Buy a new horse or wait a while and get lessons first?

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SadKen

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I recently sold my young Arabian lad to a lovely new endurance home. I've started looking for a new horse; I need something quiet and kind to build my confidence again, want to do a bit of low level competing etc (think teenager's horse). I went to see one yesterday but he wasn't for me; serious bend to the left all the time, couldn't keep him on the outside track, and disunited feeling in canter. Watching the video back after I got off, I was struck by my not so great riding (worse by being a bit nervous I'm sure). I'm in a bit of a quandary now; I've seen a lovely horse for sale who's done everything and is a snaffle mouth. However, he's quite well progressed from a dressage perspective (flying changes etc). I am now unsure whether to go and see him as I'm worried my riding will ruin him, although I would be having very regular lessons with my instructor who is fab. She says I can ride, but need something to help me out while I remember how it's done properly! If I go for something that needs schooling a LOT like yesterday's, I won't be able to focus on my own position and improve my riding because I'll be correcting him all the time. I'm considering letting my stable go and taking lessons over winter to improve and look again next year. The only problem is that my yard has a waiting list of 6 people already, no free stables, and no other decent yards in the area. So I'm a bit stumped as to what to do! Anyone got any thoughts?
 
I'd go and see the horse. It may be perfect or it may not be suitable and then you will know and can make an informed decision.

I'd rather have lessons on my own horse personally as RS lessons are probably not going to do much for you unless you have one with nicely schooled horses.
 
Definately go see him, as you are going into it with your eyes open knowing you will need lessons to help you advance I think the schoolmaster is the perfect option for you and you keep your space on your yard, and as ffionwinnie says you will progress more on your own schoolmaster horse than you will having riding lessons, Im even envious writing that as Im struggling along with my 4 year old and wish I had lovely schoolmaster !!!!

Good luck I hope it works out really well for you.
 
I would never go back to a RS, purely because the young girl sharing my old mare with me has been at riding schools for 8 years and they didn't have enough time to really work on important things, like position. She's learned more in the four months I've been teaching her on my old mare (who is a SJ school mistress, can do stressage, but isn't amazing at it) than she had in the 8 years at a riding school. Definitely go and see the horse, you can learn from him and have time to work on your own riding, whilst bonding at the same time.

I too am struggling with a youngster at the moment castella! Mines a little older, but is an ex racer so has no clue what schooling is! He's definitely been the easiest youngster I've had though! Little gem of a boy, though I'm pleased I have my balance at times! Haha. Good luck with yours!

Good luck OP, hope the horse is perfect for you :)
 
Thanks folks - kind of in line with my own thinking as I couldn't see how I could improve much in an hour or two a week, I'd be riding every day for 45 mins with my own, there's got to be some improvement then, surely! I think I've just got a bit down on myself because of the issues I faced with my last lad, and having to accept that I'm just not that good any more! Will just have to be certain I won't ruin this chap, as he does sound brilliant, and we could go a long way together (as I would prefer to keep my next one forever). I shall arrange a viewing forthwith!
 
A schoolmaster is what EVERYBODY needs, but do be sure to have a good instructor, and have the instructor "tune up" the horse occasionally too. Realising that you're not as good as you thought you were is a very valuable lesson in itself (and one which horses of all ilks are very good at imparting)..
 
Shouldn't be a problem Cortez - my instructor rides dressage at international level. I wouldn't have asked her to get on my Arabian (not fair to compromise her livelihood with an unpredictable chap) but I think she'd jump on this one. Actually, if he's half as good as he looks/sounds I will probably have a queue wanting to get on him!
 
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