Another novice horse for novices ad

Trouble is, some people class 'suitable for a novice' as suitable for someone who doesn't really have a clue, a beginner.

Looks lovely and quiet but then 'suitable for a novice' is not all about being quiet. A young horse and pony needs to be taught. Its being ridden in the field, nose up and looks quite green, imo. If this pony decided to do a runner with its nose in the air would a novice rider be experienced enough to know how to bring it under control, very hard when the nose is high. Also, its confidence building, a young horse couldn't possibly know everything and needs to be taught. Fine if you are having lessons within a safe environment but put it in a new environment and a novice may not be so lucky.

Archie was incredible when I got him, an old head on young shoulders, but even he has had a few odd moments of panic, totally unexpected. Had I been a novice rider it would have frightened the life out of me and with that comes panic ... not a good recipe for either novice horse or novice rider.

Perhaps 'competent novice' should be in the ad.
 
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There was a post on here about a month/six weeks ago about someone that had bought a horse from this dealer, if anyone can remember it?

I have seen a few of their adverts - none of which would inspire me to go and buy a horse from them.
 
wench said:
There was a post on here about a month/six weeks ago about someone that had bought a horse from this dealer, if anyone can remember it?

I have seen a few of their adverts - none of which would inspire me to go and buy a horse from them.
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Ah, thanks for heads up.

Honestly didn't even read the advert. Clicked the video and head left the building :D
 
I know of loads of 4/5yo cobs that I would put a complete beginner or complete plonker on. Not all youngsters are nutters/ green in the school the ones we have for sale are cracking but we do put a lot of work into them before they are sold to novice/ numpty or plonker.
 
Personally as rule of thumb I would not buy a youngster for a novice however some folk do ride their horses a lot younger than others so the horse may have some miles on it, but it dont look too happy with them ears etc. It may have come from Ireland if they rode it a lot etc. My old boy had been driven at a young age(hence arthritis in his back legs in old age) but he was a dude and plod variety and fab in traffic, the lady I got him from reckons the gypsys had him. Whatever they did to him he was good on the ground too.

Wouldnt be my first choice and there are an awful lot of 4/5 year olds advertised as novice I agree. But it does depend on the horses character.We had two youngsters bought together sat a 2 year old child on one(my son)when it was being backed and it was always a happy pony, went on appeared in magazines etc, as long as it had food it didnt care what we did with it. The other one was completely lively and just galloped everywhere!

Horses for courses as they say. Looks a nice cob though!
 
I have bought this pony - and she is absolutely wonderful! The people selling her were extremely helpful and friendly. We were able to ride her in their fields and take her out on the road. They delivered her for me and offered a 14 day money back guarantee if I was not entirely satisfied. I would agree that five is young and I had been looking for an older pony - but I'm really pleased I have bought this one!
 
hollybear said:
I think its more a matter of whats good for the horse. There are lots of lovely genuine youngsters out there who are sold to novices who just don't have the skills to continue with the horses education. If the owners accept this and get help when needed then fine, but too many end up with people who just ruin them. The horses become badly behaved through no fault of their own, the owners get scared and stop riding them, behaviour gets worse etc, downward spiral. The blind leading the blind just doesn't work without lots of help. Young horses deserve better than that! Have seen it too many times, have one on the yard now who is turning into a monster before our eyes and owner will not have it. Its very sad for the poor horse. :(
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Agree absolutely. A fairly novice rider has been riding one of my young ponies for over a year now but under really close supervision. They have grown up together but with constant guidance.
 
ConnieMara said:
I have bought this pony - and she is absolutely wonderful! The people selling her were extremely helpful and friendly. We were able to ride her in their fields and take her out on the road. They delivered her for me and offered a 14 day money back guarantee if I was not entirely satisfied. I would agree that five is young and I had been looking for an older pony - but I'm really pleased I have bought this one!
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Would you classify yourself as a novice though?
 
Slightly Foxed said:
Would you classify yourself as a novice though?
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I have owned horses and been riding for a number of years. Personally I don't really like the idea of any novice owning their own pony - much better to ride at a riding school until they become a competent rider - and also to learn how to look after a pony. I agree with most of the comments made about youngsters being advertised as "suitable for a novice" - just wanted to make the point that this pony really is lovely!
 
ConnieMara said:
I have bought this pony - and she is absolutely wonderful! The people selling her were extremely helpful and friendly. We were able to ride her in their fields and take her out on the road. They delivered her for me and offered a 14 day money back guarantee if I was not entirely satisfied. I would agree that five is young and I had been looking for an older pony - but I'm really pleased I have bought this one!
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Lucky you!. I thought it was a gelding. Do keep us posted though. Please don't be offended though the purpose of the thread was not to criticise your pony who looks lovely more a pondering on total newbies and young horses. Glad you are so chuffed.
 
Kokopelli said:
I know of loads of 4/5yo cobs that I would put a complete beginner or complete plonker on. Not all youngsters are nutters/ green in the school the ones we have for sale are cracking but we do put a lot of work into them before they are sold to novice/ numpty or plonker.
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:D:D Hee Hee that reminds me of that advert the other week ... sold as suitable for a novice or plonker!
 
I was like you Shivvy until I moved to my current yard. My yard manager who has a dales pony that at the age of 4 got me over my fear of hacking after a really bad accident and I would say is perfect for a novice in every way (he is 6 now). Another girl at our yard who is fairly novice recently bought a 5 YO with the advice of the same yard owner and she too is foot perfect handling wise, ridden wise and now driving. I do think though that some people just have a good eye for a youngster and my yard manager with all her years of experience is one. I am hoping to buy a young section D in a couple of years to eventually replace my boy when he retires and I know who I'll be taking with me!
 
My friend in Scotland purchased a HighlandxColoured Cob who was bomb proof almost from the day he had a saddle on his back.

I have backed two CB mares between 3-4 years old both calm as can be from day one.

Forty years ago I pony trekked in the Elan Valley on a just backed 4 year old, he was as good as gold. I was a novice rider.
 
Hi Shivvy! Yes - I've been taking advantage of the lovely weather we've had this week and have been out riding every day. The new pony, now called Erin, has been a star - lorries, tractors and trailers, combine harvesters, level crossings and trains, cyclists, walkers and dogs - nothing has so far fazed her. True, she has been accompanied by my 22 year old Connemara, but even so for a five year old she really is lovely. Thanks for your interest!
 
ConnieMara said:
Hi Shivvy! Yes - I've been taking advantage of the lovely weather we've had this week and have been out riding every day. The new pony, now called Erin, has been a star - lorries, tractors and trailers, combine harvesters, level crossings and trains, cyclists, walkers and dogs - nothing has so far fazed her. True, she has been accompanied by my 22 year old Connemara, but even so for a five year old she really is lovely. Thanks for your interest!
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Really glad it's going so well ... we need to see photos on a new thread as everyone liked her.:)
 
Twinkley Lights said:
Really glad it's going so well ... we need to see photos on a new thread as everyone liked her.:)
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Just in case any of you lovely people who were so interested in my pony are still members of the Forum I thought you might like to know that me and Erin are still together and she just gets better and better! This photo is her waiting for her bedtime carrot - how can I resist that face!
 

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