I am officially horse shopping- and I am nervous and excited!

[KatnipCrzy]

I am finally ready to take the plunge and stop leasing and buy my own horse. I am going to buy a well trained horse- as I do not have the experience or delusion that I know how to train a horse.  Fortunately the barn owner where I lease is a really experienced horse person and she is going to help me buy- she knows how to read between the lines of ads, knows many of the local horses and horse people, and knows a quality horse when she sees it and knows when a horse is “too much” for me.  She has a really good sense about horses- and does not get distracted by the things I do.  I know not to buy a horse because of its color- but it does certainly distract me/attract me.

I am have outgrown the horse I lease- a 26 year old grulla quarter horse.   I have only loped on him a couple dozen times and have never galloped.  He just does not have the go to do it anymore.  On Saturday the barn owner asked me to hop on him to show his 4H girl that he can do the flag course, that he will listen and that he can do it- and it was so much fun-  after figuring how far over I had to lean off him to get the first flag- Bo loped the rest of the way for me.  Which was awesome considering I was on a 11 year olds bareback pad- so no saddle, could not use the stirrups.  Then the 4H girl got back on and was still afraid.    She got bucked off another horse when she and her friend thought it would be fun to ride double- and the horse is a bit nutty- so both the girls came off. So now she is back to riding like it is Day 1 again- letting him eat the whole time, not making him listen, and she is afraid of getting bucked off (which he has never done- though I technically fell off of him- part his fault/part mine).

I was thinking I wanted a quarter horse or possibly a paint- but I have never ridden a gaited horse and might consider a gaited horse if it is the right horse for me.  What does everyone here own?  and what are your experiences?  And I am looking at the 8-15 year age range- I want/need a horse with enough miles/training on it.  I am 35 and do not bounce or recover like I did when I was a kid- so knowing that injuries can happen with any horse i am trying to be as safe/smart as possible when selecting a horse.  And this is so different for me- when I get cats, dogs, bunnies- I know what to look for and can work with many issues.  But a horse???  Out of my league.  So it is a bit overwhelming- but I am glad that I have someone I can trust to help me.  The barn owner could have recommended a Paint that owners owe back board- so she would get some of her money- but she told me that is not the horse for me.  So even though that would have helped her get paid- she was more concerned about me and the right horse for me.

My husband could care less- barely looks at pics I show him, etc.  He just does not GET horses. 

I love the barn I lease at/ will board at.  There is little to no drama- and everyone hangs out there a lot even if they may not be riding that day.  And it is only 6 miles from my house.

[Deleted User]

Woohoo! Congrats to you! That is fantastic, you will just love having your own horse! I am excited for you and so you have to share pictures with us.
I am not very experienced with horses, but I was riding a young Morgan/Arabian for a while and she was a sassy thing. I just loved this particular horse even though she bucked a lot. She was the color of a moose and this is what I chose her by — silly, I know. Everyone told me at my skill level I should have gone with a mature quarter horse. They have a very reliable reputation.

[Andi]

Congratulations! How exciting!
I started riding and being horse obcessed at a young age, I would teach beginer lessons and train other peoples horses as a teen… probably b/c then i wasn’t affraid of anything LOL. After a long break I am once again looking to get back into riding, and your right we don’t bounce back as well as we used to LOL… I am embarassed when i ride now, not having the muscles, my seat is lost LOL.
I put an ad in the paper saying I was looking for free riding time to gain my seat back, i got 7 replies! I met a lady who trains and I start riding for her on Wednesday, I’m mostly riding her retired national champion cutting/reining horse, a 17yr old TB gelding, though he looks yougner and has a lot of energy.

I think it’s smart that you are getting help looking for that first horse, and trying not to take on anything that will be to much work when you start out, Heck i owned a 2yr off track TB mare once.. wow, work LOL… now I like the old QH’s :p
The only gated breed I have ridden is Standardbred, i want so bad to ride an Icelandic pony though the tolt looks SO cool!

