Looking For A horse (for Beginner/Children)

[NiokaPayne]

Hey everyone :)
Okay, so I'm looking for my first horse.
I shall make a list of things I'm looking for, so you lot know n all, to help me search better.. find things i havent found yet..

Preferably a Gelding, mares are fine though if not too mareish.
Good all-around type of horse, I haven't rode in a few years, and even then it was ponied... I'd love a horse who does a bit of this and a bit of that
Not spooky but not dull. I like spunk and something to keep me on my toes.
Not green-broke - Dad would flip if I bought a green horse and i did something and it accidently hurt me
Preferably 9-19, but I'd like something that could stay with me for quite some years.


Child-Safe - I'd like to give my nehpew (who just turned a year a few months ago or so) rides
Forgiving - I know I'll make mistakes - I don't want my horse hurt/hating me for beginners mistakes
Hopefully no bad habits (kicking when you try to pick up a foot, cribbing, weaving..) But, I can work through that likely with help from my friends (most have some exp. with horses)


Easy to tack up/clean/bathe
Playful - I want to do games on the ground with my horse. Even tag XD - even if getting bumped/tagged by him/her means I'll fall down on my bum lol
MUST be good with other horses/not dominant - I plan on riding with my friend Jennifer and her mare Cookie, and the mare's filly (when she's broke to ride) Angel
Not jealous-type (though, I'll likely dote on it 24/7, I don't want it getting "grrr" towards Cookie or Angel or any other horse I may happen to pay attention too)



Easy feeder
Not needing of too many supplements
Good, sound legs/feet/back/etc
Knows to wait for you to finish doing what your doing before diving into the feed-bucket (likely going along with easy feeder..)



Doesn't mind going from the lope/canter into a gallop if I'd like
Good jog (trot)
Good lope (canter)


I don't need great conformation - I won't be going to shows.. Most likely, anyway. I don't need flashy (no exotic colors needed.. though, they are nice)
I have a small price range - 2500
that's as high as I'll be able to go

And, I should add - I haven't got the job yet, so I'm just posting now to see what the market has got for what I'm looking for. Getting the job (hopefully) within a few weeks or so.
I'll find a place to board where I can take lessons on my horse (and other horses)
I'll get tips from my dad, and Jen and her mother, and tips on such from people nearby who ride as well.
Soo. Yeah :)

[iluvcreek4vr]

What breed are you looking for?

[StarGirl]

Have you considered leasing a horse? You could get back into the riding part, and probably be able to lease a nice, calm school horse somewhere. Make sure you'll be able to handle a horse that may seem calm, but horses can suddenly change in a flash. I bought a sweet QH gelding one time, he was wonderful....3 months later, he reared up and after that wouldn't ever behave for anybody! I ended up trading for another horse and when he left, he was perfect for his new owners (though he hadn't been when they tried him out, he changed when he moved, which was weird.)

What I'm saying is you may want to take lessons and such before you commit yourself to a horse. Riding isn't easy, and if you've only been ponied, you may want to learn how to really ride, not just be a passenger. Because if the horse ever has a problem, you're going to want to know how to handle it. Leasing a horse from a local stable will give you that option and knowledge that every horse person needs before buying a horse.

:)

Edited to add that also, this way, you could get to know the ppl at the barn and it may turn out to be a place you want to board when you do get a horse, if you choose to lease. Also, learning to ride on a school horse is a safe way to learn and not worry about a horse freaking out if something happens, seeing as most school horses are used to anything and everything. And once you're into riding, who knows, you may decide you want to show and then you'll be able to buy a horse that will be trained to do what you want. :D

[gingerlover101]

What breed? Also u could lease!

[NiokaPayne]

iluvcreek4vr - Probably a QH - they seem real all-around, but I'm not picky.

stargirl - I have. I plan on taking lessons on Cookie (who behaves for me but not her owner o.o') I want to try a lease-thing (not sure what to call it) when I find a horse I'd really like to own, to see how we get on for a while and all.
There's a few stables around here I plan on going to, seeing what they have (though, these are mostly jumpers and I doubt I'm ready for -that- XD) and leasing one if they've got any up.

gingerlover101 - Probably a QH - I'm a sucker for those beefy, bulldog-ponies XD
Leasing isn't out of the queston, so I likely will end up doing so.

