getting your first horse...

[littlemare_]

I'm thinking about getting a horse, probably on full loan rather than buy. I have loaned in the past but the owners have always been around however this time I'll be going it alone on a new yard!
Of course I know how to care for a horse but how, as a first time 'owner', do you do it? A lot will be new to me (worming, deciding feed, minor injuries...) I'm a teenager with non horsey parents.. Will most YO/YM be happy to give me a hand and advice? I have knowledge of these things but what I'm trying to say is I've never done it alone.. I've always had the experienced help.
How did you adapt as a first time owner? How do you organise yourself? Are these normal worries.. Maybe I'm mad

Also, anyone know of any nice yards in/around the dorney area that have a school? I know dorney court is full ATM.

 

[Dumbo]

I'm a teenager with non-horsey parents and last year finally managed to convince them I was ready for a horse... well the horse I had been sharing was suddenly sold to a dealer and my Dad didn't think twice about buying him
I organise and manage everything. He's on part livery but I sort out his worming etc. Everyone on the yard are very helpful and I never hesitate to ask a question
It's really nice to have a responsibility and control over something.
You will learn a huge amount really quickly. I thought I was pretty knowledgable but I've learnt so much by owning a horse for 6 months than I would have at a riding school for 6 years
This forum has been a huge help for me as well as my YO etc
Good luck

 

[kinnygirl1]

Hi. I would say finding the right yard is the key, one where there are a few experienced friendly people who will be happy to lend a few words of advice when needed... Those people are so helpful when you are starting out. My YO is always happy to advise and also will do assisted DIY when needed which is great. Look around a few yards and say you are a 1st time owner and I am sure the one that is right for you will become clear. After a few weeks you will find that you are doing it all by yourself although it,s still nice to have experienced people around. Good luck.

 

[hnmisty]

Exciting!

Some yards have worm plans, so that would save you having to work out what to worm for and when

A decent YO should be more than happy to help you, as I expect people at the yard would be. After all, a lot of us have been in your situation (non-horsey parents).

Good luck!

 

[Kat]

Try to find a yard where they are helpful and have good experienced staff rather than a diy place. Those first few months you will really appreciate it.

 

[Echo24]

Ditto what everyone said. I found a lovely YO who knew it was my first horse and was extremely supportive in getting me ready and was really helpful with recommending transport, farriers, vets, etc. She even sent me a text the day my horse was vetted but sadly he failed so I didn't buy him, but she asked around for me to help find me a horse.

Finding a yard that suits you and a patient and understanding YO is key, as well as nice, experinced liveries to help, and before you know it you will have slipped into horse ownership hopefully without too much hiccups!

 

[TandD]

i got my first horse aged 12...15.3 tb!!! i learnt alot in that first year. my parents also knew nothing, but mum and i learnt quickly. as long as you can do the basic routine everything else will follow!
read read read! it can never replace the practical side but by learning the facts it will help, esp. with feeding, worming, how to put on a bandage etc
if you find a good yard everyone will be happy to help and NEVER be afraid to ask for help!!!! we all had our first horses once! and we all had to learn!

 

[littlemare_]

Thanks for the advice guys! Of course this is a massive step but now I feel like this is normal and know I'll be fine thank you all so much for your advice!