Take your time, meet lots of horses, ride them all and one of them will pick you And when you find the right horse post LOTS of pictures!!! lol

[Lis]

When I was 8, my mom bought Jay. From an auction. He was totally green. She sent him off to be trained – he’s now a perfect little angel. I’ve gone off of him 3 times, each of which I knew I was pushing his buttons on, and my mom’s never gone off. He’s an appendix quarter horse. Don’t be afraid to purchase an untrained horse if you can afford a good trainer.
Last year, we got Rosie, our Belgium mare, who was “well trained”. I’ve only ridden her once so far, and she sprained my knee (this was her falling down). She’s also broken 2 of my toes while I’ve been caring for her by stepping on my feet through my sneakers. She appears to be the calmest, sweetest horse from the ground, but she doesn’t ride well, and acts up around the other mares. She carts well, but only if she behaves long enough to get her hitched up to the cart, which is difficult because she won’t stand still.

As for the worry about injury, I go by the saying my mom has always told me. There’s 2 types of riders – those who’ve fallen off, and those who will. Most of us belong to both categories.

[bunnytowne]

When I got mine he was a 2 year old quarter/appy mix.  Registered quarter horse.   Training was easy.   Got bucket off a few times no big deal.  HE even fell over on me saw it coming so I was prepared.  

I trained him to trot so smooth  and lope     very smart horse he was

[Barbie]

Oooo how exciting! I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous. I miss riding so much! It’s been nearly 4 years *sob* I had a Chincoteague pony I bought as a filly from the auction on Chincoteague Island. From what I’ve read and experienced, they make great steady (if a bit sassy) little ponies. But definitely not the way you want to go since you’ll have to raise and train it. I did, and it was a lot of fun, but then again, I got her when I was 12 and had lots and lots of time to just hang out with her and love on her until she was old enough for me to start training her. I trained her on my own and it was a lot of fun, and really not as hard as I expected, but she and I had a great bond and she was really willing to please me. Also, size might be an issue. She’s 14 hh, so a large pony, but probably too small for me now (she was a therapy pony, but is now retired due to locking stifles, and living with a great family).

Quarter horses are great horses. I rode tons of those in my time. What about a halflinger? They are hardy, well built, muscular horses, typically shorter in stature, but can carry a large rider easily. They have a great, even temperament and can pull carts as well as carry a rider. When I was younger, I spent many years with a family friend who bred them. They are wonderful horses. And BEAUTIFUL. Always a chestnut color (ranging from light gold to a darker liver color) and with a flaxen, nearly white, mane and tail! I even got to “start” several of them, since I was the smallest person around the stable. I am definitely going to have at least halflinger in my barn “when I grow up”

[LittlePuffyTail]

Congrats!!!! Horse shopping is so exciting and fun! Just remember not to fall in love with the first muzzle you see!!!!

What sort of riding do you plan to do?

I have a 9 year old Morgan mare whom I’ve owned since she was a baby.

 

I trained her myself and am quite proud of how she turned out since I was a green trainer going only on books and online info. She’s lots of fun and has the typical Morgan personality: friendly, smart with lots of common sense. I adore her and plan to own her forever. Unfortunately, she has Equine Metabolic Syndrome (horse diabetes) which has lead to some problems with laminitis. At the moment, I can’t work her due to sore feet so I’m doing some work with a 6 year old solid paint mare from my barn. Depending on the situation with my mare, I may be shopping for a second horse too! Probably not before fall though as summer is the most expensive season for me and my horse. I’ll never part with my mare so getting another horse will require lots of budget modifications! But like the saying goes “Go Broke…Buy a horse!”

I would definitely recommend a Morgan horse. They are Americas first breed and were used as soldier’s mounts in the U.S. Cavalry because of their steady nature. They are described as “One of the most Versatile breeds of horses on the planet”. Sorry to sound like a commercial but they really are a great horse! And they’re gorgeous and classy to boot! The drawback is they can be harder to find and a bit pricier than some of the other breeds.

What Can a Morgan Horse do: http://www.youtube.com/watch  This video gives me shivers to watch  They are just so awesome!

Just a word of caution: You should always get a horse vet checked before you buy, no matter how healthy he or she looks or is “guaranteed” to be. It may mean you spend money getting a horse vet checked you won’t end up buying but you don’t want to be stuck with an unhealthy horse. I almost bought a 4 year old Paint I fell in love with. My Mom nagged me until I got him vet checked. Turns out he had lots of leg problems from past injuries, things that I couldn’t detect by watching or riding him. 

Happy Horse Hunting!