I should probably mention that I'm 5'2" and I like horses around 14.3 and up :)

[iluvcreek4vr]

Do you want to know where you can find horses or want pictures and stuff about different horses?

[NiokaPayne]

I'd love to know where to find some good ones
I've exhausted poor Horsetopia, and haven't finished going through all of equinehits...

Info is good. I love info XD

[silverleprichuan]

You need a calm steady eddy horse.

Honestly you don't sound ready for a horse because you think that "playing" is acceptable behavior. If a horse "plays tag" and pushes you over that is completely unacceptable and disrespectful behavior.
Nor do you need anything that has some "spunk" if you are inexperienced and with have beginners on this horse. You need an older, quiet, and very reliable horse, not a pushy, rude, and forward horse.

[Ebony]

I think she was more or less joking about the actual tagging part of tag, perhaps just meaning that she would like to have a horse to run about with etc. I see no trouble in running with a horse unless the horse gets rammy and all into your personal space. And by spunky I think she meant a bit of character, not taking off bucking and carrying on.
But yes, you do need a beginner's horse. Which I think is fine with you ;) As long as you have a good, calm, respectful horse that you can learn on (with instruction from a very experienced person at the least) then I think that this will be an awesome experience for you.
Good luck with your search!

[iluvcreek4vr]

www.equinehits.com www.dreamhorse.com www.equine.com www.horseville.com


These are pretty good ones that have a lot of good horses,

[NiokaPayne]

Ebony's right on the money there.
I don't want to be really -tagged-, but running about is fine for me.
Playing can be totally acceptable, as long as they don't invade your space. Like Ebony said.
And, she's right about what I meant by Spunky too.

Also, I'm going to start taking lessons on Cookie - and lessons on other horses as well.

I'd be happy with a beginner horse - bombproof = yay
I don't mind
I just don't want a 'dead' acting horse, or a horse thats nutso.

-- Yay, I just got the Green Light from Jen (owner of Cookie) to ride Cookie when I'd like, and to give me lessons.

[StarGirl]

Yay, congratulations! Hope you have a blast...so....next question...

English or Western? :D

[NiokaPayne]

Western :D

Thanks :)
There's not doubt I'll have a blast.
My lessons will start in about two months, maybe sooner.

[StarGirl]

Yay! Glad to know you'll be having fun!

[NiokaPayne]

^_^

But yus, I can't wait to ride
And in six-monthsish get my own horse (I want to have atleast tht long worth of lessons)

[alliekk]

You need a calm steady eddy horse.

Honestly you don't sound ready for a horse because you think that "playing" is acceptable behavior. If a horse "plays tag" and pushes you over that is completely unacceptable and disrespectful behavior.
Nor do you need anything that has some "spunk" if you are inexperienced and with have beginners on this horse. You need an older, quiet, and very reliable horse, not a pushy, rude, and forward horse.

I think you said in a different post that you need to start somewhere, right? I think NIOKAPAYNE is on the right track to finding her first horse... just because you don't know EVERYTHING about horses doesn't mean you shouldn't have one... I would like to see you say that there is something you need help on, something along the lines of "how can I get my mare to do this"... NIOKAPAYNE knows what she wants, knows what she doesn't want, and knows her limits. I think she will find the horse she wants and will have a good time getting to know it. Just because you aren't experienced and don't have enough money to spend on a dead broke kids horse doesn't mean she can't get a horse with a quirk and have someone help her fix it... I hope all goes well for you NIOKAPAYNE!!!

[NiokaPayne]

alliekk
Thankyou :)

That was a confidence boost (odd no? XD)
^.^

--

Found out my friends mum wants Cookie to go into lessons of her own, to get the kinks out by/with a professional. So, I'm going to be taking lessons at a stable someplace. Going to see if my dad will take me around to some barns tomorrow or after he gets off work Monday and try to find a place.

