Are people too inexperienced before they buy........

[lpeacock]

I think it's not that easy actually gettingexperience.
At the moment I'm having three lessons a week at riding schools but still don't get much experience in handling.
I've applied for stable management courses and bhs horse owners but both have been cancelled because of a lack of numbers

I agree when I had my first pony I could ride but had no idea about tacking up or general responsibilities. I do think that riding schools are great for riding and building confidence however the opportunity to have lessons on other areas such as mucking out, tacking up etc.

It would be win win for the riding school as they could charge for yard duties to be done and people would gain the knowledge needed to take the next steps.

I learn more from having my first pony than I ever learnt at a riding school however I had the guidance of a very experienced horsey mum, which I know is not the case for many people and consider myself very lucky.

 

[Spotsrock]

Arrived at yard yesterday to find kiddie had ridden the arse off new unfit pony got it dripping wet with sweat so washed in cold water to cool it off and given it massive feed while stood outside wet to dry. Why? Because 'more experienced' friend did the same. We discreetly removed feed and added a rug. Will have quiet chat with kiddie about only doing what she would like if she was pony and not relying on said friend.

 

[Suelin]

Judging by some things that I read, I would say yes in answer to the OP's question. Frankly words fail me at times. Poor horses.

 

[Polos Mum]

There is also a saying that 'you can't teach common sense!' - Most people (should) be able to think about how they would like to be treated:

a stable is clean enough if you would lie in it
water is drinkable if you would drink from the trough/ bucket (yep i do this!)
If it's cold outside and you are wearing a coat does your horse have a coat (one they have grown themselves is perfectly acceptable)
If you eat lots of rich food you know you will get fat and not feel your best - your horse is the same.
If your clothes/ shoes are too tight you won't be able to move around properly - your horse is the same
etc etc.

Common sense and observation skills (ie if horse is digging up bed, sweating and kicking belly - which they don't normally do! something is wrong and help should be sort) would get most people quite a long way if they listened to that voice in their head rather than 'helpful experts!)

 

[metalmare]

Why assume because someone is asking advice on their horse's behaviour that they are incapable of handling it or that they don't enjoy riding their horse?

My pony is an absolute twot; in the year I have owned him he has bucked, reared, bolted, spun, reversed, leapt up banks, the lot. Do I ask advice? Yes? Is it down to bad riding? No - he's fine 99% of the time but when he spooks he likes to add a bit of drama. Have I fallen off him at any point? No. Do I enjoy riding my pony? Yes!

Actually, his 'personality' has been a super learning curve for me as I already had a good, independent seat and was ready to have a challenge in order to build further confidence with trickier rides. I would now happily buy another pony advertised as 'forward going', as he was.

What I am trying to say is that just because someone wants a second opinion it doesn't mean they weren't ready to own that particular horse. And being experienced doesn't mean that every horse will be straightforward either - I am sure there are plenty of experienced owners in here asking for second opinions - unless they are too proud. It's a life long learning experience and even the pros need lessons and advice.

 

[lastchancer]

Arrived at yard yesterday to find kiddie had ridden the arse off new unfit pony got it dripping wet with sweat so washed in cold water to cool it off and given it massive feed while stood outside wet to dry. Why? Because 'more experienced' friend did the same. We discreetly removed feed and added a rug. Will have quiet chat with kiddie about only doing what she would like if she was pony and not relying on said friend.

They haven't even watched Black Beauty?????

 

[risky business]

I think I knew a decent amount before I owned a horse.

I'd been riding since I was 6 constantly (got first pony when I was 12), I'd worked at the riding school for a year mucking out, doing feeds etc learning the ropes on general care and in exchange I got to ride so worked for me.

I learned about feeds, rugging, suitable turn out, mucking out and providing suitable bedding, weighing haynets, tacking up and learnt what the parts of the bridle were called and vice versa with the saddle.

I knew that all tack had to fit and be checked by a professional, teeth had to be checked and vet had to do jabs.

When I finally got my own he was a skinny little new forest, but after having a saddle fitted, teeth and vet check he turned into quite the handsome young man and when he was sold he was a different horse to the one I'd bought!