[Minty]

 Wow, exciting! Congrats! I had no idea there were so many riders on here. I’ve been riding since I was 5. I first started out training/competing in dressage but moved over into the hunter/jumpers when I was about 12. I am still competing in the hunter/jumpers and recently sold my old hunter (i miss him!) and bought a 5 year old Canadian Warmblood jumper gelding. It sounds like you are in good hands with your trainer. Check out equine.com, it’s an online classifieds for horses and this is where I found my current horse (he was in a different province too!) I agree with PuffyTail, get any horse vet checked. It is worth the extra money and as some of you may know, not everyone in the horse industry (especially in the business of buying/selling) is honest… And yes, definitely post pics when you find the right horse!

I don’t mean to steal your thread but I thought it would be fun to post pics of my horsies. Maybe I will make another thread about them eventually…

Here is Howie. He was my 13 year old 17hh hunter gelding. He was an awesome horse and taught me so much. He is now with a beginner girl just getting into jumping. This pic is of us last summer, he was sold before this show season so I didn’t get to compete with him this year. I definitely miss him

And here is my current horse. He still doesn’t have a barn name, haha. He is only 5 but is an amazingly powerful jumper and is extremely balanced and well started for his age. He was recently gelded in October 09 and passed the CWHBA stallion test. He’s in Alberta right now but he’ll be shipped to BC this month. 

 

Anyways, that’s enough about my horses. I spent months and months searching for the right match for me, so look at a bunch of horses and don’t get your heart set on the first one you go see! (And yes, I am guilty of this haha) If possible see if you can take the horse on trial or try him/her out at a show to get a feel for the horse away from home. It is good that your trainer is well connected with horse people in your area, that definitely helps. Also don’t believe everything the seller is telling you. I’m not sure if it is just in the h/j industry but I have found that a lot of sellers are a lot like used car salesman… They are only interested in making a quick buck and don’t care about the welfare of the horse in the long run. Of course, there are exceptions to this but always be aware. Horse hunting can definitely be a draining experience, and a big financial investment as well! But horse ownership is very different from leasing and allows you so much freedom to do whatever you want with your horse Good luck and keep us posted. 

 

[KatnipCrzy]

I am mainly looking to trail ride- but our barn has a 4H club and I would like my horse to be able to do 4H events with one of the girls.  And I want the horse be willing to ride out on its own- as I often ride around the country block by myself if no one else is around that is riding(I take my phone with me).

I am mainly looking at quarter horses or paints- some that have a lot of show experience, some with a little show experience.  I am considering some lower priced horses that are trianed to ride and show a good attitude/temperment and have some additional training done on them.  I am way too chicken to get a young horse- like 3 years old- and have all the training done.  I need more of an idea of that the horse will be like when trained and mature.  Plus I board- so paying board on a horse that I cannot ride yet would kinda suck and add up quick in addition to the training- so I would rather spend the money on the horse to begin with.  Plus I need to take lessons on the new horse- to make sure I understand the horse and he understands me before I consider riding outside of an arena.

I will probably also be looking at a Missouri Fox Trotter that is for sale- I have never ridden a gaited horse but am open to the idea.  And I am open to mare or gelding. 

All of the ads can be overwhelming-  and somewhat disappointing at times when you follow up and find a horse is sold or that it is older than what I will consider.

I really, really want this to be the horse that is a one shot deal to buy- and it gets a forever home.  I am NOT suited to buying and selling horses- I would get way too attached.  I got way too attached to my horse that I lease- and it broke my heart when he was diagnosed with arthritis and a calcium deposit.

It is so hard not to be distracted by color (at least for me)- I have a soft spot for grullas- since my lease horse is grulla.  But fortunately the barn owner is going to go with me to see horses and she is GREAT at bargaining.  I HATE bargaining and talking price.  And fortunately for me- especially in Michigan-it is more a buyers market than a sellers market due to the economy and all the job loss from automotive industry and all the other companies that made parts for the car industry.

[Elrohwen]

I think you’re totally on the right track by buying a horse that is already trained and ready to go. For a new rider and an adult, you definitely don’t want something you have to train (or send out for training). I hear ya that we don’t bounce like we used to!

If you really want a horse for trail riding, a gaited horse might be good for you – especially a MFT or a Tennessee Walker. However, I don’t know that those horses would necessarily be good at 4-H type shows. I think your idea of sticking to a QH or paint is a great idea. They’re such good all around horses and can really do just about anything.

It will take a lot of time to find the right horse, but since you have a great trainer backing you up, I’m sure you’ll pick a wonderful horse. I can’t wait to see pics!

