Thinking about buying a horse?

Question

okay well my family is considering buying a horse (we're going to buy like a farm in about a yr or so.. i know its a long way off but i want to be able to know as much as possible beforehand)

my whole family thinks it will be worthwhile and we'll be prepared to pay all yearly costs (ive researched this) and dedicate time to love it and care for it.

i know this won't sit well with lots of people because we obviously don't have experience since we've always been city/suburban people (and people will worry that we may not be able to handle it) and i know looking after other pets is nothing in comparison to a horse.. and although i havn't personally ridden a horse before my dad used to live on a farm so he has at least some idea...

my question is... since im obviously a complete beginner having never been on a horse before... and it would live out in the pasture and would be used just to ride around for myself.. so nothing completely fancy like jumping or anything... what horse or pony breeds would be best suited for me? i know every horse regardless of the breed has it's own personality... but there would be some breeds that would be more temperamental right?

im not sure about a horse or a pony, im an average weight girl and 5'1" so kinda short lol, but i figure since my brother who's 5'7" would also be riding it.. a horse would be more suitable... would a horse be too big for me maybe?

i really wanna learn as much as possible and id really appreciate any advise.. thankyou.

Answer 1

I know EXACTLY what you need! Its one of those mechanical horses you always find outside of Wal-Mart! it Will be perfect for you! You wont have to feed it, brush it, Or anything!  

Answer 2

um i would go with a 15 hands hig horse and i would go for something around 13 and older but not too old like 20 because thats when they are too old and cant do much at all. and thoroughbreds there ae some calm ones out there but i would stay away from that breed because the are bred to race so they like to go i have one but hes a calmer one but trust me he has his moments good luck

Answer 3

What you need is an older dead broke horse. I am 5'2" and my boy is 15.2 hands. Just an ol horse that you can learn on in the pasture. I wouldn't get anything under 10 years. Good Luck!  

Answer 4

Breed type isn't an issue, part types are fine, just get a horse around 15-16hh and that should be fine for the both of you, as well as a slightly older horse. I'm 5'4" and feel quite comfortable on 15.2-16hh as well as ponies, I've ridden up to 17.2hh, but that was a bit vertigo inducing for me hehe. An older horse would be better set, look for happy hackers or older plod types, anything young or green will be too much for you as you won't have the training experience.

Most importantly, don't buy anything until you've been to a riding school, enrolled on some riding lessons, get experience around the animals, handling them, many schools will do horse management courses, I suggest getting your whole family on one of those! There are many many things you need to prepare for before you get a horse!

Answer 5

quarter horses are great all around horses. appys tend to be calm but ive heard have health problems. looking into a mustang might be worth while, because they tend to be lower maiteness, but you want to make sure it is compleatly trained. just get a reliable horse, basically.

i would suggest taking just afew lessons or working at a barn over the summer, just because so much knowledge is required to own a horse. not just health and riding, but you will also need to know how to put on a saddle etc.

Answer 6

You have the right idea.  Breed doesn't really matter, just make sure to get an older very broke horse.  I'd want a horse that has been getting ridden for at least 5 years 5-6 hours a week.  Any breed can be flighty and hard to deal with.  You'll pay more for a well broke horse, but that horse will teach you a lot and will put up with unclear cues and be able to "guess" what you are asking it to do.

Answer 7

Before getting the horse do some research on what it takes to look after a horse, grooming, feeding, rugging, farrier visits. Become familier with what your horse will need before getting him/her.

You'd be best to get an older horse, at lease 10-12, nice and quiet, well mannererd and sweet on the ground and in saddle, possibly QH, they are generally quiet (well my girl is) and easy to maintain horses.

Maybe see if you can go have some lessons to get an idea on how to ride and take care of a horse. The last thing you want to do it get a nice gentle old horse and hop on wrenching at his/her mouth and kicking him in the belly. At least get the basics in so that you're prepared for your new friend.

Good luck.

Answer 8

I wouldn't worry too much about breeds. Crossbreds ( grades) would probably be the best.

But since you won't be getting a horse until you have the place you could go and take some lessons at a good riding school so you will be prepared and if you ask I am sure they could give you lessons in horse care too.

Answer 9

I recommend a quarter horse, they have a good reputation for the things you want to do.  Let me tell you something, TAKE LESSONS!  Even if you are just "riding around", they are very important to have.  You should also learn how to treat a horses cuts and how to care for them properly.  I know you just want to have a horse, but there are a lot that goes along with it.  There are people out there that are totally oblivious to the fact that their horses are in pain and hurting, because they can't tell.  So get proper lessons from a professional, because if you don't, you'll want them later.

Answer 10

i would reccomend a horse over a pony. ponies are very strong for their size and tend to be stubborn so are not always the best pick for a beginner with little to no previous experience (there are always exceptions to that though). a horse would not be too big for you. i just wouldn't go looking at the biggets one you can find lol. the breed of the horse isn't really something to worry about. some of the most reliable horses i've known are just backyard mixes. when you are looking at horses to buy just make sure that the horse has a calm quiet nature. like you said, every horse is different. i would try to stay away from the hotter breeds though, such as arabs, thoroughbreds, etc. you would be better off with a quarter horse or quarter horse mix. your best bet is just looking for a well trained trail or lesson horse that has been there done that. i recommend you getting a gelding since mares tend to be temperamental at their time of the month(although i have known some mares that are calm and quiet all the time)  i also wouldn't go with a horse that is very young. a horse that is 8 years or older tends to be at the age where they are quieting down. this doesn't mean they are getting to old to ride by any means though. i have a friend with a 29 year old horse that still does lessons every now and then. when you do start looking for your perfect horse, go for one that has the miles and training on it already. being a beginner, you want a horse that will take care of you and can tolerate mistakes from his/her rider.  a beginning rider on a young horse without a lot of training is just asking for an accident to happen. good luck with your search.  

Answer 11

I would suggest a Paint or Quarter horse that  is DEAD BROKE, easy going, and sound.  Since you do not have much experience around horses, I would also suggest you have a reliable vet check it before making this purchase.

Answer 12

thats nice