ride.

And, look into leasing a horse that is more suited to your needs. Your riding instructor can help you with this.

I've been riding for 44 years, and I still take lessons. I still fall off, too! ;)

Good luck!

Answer 7

well, i would get the horse vetted. If it passes then i would ask if you can have it on trial for 2 or 3 weeks. If you are happy with the horse then i would get it. BUT why did the owners not ride her for 4 years??? You should ask them. Was it because the horse was to strong, to much for them, lame....... If it was just generaly because they didnt have time then fine, but if it was for anyother reason then you should seriously sit down and think about it as you dont want to take on anything that is to much for you!

Answer 8

well i think you should go 4 it she sounds nice and in a little time i amsure she will be a greathorse to ride!!! just take your time and dont rush her

Answer 9

She sounds nice but you would have to put in alot of effort if she hasn't been ridden in 4 years but yeah i would say you should

Well if you feel she is the one for you then go for it! ! !

Answer 10

As long as you feel safe....GO FOR IT! Its always a great idea to get a project horse! As long as this isnt your first horse, go for it! Looks like you will be getting a little help to!!

Congrats!!! YA!! I am getting my first horse this week too!

Answer 11

you should deffinatly get her vetted to make sure they havnt tranqulized her and other than that she sounds good and pretty bomb proof.