Okay, you've been dreaming about this day for years.
Finally, you've got the green light and it's all systems a-go go.
But how do you go about it? How do you know which horse is the right one for you? You may have an image in your mind of your dream horse - a big bay Thoroughbred, four white socks, pretty white star - but there are practicalities to think out too.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing your first horse...
1.
Do you need a horse or a pony? Generally, children are better suited to ponies (anything under 14.
2hh) and adults to horses (anything over 14.
2hh), but there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to this.
Age, weight, height and experience can all play a part in the decision.
For example, a small, lightweight adult might feel more comfortable on a large pony.
Similarly a tall teenager might be happier on a smaller horse, especially considering how attached children can become, and how quickly they outgrow ponies.
2.
Do you need a Schoolmaster or a Youngster? The answer to this question also depends on your experience levels.
A novice rider will obviously get much more enjoyment from learning with a horse that knows what he is doing, and a good schoolmaster can teach a novice rider a lot in terms of gaining experience.
However because they are worth their weight in gold, schoolmasters tend to be rather a lot more pricey than a youngster.
A novice rider taking on a novice horse can sometimes work out - if you get a good, honest youngster and a brave rider.
It can also lead to trouble though, with both horse and rider losing their confidence in each other, and in general and usually leads to inevitable heartbreak.
For the more experienced rider, opting to bring on and school a green youngster can bring great pleasure and reward, but if you're looking for something to compete on straight away, you might want to look for something that has done a few novice competitions.
3.
What breed should I look for? In general, if you're looking for a safe, sensible ride, choose something colder in the blood.
Cob-types, Welsh cross-types or Irish Draught crosses are usually fairly stolid and dependable.
If you're looking for a competition horse, you need a Warmblood, depending on the level of competing you plan to do.
Look for horses with Dutch or Belgian Warmblood, a touch of Thoroughbred, or other hot-blooded breeds.
However, don't be fooled by a horses breeding.
Each horse is an individual and just because a horse is a certain breed doesn't mean he or she will perform to type.
Take the time to get to know the individual and find out if he is suitable for your needs.
4.
Where do I find him? Don't rush into buying a horse.
The search for your perfect equine partner can be a long one, so be prepared to wait to find your right match.
Look at adverts placed in magazines and on the internet, check notice boards at local shows, and listen to word of mouth.
Be wary of dealers, but don't rule them out all together.
When you think you've found the right one, don't rush into anything.
Try him out a few times, in different situations, and arrange to have him vetted and blood tested.
If your vet is happy, and you are still happy, then go for it! Congratulations, you've found him! © K.
M Davies
Finally, you've got the green light and it's all systems a-go go.
But how do you go about it? How do you know which horse is the right one for you? You may have an image in your mind of your dream horse - a big bay Thoroughbred, four white socks, pretty white star - but there are practicalities to think out too.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing your first horse...
1.
Do you need a horse or a pony? Generally, children are better suited to ponies (anything under 14.
2hh) and adults to horses (anything over 14.
2hh), but there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to this.
Age, weight, height and experience can all play a part in the decision.
For example, a small, lightweight adult might feel more comfortable on a large pony.
Similarly a tall teenager might be happier on a smaller horse, especially considering how attached children can become, and how quickly they outgrow ponies.
2.
Do you need a Schoolmaster or a Youngster? The answer to this question also depends on your experience levels.
A novice rider will obviously get much more enjoyment from learning with a horse that knows what he is doing, and a good schoolmaster can teach a novice rider a lot in terms of gaining experience.
However because they are worth their weight in gold, schoolmasters tend to be rather a lot more pricey than a youngster.
A novice rider taking on a novice horse can sometimes work out - if you get a good, honest youngster and a brave rider.
It can also lead to trouble though, with both horse and rider losing their confidence in each other, and in general and usually leads to inevitable heartbreak.
For the more experienced rider, opting to bring on and school a green youngster can bring great pleasure and reward, but if you're looking for something to compete on straight away, you might want to look for something that has done a few novice competitions.
3.
What breed should I look for? In general, if you're looking for a safe, sensible ride, choose something colder in the blood.
Cob-types, Welsh cross-types or Irish Draught crosses are usually fairly stolid and dependable.
If you're looking for a competition horse, you need a Warmblood, depending on the level of competing you plan to do.
Look for horses with Dutch or Belgian Warmblood, a touch of Thoroughbred, or other hot-blooded breeds.
However, don't be fooled by a horses breeding.
Each horse is an individual and just because a horse is a certain breed doesn't mean he or she will perform to type.
Take the time to get to know the individual and find out if he is suitable for your needs.
4.
Where do I find him? Don't rush into buying a horse.
The search for your perfect equine partner can be a long one, so be prepared to wait to find your right match.
Look at adverts placed in magazines and on the internet, check notice boards at local shows, and listen to word of mouth.
Be wary of dealers, but don't rule them out all together.
When you think you've found the right one, don't rush into anything.
Try him out a few times, in different situations, and arrange to have him vetted and blood tested.
If your vet is happy, and you are still happy, then go for it! Congratulations, you've found him! © K.
M Davies
Source...