Thinking of getting a horse :)

Drucilla · September 2008

I've been contemplating getting a neddy for years now, and even come close a few times. Each time I've weighed up the pro's and Con's and come to the same conclusion that I wasn't earning enough to afford one. However, now I have this new job, I am earning over £100 more each month and can finally afford to keep one.

So I've been looking around and seen some that are pretty nice, but a friend has just told me of one that sounds ideal that's for sale at the yard she keeps her horse at, and I'm thinking of going to view it. I'm just so siked that I've finally got to the point I can SERIOUSLY consider buying one.

and the good thing is, I KNOW the people at the yard and they wouldn't let me buy a horse that wasn't suitable for me.

SunnyDaysDontLie · September 2008

Hey! Im jealous now xD Well, it depends. What I would do, is first read up on horse breeds at your local library, or Google, even though you work at a horse stable. Then, I would go around looking at horses. The best site I've found for horses is <a href="http://www.horsetopia.com"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">www.horsetopia.com</a>, though I think that is only for N. America, unless you live somewhere in Canada. Just google horse sites in the UK

If you've found a breed (and a horse) that you like (Quarter horses and Appaloosa's are great for beginners/intermediets), then I would go to wherever the horse is situated at (their owner's house), I would first ask to see the horse, then ask to ride the horse, to see if you can control it. Hope that helps, and good luck.

Drucilla · September 2008

Thanks Sunny. Yeah, I'm gonna organize to see it next Saturday. I know that they will let me try it in the school AND on the roads if I so desired. But I'm not daft, I aint gonna just rush into anything. If I don't feel he's right for me, I'll just keep looking

SunnyDaysDontLie · September 2008

mashivak wrote:

Thanks Sunny. Yeah, I'm gonna organize to see it next Saturday. I know that they will let me try it in the school AND on the roads if I so desired. But I'm not daft, I aint gonna just rush into anything. If I don't feel he's right for me, I'll just keep looking

I am officially jealous

xD Good luck

Drucilla · September 2008

Thankies, I'm sooooo excited that I'm finally making that decision. (What am I going to be letting myself in for?) lol

SunnyDaysDontLie · September 2008

mashivak wrote:

Thankies, I'm sooooo excited that I'm finally making that decision. (What am I going to be letting myself in for?) lol

A horse is a huge responsibility. I don't have one, but I've read a LOT about horses (they're my favorite animal; I'll choose them over a dog anyday), and expensive. Here in the US, taking care of a horse can be $500.00/month, not including the vet bill that comes around every six months to a year, and sooner if the horse gets sick.

Drucilla · September 2008

I know. Believe me, this isn't a decision I'm taking lightly. But thats why I want to find the perfect horse for me. There was one for sale a while ago at the stables where I work. I rode him regulary and got on with him pretty well, but the owner was asking a ridiculous price for him, and no matter how much I wanted him, I was not going to pay that. So I missed out. He's gone now

Banner · September 2008

I own a horse, actually a pony. P.O.A. I got her as a 10 month old, and now she is 3. She was broke at 2 and a half, so I am carrying on with her schooling. She has turned out to be one of the quietest and most well behaved youngsters I have ever seen! Having a horse sure pays off, not always financially, but definately physically and emotionally. I use mostly natural horse methods, and never try to fight with her. When she is acting up, I get her to use her anger/energy in a constructive way. I can handle her better than my mother, and hopefully thats because by now we have formed a bond.

~Mystic~ · September 2008

Before you buy any horse let me just say something... VET CHECK!! Don't put a penny out for an *un-vet checked* horse. No matter how nice and well you know the people they still are horse people and every horse person has it in them to rip you off for that little bit of extra money for an unsound horse or a horse with many under laying problems. So VET CHECK!

Good Luck! pm me anytime if you have questions I'm always willing to help. Rider and trainer of 11 years I definatly know what goes on in this small horse world of ours.

Drucilla · September 2008

Thanks guys, for the advice. I have however decided, after much thought, that maybe buying a horse would not be beneficial at this present moment in time. So I'm looking to loan first, with a view to buy if I get along with it. Afterall it's a huge responsibility to take on, then to find out I can't manage, it would break my heart. So loan first. Mystic..I am looking into local vets and enquiring on prices, not just for the initial vet check, but for ANY vet visit. I have to make sure I can afford that afterall. I did enquire if there would be a possibility in loaning this horse if I liked but they said no. So I haven't been to see it. The right horse will come along, I just have to be patient.

Banner · September 2008

Good luck!

~Mystic~ · September 2008

mashivak wrote:

Mystic..I am looking into local vets and enquiring on prices, not just for the initial vet check, but for ANY vet visit. I have to make sure I can afford that afterall.

The price for a vet check is a very small price to pay instead of spending the 5-20k on a unsound / injured horse that will cost you 10x's the initial price of a vet check.

Good luck in your shopping though. Leasing is always a great way to start though. You can see what the horse is all about when you do that

Howdy, Stranger!

Thinking of getting a horse :)

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