Which horse should I buy...

Question

I am looking at 3 different horses... Let me know what one you think I should have. Keep in mind that I am an experienced rider, but I have been off for 6 years following a severe accident and I feel a little green...

First horse is a 14 year old TB Gelding, who is calm and gentle, easy to handle, beautiful bay with four white socks, and is was trained for search and rescue.

Second horse is a 10 year old STB and is a Gelding. He was a pacer and now has been retired to be a trail horse. He is easy to handle and ride. He just has a sore tendon that needs 2 months to heal. This guy is Black.

Third one is a 9 Year old STB mare, she is easy to handle and ride, is being trained to be an english pleasure horse, but still needs a little work. This girl is jet black..

All horses are $500... And I am just looking to use this horse for pleasure, trail riding.

Answer 1

I don't know what they mean by search and rescue - I haven't heard of that qualification for a horse, but the TB sounds like the best horse for the money - depends on what "little work" the mare needs.  I would steer clear of any horse that is not sound if you don't know his history.  I would still keep looking, though.  It is a buyer's market, and there are free horses everywhere from craigslist to dreamhorse.  Many are classified as sound and broke, so you might be able to do even better than these three.  Some people are so desperate to let horses go they will go to great lengths to find them a home, so have some patience and see what comes your way.

Answer 2

Good question!  They all sound like lovely animals.  But looks like the 14 yr old doesnot have any vices, has lots of experience and good to go.

Answer 3

they all seem fine, but the 14 year old would be very calm and would be a good horse to get your confidence back on but then ten year old could be just a good and you would have him for longer hope i helped :) let me know what you choose

Answer 4

could u send me the link,so i could see them please

Answer 5

I think you should go for the TB, an already calm and very experienced trail horse.  If you're nervous about the first few rides with him, have someone else do it - either an experienced friend, or hire a trainer short term.  If he knows his job like it sounds like, any problems should be resolved very quickly.

The STB that needs two months off to let a tendon heal is a definite no.  First of all, there's no guarantee that he will be fully sound after 2 months.  Second of all, you can't try him out, so only have the owner's description to rely on about how he is under saddle.  Third of all, you would have the problems of getting a horse back into work that hasn't been ridden in several months.

The STB mare - it doesn't sound like "still needs a little work" is what you need at this point.

Answer 6

I might be partial because I have a TB mare, but I'd go with the TB gelding.  He sound laid back (surprised since he's a TB) but if he is easy to handle, that would be key.  The others sound like there is a lot of unknown factors.  

I got a TB that hadn't been ridden in 2 years and she threw a lot of hissy fits. I worked through them with natural horsemanship techniques to redirect her thoughts and she is working out quite well.  Patience will be key to any of these horses.  Go slowly to get them relaxed and confident.

With that said, if you've never had a mare before, remember that mares can be moody.  If that isn't a problem for you, then the 9 yr old STB mare sounds promising too.

If you plan to go on trails alone, be sure to ask the sellers if their horses have problems with being herd-bound.  If your STB is staying in the pasture and you have a herd-bound horse, you may not have such a pleasurable trail ride.

Good luck...

Answer 7

the 9 year old STB mare sounds best to me...

Answer 8

i would go between the first and third horse, the second one seems like he wont be as much fun!!! hope i helped!!!!

Answer 9

I would go with the first. If your a first time owner you doen't want a inixperianced or a problem horse, go with the 14 yr old TB Gelding.

Answer 10

I think I'd buy the TB.  He sounds to be the most broke, finished, and safe.  You don't want to buy a hrose with an injury - it's never guaranteed that they'll be the same afterward.  Also, the STB mare - is a mare.  They all have their moments of being naughty when they're mares and you said she still "needs a little work."  Go for the TB if he's easy to handle and can continue to build your skills!  Have fun with your new horse!