Question - should I go to an english/Jumper barn to learn to ride, when I really want to go western? And if so, is it hard to switch over? (the nicest barn around here, that i've seen, is only jumpers/english)

[StarGirl]

If you want to ride Western, find a western barn! Western horses and english horses are completely different in their movements and training, obviously. Look as hard as you can for a western barn, or a place that gives western lessons...

[moniexponie]

If you want to ride Western, find a western barn! Western horses and english horses are completely different in their movements and training, obviously. Look as hard as you can for a western barn, or a place that gives western lessons...

She's right. I would suggest trying to find a western barn. Because if your heart isn't set on the English aspect of riding, you may loose interest. Just my opinion. ^^

[mandyicequeen14]

thats a long list, but all i can say is lease a horse for a long time b4 you buy, to make sure the owner really is telling the truth about the horse

[mhoney05]

the funny thing is ....i found my horse on recycler.com(....not the typical horse site!!) but i looked at equine.com and horsetrader.com

[NiokaPayne]

Two those that mentioned finding a western stable..
I know of one, that I've gone to before and looked at their horses (not intended to buy or anything, just visiting the barn with a friend) that rides western and, possibly english, and I really like the barn - just my dad doesn't.
then there are two jumping/english stables.. both are fancy, but one is -uber- fancy.
and some friends of my dads are willing to give me lessons on their QH's, which is like "yay" after the foals are weaned...


mandyicequeen14
I don't expect to find a horse that fits everything in my list XD
That'd have to be a super horse!
That's just a guide, really, if a horse has some of the things in the list I'm happy (child-safe, easy going - general beginner horse)

If I find the horse I -really- click with, I plan on taking him (or her) to a barn I like that's really nearby, and seeing if they can help me with anything that's not great (ie, spooking over nothing or what have you)

mhoney05
Lol! That's certainly a different place!
I found a gelding I really like on Horsetopia.com
Can't find anything I -really- like on equine.com yet...
and I'll give horsetrader.com a looksie :D

-

I may end up having a little journal someplace for how my lessons go, and then eventually how my horse and I's lessons go.

[HappyHorse13]

Well show us the gelding you crazy!!! :P

Bet he's a beaut!!!

[NiokaPayne]

HappyHorse13

Chestnut Saddlebred Gelding - used as a lesson horse (http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad212772)
When I'm able, and I've got my job settled, I'm going to try to take a look at him and see if we click. He looks utterly sweet (esp. in the photo with the little girl)
What's more, I could plan a family vaca if I go visit him (my family loves Ocala-area :D)

He's one of a few horses I've seen on Horsetopia that I like - one is a nice big red dun gelding, 19 years old, and he seems real nice and my dad likes him (if dad doesnt like the horse i wont be able to buy it)

[crazy4horses]

Heres a picture of a 16.2 mare that my mom has for sale.

[silverleprichuan]

HappyHorse13

Chestnut Saddlebred Gelding - used as a lesson horse (http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad212772)
When I'm able, and I've got my job settled, I'm going to try to take a look at him and see if we click. He looks utterly sweet (esp. in the photo with the little girl)
What's more, I could plan a family vaca if I go visit him (my family loves Ocala-area :D)

He's one of a few horses I've seen on Horsetopia that I like - one is a nice big red dun gelding, 19 years old, and he seems real nice and my dad likes him (if dad doesnt like the horse i wont be able to buy it)

he seems like he could be a wonderful match. He's a nice size, good age, reasonably priced, well-trained, and looks to have a good mind.
let us know how it goes if you try him out

[StarGirl]

Heres a picture of a 16.2 mare that my mom has for sale.

*drool*

lalalalalala (message not long enough, stupid rule lalalalalalala)

[NiokaPayne]

Heres a picture of a 16.2 mare that my mom has for sale.
Wowza!
How old is she? (okay, before I go into long amount of questions - give me the scoop on that pretty girl! XD)
She's beautiful :D
Also - where are you lot?

