Best First Horse

hellsdarkrose

hellsdarkrose

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I was just wondering what people think is the best first horse for someone who has been riding for most of their lives but still hasn't progressed much beyond intermediate stages.

I was thinking something like a Fjord or a hardy cob as a like hairy ponies but I know I am 5ft 9 and probably too big for a Fjord.

I am probably getting ahead of myself (Looking to have saved £3000 for a horse inc tack in 2 years for happy hacking and maybe some small jumping depending on the yard stabled at as I have no transport and don't want to buy any) but wondered what you all think the ideal first horse is in your opinion? or do they not exist?
 
My first pony was a totally mental 12.2hh grey mare. She bolted. Was incredibly fizzy. Would throw in some nasty stops. Broke my arm and gave me a concussion and could be horrible on the ground. She definitely wasn't perfect. But! She did teach my to ride, cling on, jump anything, have no fear and have a lot of fun! In reality, most 8 year olds would have lost all confidence, but to me she was just a star in the making (that bit never came true). Erm, there's a moral here, I'm just not sure what it is!
 
My first horse was a lovely Irish cob. She was 13 when we bought her and she really had been there, done that and got the t-shirt. I was an adult novice and she was a real confidence giver. Personally, I am biased toward the chunky monkeys so Fjords, cobs, highlands, they all tick the box for me. a good weight carrying 14.2 cob should be able to carry you easily enough - it all depends on your weight. I would keep an open mind - a proper confidence giver is a rare thing and I would say buy whatever makes you feel 10 foot tall.
 
indiat said:
My first horse was a lovely Irish cob. She was 13 when we bought her and she really had been there, done that and got the t-shirt. I was an adult novice and she was a real confidence giver. Personally, I am biased toward the chunky monkeys so Fjords, cobs, highlands, they all tick the box for me. a good weight carrying 14.2 cob should be able to carry you easily enough - it all depends on your weight. I would keep an open mind - a proper confidence giver is a rare thing and I would say buy whatever makes you feel 10 foot tall.
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I have always thought I would be too tall for a 14.2 chunky Fjord or cob but they are what I have always wanted.

I'm about 12 stone at present but I am losing weight :D
 
You have to get whatever has the right personality for you, this could be a cob, Fjord, or a Heinz 57!

Just out of interest this is me on my Mum’s Fjord, I’m 5ft7 and not a small girl! He has such a barrel that he really takes up your leg and you still feel you have a lot of horse underneath you. I would consider our Fjord a first horse.
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And my novice Mum on him.
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PS, we paid £2500 for Badger the Fjord.
 
I love Badger! What a total dude!

I would say it's very much dependant on how confident you are. For a first horse I would go for something older, that has seen a bit of life. Something you can just get on and go and have fun. I wouldn't restrict yourself to a particular breed as such as there can be some nutty cobs and safe and sane tb's! It just depends on the individual horse. Good luck in your search
 
If you want to hack out at all, then I don't think you can do better than an older 'ride & drive' cob. They are less likely to spook on the road and will have met just about everything you can throw at them. IMO anything after that is a bonus but at least they won't dent your confidence and will probably have good manners on the ground as well.
 
I would add, don't expect too much from your first horse, like being fantastic at dressage or jumping. You might think you'll goout and compete like mad, but if you were like me, you'll find the time and the confidence isn't there. Getting used to your own after using riding school horses is quite a shock. Little baby steps are key.
 
indiat said:
I would add, don't expect too much from your first horse, like being fantastic at dressage or jumping. You might think you'll goout and compete like mad, but if you were like me, you'll find the time and the confidence isn't there. Getting used to your own after using riding school horses is quite a shock. Little baby steps are key.
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I'm not fussed about competing anyway I just want to be able to go out on nice hacks etc.
 
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