Sullysmom, you need to start a thread about your horses! I rode for 10+ years growing up, but have been off and on for the past few years. Sadly, I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to have a horse of my own, but I at least hope to get back into lessons and maybe have a partial lease at some point. Darn NE for being so expensive!

[KatnipCrzy]

I went to a 4H show today and actually was referred to a horse that is for sale- and if it all turns out well with the owner- I am going to buy her!  She is a solid Appaloosa, only 5 years old and has a good solid training foundation and the miles on her.  I only rode her a little bit- she was SO responsive to leg cues- and I was in a saddle with stirrups too long, outdoors at an arena (with a car racetrack at the same location) and I was wearing shorts and running shoes and of course NO helmet.  Some of the 4H girls that are experienced rode her and could evaluate her trot and lope better then I could and they loved her.  The barn owner likes her and thinks she is well worth the money.  She did not act up at all- but I did not want to ride her out of my element- I want to start off right with lessons and learn to properly cue her.  The horses I ride now- usually take encouraging to get moving- so it is totally different riding a show horse in training.  She was shown by an adult before I got at the show- in walk/trot (pretty sure not w/t/c) and she placed 1st.  They said her lope needs work- but only for loping as a show horse- otherwise she picks up the correct lead and does well- just should slow down a bit and put her nose down a titch more.  I am excited!  I wanted the horse to find me- and this one did with a little help from the person leasing her and my barn owner.

 

[Lintini]

Eee I am so happy for you! My family loves horses – funny you said you wanted a quarter or paint horse, because our horse Opie “No Oposistion” is half paint and half quarter. We just trail ride (I will join my mom on her friend’s little arabian) or just walk (lol lame) My mom’s been interested in showing but it’s so much work and so expensive she just owns pleasure horses now.

Here’s Opie and my mom . I always tease Opie about his pretty blue eyes and his lack of a forlock…oh and he loves pepermint!

ps….we need pix!

[Elrohwen]

Yay Katnip! I hope you get her!

Riding a responsive horse is so fantastic. I think that’s one of the biggest changes from riding school horses to having your own. Sounds like she’s got a good head on her shoulders too.

[Minty]

That is awesome you found her so quick! It took me months!
Appys have awesome personalities, one of my first ponies was a 6 year old appy gelding, and he was a very laid back guy despite his age. And he actually had a tail! hehe Yes, i agree, must see some pictures

[KatnipCrzy]

OK- I will post a pic of her that I took- I hope that it does not “jinx” the deal.  LOL

She was being shown by someone other than the owner- so I have not talked to the owner directly yet.  But she is within my price range and their reference and the 4H girls that rode her at walk, trot and lope to try her out for me LOVE her.  In my mind it is pretty much a done deal- other than trying to negotiate a trial period if the owner will do that- but even then I would still want her even without a 2 week trial.

I personally do not think I will ever want to show her- horses are my fun time- and I do not want to add any stress to that.  But since we have a 4H club thru my barn I would let one of the girls show her next year I think. 

I do not know a lot about bloodlines but thru her sire she has Sonny Dee Bar and Zippo Pine Bar (I recognize those names) and on her dams side she has some quarter horse lineage- none that I have heard of a lot- but 5-6 generations back she has Man o War the famous thoroughbred in her background.

I think it is so weird that you can have an appy or paint- but have quarter horses in the line.  I guess I understand the Man O War since it is so far removed and was probably at beginning of the horse registry time (1910-1920’s).  That is so different than cats or dogs- that is for sure!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Awesome! I really hope things work out for you! She’s pretty! How tall is she?

I can relate to your not wanting to show. I used to show both open and Morgan shows and I found the stress, not to mention the huge financial investment, got way out of hand. When I’m stressed or unhappy the barn is a great place to unwind. Nothing like a peaceful ride in the woods. I find that when I’m with my horse, I think of nothing else.

[Elrohwen]

And don’t forget a pre-purchase exam! She’s beautiful.

And I’m not a huge fan of showing either. Not that I ever had the money to do it as a kid or an adult, but the few opportunities I’ve had didn’t make me want to go back. I just love riding and improving on my own – I guess I’m not very competitive, though I have high standards for my own riding.

[Barbie]

Oh my gosh, she’s beautiful. Man O War is my favorite race horse. I don’t follow the racing industry very closely, nor do I bet on the horses or anything but I do have my faves, lol.