--

silverleprichuan
I will be sure too :D

[HappyHorse13]

I want the saddlebred!!! I want the saddlebred!!! He's soooo cute and sweet-looking, awwwww.

The mare's gorgeous, too. I always loved Paints :).

[NiokaPayne]

Nuuh you can't have him XD
I saw him first! XDDDD

lawl.

*nods* veerry nice paint, yus
(okay, so my brain died as i went to reply to my thread again XD)

[StarGirl]

Wowza!
How old is she? (okay, before I go into long amount of questions - give me the scoop on that pretty girl! XD)
She's beautiful :D
Also - where are you lot?

--

silverleprichuan
I will be sure too :D

She's in Jacksonville. Northeast Fl. :D

[crazy4horses]

thanks StarGirl!!! :)

[alliekk]

http://dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1038572

check this mare out

[NiokaPayne]

Oh I saw her :D
I like her, she looks very nice and thick bodied (chubs xD) and she seems precious ^^

[ashleygoesrawr]

that mare has nasrullah on both sides! nice. that's pretty cool. she seems cute.

[TVF Maggie]

You could consider leasing a horse? But the only thing is that it'll add up fast like I was leasing a pony who was around $500 or $600 a month, so it adds up really fast. Another idea is to get some horse magazines and look thru the adds and see if there are any horses that fit ur criterias. Also for people who have small budgets you could try looking on www.dreamhorse.com . I found 2 horses 4 u on dreamhorse:

http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1008091

http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1017084

there ya go!

[NiokaPayne]

TVF Maggie
I really like that appy mare :D

[Raggle]

Ebony's right on the money there.
I don't want to be really -tagged-, but running about is fine for me.
Playing can be totally acceptable, as long as they don't invade your space. Like Ebony said.
And, she's right about what I meant by Spunky too.

Also, I'm going to start taking lessons on Cookie - and lessons on other horses as well.

I'd be happy with a beginner horse - bombproof = yay
I don't mind
I just don't want a 'dead' acting horse, or a horse thats nutso.

-- Yay, I just got the Green Light from Jen (owner of Cookie) to ride Cookie when I'd like, and to give me lessons.

Ooh that sounds really exciting! I know that you'll find one in due time. We searched for about a year before finding my mare. If you haven't checked the newspaper then it is also a good place to look. They sometimes have leases in there, too. Good luck on your quest and with the lessons!

I definitely know what you mean when you say you don't want a horse that seems completely dead to the world. I prefer that a horse have at least some spirit to them, but just not too much. A completely high strung thing for a beginner is disastrous. :eek:

-Tara

[crazy4horses]

Do you think you would be interested in this mare? Her name is Mississippi Secret. Shes a APHA 16.2 h mare. She had had to lovely foals, better suited for western pleasure. Very experinced with trails and would make a GREAT family/childs horse. Selling due to not geting ridden enough. Loads, clips, ties, baths, ect. $ 5200 obo

[NiokaPayne]

Raggle
Tara, if my friend didn't want her mare I'd take her XD Went riding on her today, first time I've ever been up on a horse without being led (i did get led eventually, through some puddles, but that was it mostly) and that mare took care of me :D Didn't even crowhop through one puddle I directed her through :D
She seemed to know I know nothing XD

crazy4horses
M. Secret is a real doll, but about 2,500 out of my price range :/
And, I could only get her if she was still up for sale when I get my job (who knows when thats going to be -.- My mum lost my Birth certificate thing, and hasn't sent in for my social security card -.-. merr)
And I've taken a few lessons.
If she is, though, when I'm able to buy, I'd be more than happy to take a look at her. (mind you, this would be in 6months or so)

[crazy4horses]

Ohhhh, okay. Well, so far I think no one has been intrested.

[cowgirlqtpie]

I agree with silver I mean some inexperienced riders can screw up a horse to the point it has to be god forbid put down I know on cc i am a "beginer" but in real life i've trained and corrected many horses i mean its my job....

[Haley]

This thread is pretty old - I doubt she needs help any longer or is checking this thread.