Buying as a novice

[wheeloftime]

Is buying as a novice generally not advised?

I used to ride as a teenager, had a share horse that I mainly used for hacking for a few years and helped out at various riding schools. However since being away at university (last 6 years) I haven't really ridden much.

I'm wanting to get back to riding but none of the riding schools where I live are offering adult riding lessons that fit in with my working pattern.


So instead I thought I could book a few ad hoc private lessons to build up my confidence and then buy something safe and suitable for a novice and have regular lessons on them instead?

I'd be keeping the horse on full livery and have my mum who has owned horses in the past to help too.

Is this a terrible idea?

 

[Cherryblossom]

I’d advise looking for a share of you can’t get lessons. Eases you into it, gives you more support and isn’t as permanent as buying. Plus a safe horse costs an absolute fortune at the moment!

 

[millikins]

Everyone has to buy their first horse sometime. If you intend to continue with lessons and have support, why not?

 

[dottylottie]

as above, everyone has to buy their first horse eventually, and it sounds like you have support in place! go for it, and don’t forget to update us with photos when the time comes

 

[ArklePig]

If you have support and have someone knowledgeable you trust to come to viewings with you then I've heard worse ideas!

 

[AmyMay]

Everyone has to buy their first horse sometime. If you intend to continue with lessons and have support, why not?

I agree

 

[ycbm]

Just remember to buy the horse you need now, not the one you hope to be riding next year. A good novice's horse will always sell.

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Buying on your own without advice as a novice is the risk, doing it with full support in place is the best option. I'm sure your instructor will be able to help with finding a suitable horse.

 

[wren123]

It's not a bad idea at all, the only negative I'd point out is the horse that suits you now may not be what you want in a years time as you gain more experience and confidence.

Edited to say what @ycbm says is very true!

 

[Red-1]

You have a stack more experience than I had when I got my first!

We like a good search for a horse thread.

I would just caution to research prices of everything. Horses, livery, feed... everything has gone up recently!

 

[Barton Bounty]

I think it is a great idea to buy your own, your going to have to buy your first horse sometime….
As long as you buy something adequate for you,, there shouldn’t be a problem
How exciting….. what kind are you thinking? What size?

 

[splashgirl45]

A safe horse will be a lot of money at the moment. It might be worth asking around locally to see if anyone is thinking of changing to a higher grade horse , if you know which yard you will be going to try and ask there, also ask their farrier or try the local riding club or pony club , remember that sellers can be economical with the truth so check out the dodgy dealers at sites as well

 

[Glitter's fun]

In principle its not a bad idea but it isn't a common approach for several reasons.
Money has been mentioned.
Another downside I can see is whether you have a suitable person to help you buy if you haven't managed to find riding lessons. You need to take an experienced person with you to look over the horse and ride it for you. It would be better if they know you & have watched you ride.
Also what riding do you see yourself doing in 2 years' time? If you want to compete in some discipline you would probably need to be prepared to sell your plod and buy something a bit higher octane, Would that upset you?

 

[wheeloftime]

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

I realise that money will be a big factor. I know its definitely going to cost me a lot more to keep my own horse than to ride at a school

What sort of budget do you think I will need to buy something good?

I've had a few lessons so far at a local school but very infrequently because of work so haven't built up enough rapport to bring an instructor with me.

My mum/aunt/cousin however said they'd come with me as they have owned/ own horses.

There's a local yard selling a horse that the owner said would be suitable for a novice like myself but I have my doubts as I think she's a bit too advanced for me. Seeming as it's only a few miles away I was going to go and see the mare anyway.

I want something safe but trouble is I'm 5ft 10 and 13 stone so need something big which will probably end up being too powerful for me!

The more I think about it the more I convice myself that I'm just being delusional and that my dream of owning a horse will just have to stay a dream!

 

[Caol Ila]

Love your username.

Sharing would be perfect, but realistically, novice-friendly shares are hard to find.

If you got the right horse and had it on full livery, with an instructor/trainer to hand, I don't see why you would not be able to own. Everyone on this forum started somewhere. Some were lucky enough to ride and own as kids, but many were novice adults when they got their first horse.

A big horse isn't necessarily "too powerful." Ultimately, any horse can overpower a puny human if they wanted. A gentle, older cob/draft/draft cross, for example, will be big enough and won't try to. It's more about temperament than anything. A novice needs a horse who will look after them.

 

[splashgirl45]

Some bigger horses are easier to ride than smaller ones so don’t let size put you off if the temperament is right..

 

[Barton Bounty]

I had a big 17.2 who was an absolute gentleman, could have put a baby on him…

Realistically….. £10k upwards

 

[wheeloftime]

Thanks guys, it's good to know that temperament is more important that size, I'll bear that in mind when I look for potential horses

 

[Borderreiver]

I would suggest looking for something like an older Highland pony which would carry you fine. Of course not all Highlands are suitable for an inexperienced person but many have a heart of gold and will teach you a lot along the way. Word of mouth and a lurk around the forums is the way to hear of them.

 

[Bowie]

More or less did the same but had an (and still have) amazing livery yard owner/trainer/purchaser of said horse. 17hh mare with me now 7 years and is the gentlest soul on the ground. We have had lessons/discussions all through the 7 years. I would say professional support is the key. Someone who is at present in the industry. Do not underestimate the ‘extra’ costs nowadays compared to 25 years ago. But good luck. I have had no regrets. Until her I was a ‘under 15hh person’ now I see different. My daughters pony 13.2hh was stronger and cheekier. Ideal to learn from! Good luck.

 

[littleshetland]

Please get something lovely and quiet that will boost your confidence and please take a knowledgable and trustworthy professional with you when you start viewing. Wishing you good luck!

 

[Winters100]

Personally I don't think that buying is a bad idea, just that loaning or sharing is a better first step.

There are a number of factors here. I understand that the horse will be kept on full livery, but you need to define what this means. To me full livery means all is done and horse is kept fit and in work for owner to turn up as much or as little as they like. I have mine on what I term part livery, but some people would count it as full. They are turned out and fetched in, boxes cleaned, feeds and hay given, rugs / fly masks etc changed, but they are not ridden. This means that owners need to come to ride / lunge etc if they want the horse in work. Another important consideration that you will have is how much turn out is available at your chosen yard. If it is restricted in Winter and they are not moving the horse then you can very easily end up with a horse which might become too fresh for you, especially if you are not able to give the horse some hard work, because trotting and cantering slowly around the arena may not be enough. There are also welfare issues with restricted / no turnout, but plenty of threads here deal with those.

If it is a long time since you have been involved with horses you might find that horse ownership in the winter is not as enjoyable as you imagine. Even on full livery it can be a bind, and although I never really mind riding when I am there, I cannot say that there are some days when I really don't feel like dragging myself out of bed to go exercise the horses.

I think in your position I would prefer to share, which has the advantage that you will be able to learn from the owner, and you can end the arrangement if you are not enjoying it.

Whatever you decide to do good luck!

 

[Kirstineridesagain]

If you are in a financial position to buy I would if I were you. Shares can be great, but in my experience it's so hard to find the right horse with the right owners. I've had two lovely share horses recently, but each time it didn't work out because of the owners. Or perhaps it was just me...although I don't have problems dealing with people in other areas!

I'm surprised that someone said you need to pay about £10.000 though, especially if you're not going to compete at a high level.

 

[AmyMay]

I'm surprised that someone said you need to pay about £10.000 though, especially if you're not going to compete at a high level.

You’d pay two or three times that amount for a horse to potentially compete.