Again, because I don’t follow the show circuit or anything, I don’t know much about him, but I do recognize the name Zippo Pine Bar… and a girl I went to high school with rode one of his sons.

[Minty]

Very cute!

I am still very into showing and love it! I hope to be doing it for a long time too, maybe eventually do some grand prixs with my new horse. I do enjoy hacking out at home and relaxing, I am just attracted to the thrill of competing I guess.

I’m excited for you!

[KatnipCrzy]

Yesterday was my first time going to any type of horse show.  And even though it was a 4H show- I was still surprised to see all the western saddles just loaded with silver!  Some of those saddles are worth more than a typical horse!  And the bling for show outfits- wow. 

Once I started to get money invested- show clothes, etc- it would be too serious for me I think.  I might enter judged trail rides and other fun events with the goal of completing and having fun.  And a 4H girl with enough experience and a gentle hand would enjoy showing her I am sure.  I see kids show clothes listed on Craigslist all the time.  So it would not stress me to watch my horse compete- only to be the only in fancy clothes, sweating from the heat, and nervous about the class.  And there is no way I am buying a saddle that is worth more than my horse- I want just a regular, good quality saddle with no silver.  I can justify buying one saddle- but not two.

[bunnytowne]

I see a lot of you have broken in your own horses.  Cool.  I didnt’ know anything about breaking a horse in but it worked out great for us.  He was very responsive  like  Little Puffy Tail did. 

By the way I dont’ have any pics on cd or anything to post of my Johnny horse.  That was his name Johnny Black.  I called him Johnny horse.

He was the same color as your Chestnut  Sully’s Mom.   The pic of the horse you own now.   Johnny had a perfect diamond and strip on his face  and a left hind leg white sock.  He was beautiful and very in tune to me.

Due to my back I had to sell him.  I was rear ended twice.  Couldn’t do what I did b4 that so for his best interest I sold him to the right person.  She had been lookin for a horse like him for a while.  She said I could come ride him and we could ride together she had another horse too.   I never did though.  I regret that.

Reading your horse posts are so cool.   I loved the Morgan horse.   Justin Morgan had a horse remember that book  lol. 

[KatnipCrzy]

I wish I had started riding years ago!  It is a disadvantage to be a newbie rider and be 35 yrs old.  I have had back/disc issues but when I was able to walk/drive I was still out at the barn.  I am completely and totally hooked on horses.

And I already got the getting my foot stepped on (more than once), getting bitten and falling off a horse out of the way- and since I am still hanging around the barn ALL the time I am sure that is not going to change.  Have not gotten kicked yet.

If I tell my husband I am at the barn and will be leaving in a few minutes- he has learned that it does not count until I call back and say that I am physically in my car and driving- then he knows I am really on my way home.  The barn is only 6 miles from my house- so it is superconvenient.  Of course, I end up “justing stopping by for a few minutes” on my way home from work and am there for at least an hour.

[Lunar~Atticus]

i am soooo excited for you! i just got my first horse 3 weeks ago today!!! it is such an exciting time getting your own horse and your own FIRST horse!!! need more pictures!!! did you get her?!?!?!?

[Elrohwen]

I rode for over 10 years and have taken a few years off – it’s kind of like starting all over! The memories are there, but the muscles don’t do what I want anymore. And I’m way more of a wuss than I was (those jumps seem way bigger than they used to, and they’re only 2.5 feet!). We should start an adult riders thread (or at least we should once I get a job and have the money to take lessons again).

[Zombie-Sue]

BUYING A HORSE? ahhhh how exctiting indeed! <3

Do you like to ride English or Western? :o I am curious! It seems like Western is very popular, but I really hate it myself x3

[KatnipCrzy]

I called the owner of the horse and made arrangements to transfer money/registration tomorrow!   Bailey had been riden Western and English- but I ride Western.  I have never ridden English- and maybe once I am well settled into riding her I will borrow someone’s English saddle to try it.

I am no good at negotiating- I tried to get her for a trial period at the barn where I board- but since it the horse is located so close to me the owner would not agree since I could ride her often and frequently where she is now- a couple of miles away.  But I am willing to take the chance that we don’t click- she is a great horse and just had a price drop and she is younger than what I had even hoped for with enough experience for me.

[Author]

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