Bringing on a youngster

[inkratlet]

What level of experience would you expect from someone who wants to buy a young horse with the intention to bring him or her on themselves?

Would you expect just riding/general care experience or actual experience of having brought on a youngster before?

Would you say having all the will in the world to learn and do your best by the horse would be adequate?

 

[deicinmerlyn]

Difficult one!

Bringing on young horses can be extremely rewarding providing you know what you are doing.

Experienced horsemanship YES
Confident and knowledgeable, patient and most of all loads of TIME

Young horses need a lot of consistent, patient work and this takes time. Most people get into trouble if they can't commit the time imo.

Obviously it's better if you already have experience of bringing on a youngster, but everyone has to start somewhere! But I do think there are people who think they can cope with a young horse and very quickly get into a lot of trouble.

If you are sure and think you are competent enough and can call on help should you need it then why not?

Good Luck

 

[malibu211211]

I agree with you, Deicin.
I have learnt that you need plenty of time and my boy is not all that young just green. I think I was probably a bit stupid taking on such a green horse but like you say everyone has to start somewhere. Just make sure you have some experienced people around to call on and a good instructor

Then make sure you pick a horse with a good temperament for your first one

 

[jsharpe]

hi, i'm new to all this but couldn't resist replying to this post. i've had my 29 yo Arab for 20 years, pretty much joined at the hip. in Aug 2006 i bought a 2yo Anglo - as well as moving house and getting married

i wanted a baby to bring on before my old boy leaves me for horsey heaven and its the best thing i ever did

My old boy is still in light use and looks amazing (i'll add piccies when i figure out how!)so i figured i knew how to look after them OK, as for riding i stay on more than fall off

I found myself a fantasic instructor, some good livery friends held my breath and went for broke!!! Den is now 4yo moving beautifully and we did our first jump on Monday. There is no experience like bringing on your own, through the good times and the bad - and there will be bad!! but get the right people in to support you ALWAYS ask for help and accept when you might need the help of a young pro. Work slowly and enjoy it. Good luck!!!

 

[inkratlet]

The whole story;

A very good friend of mine (BHSAI) has her 30 year old mare living in her landlord and good friends field. His horse - a PBA - was bred to a Warmblood (I think Hannoverian) stallion 3ish years ago. I know mum pretty well and my friend knows her like the back of her hand. She knows dad pretty well too and he is a wonderful stallion, very gentle and great manners.

Resulting foal, a chestnut (oh dear) filly called Angel, is approaching 2 years old. And she really is an angel. I have never known such a calm, gentle, sweet little horse, and she is beautiful to boot. It would be a dream come true to be allowed to buy her, and I would keep my friend involved throughout.

I actually don't see this horse being any trouble at all but if I couldn't manage even with my friends help of course I would do right by her and get good professional help.

 

[deicinmerlyn]

[ QUOTE ]
The whole story;

A very good friend of mine (BHSAI) has her 30 year old mare living in her landlord and good friends field. His horse - a PBA - was bred to a Warmblood (I think Hannoverian) stallion 3ish years ago. I know mum pretty well and my friend knows her like the back of her hand. She knows dad pretty well too and he is a wonderful stallion, very gentle and great manners.


Go for it then! Just remember that looking sweet and lovely while they are out in the field can very easily change once you start the backing process, but as long as you are aware of the ups and definate downs then it looks like you've done your research and made your mind up!

Have fun and Good Luck

 

[teabiscuit]

think it's more important to have staying power and people you can get help from when you need it.

and expect it to go wrong but be committed enough to pick yourself back up and carry on and on and on.........

 

[Damnation]

Everyone has to start somewhere. My first horse was a 3 year old newly broken 16.1 thoroughbred, I never regretted a single minute of it! I think that if you want to back and break a youngster, as long as you have a good support network, you have lessons with the right people and get all the help you need, then I don't see why not. But like someone said above, youngsters need their education to be consistent, they need patience, understanding and time. If you think you can give all of this to the filly in question, then I don't see why not, it will be a good experience provided its done the right way!

 

[Angua2]

you have your ups and you have your downs, yes you make mistakes but 90% of the time you get it right. And the pride you feel when they get it right is huge.

I would have never considered myself capable of bringing a youngser on, but after "accidently" getting myself one... and an ex-racer to boot I knuckled down to the task at hand. I do think you need a good support system though, as I don't think I would have done it if I hadn't.

 

[Foxford]

I have just bought a 2yo, my previous 2 horses being 5 when I got them. I have always wanted to start my own, and as someone said, you have to start somewhere! If you make every effort to read what you can, and talk to people who have done it before I don't think you will be sorry. I've had my boy just over a week now, and it has been so rewarding already. I'm so proud of him when he walks back and to from the field nicely!! Considering he was hardly handled before I got him he is doing so well. I feel like I made a huge leap of faith buying him. You can only do your best.

 

[Theresa_F]

I have ridden and owned horses since a baby and at 42 I bought Chancer after seeing him when viewing another horse and just something about him I liked so much.

After much tough thinking, I decided to have a go. I have had a couple of green horses to ride but never a baby. I bought him when he was 13 months and took him home after gelding at 16 months.

I was lucky in that the basics of handling were done correctly already and being a gypsy cob he is very easy going and an ideal first youngster.

From 18 months I have had an experienced instructor who specialises in young horses come out every two weeks to monitor and help me bring him on.

I was first to sit on him, something I'll never forget. He is now rising 4 and just starting some basic schooling, last year we did a few short hacks and so far he has been wonderful.

The thing to do is if you have never done it before, is get someone who has to show you how so you don't screw up - has cost me a lot of money to do this, but hopefully I am going to end up with one well adjusted and trained little horse in the long run.

 

[inkratlet]

Thanks peeps.

I'm riding a pretty green ex racer at the moment and aiming to get him up to dressage standard. I'm hoping this will give me more experience in bringing on a horse. I know he's not a youngster but he does have a lot to learn.

Anyway, I have at least a year to decide.

 

[Shilasdair]

It sounds as if you have thought about it carefully, know the background of the youngster, and have a good support system prepared, including your BHSAI friend.
You sound ideal to bring on a youngster to me. Go for it, and good luck.
S