Help needed for Novice

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Carolina24

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Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself. I have been on here a few times and find the advice and support wonderful so I hope you can help me out. I am 28 and always wanted to ride horses but when I was younger it wasn't financially an option for my parents, so now at 28 I started learning at a riding school back in March and I love everything about it! In May a friend of mine bought a new horse and her old horse Rhys a 20 year old Welsh C x was available to ride and she gifted him to me. Rhys and I got off to a marvelous start hacking out and doing a bit of schooling and as he had the confidence and age he was fantastic at bringing me on as a rider and we built a wonderful bond together. After 6 weeks of building my confidence and enjoying riding Rhys everyday unfortunately he had a roll in the field and twisted his gut resulting in Colic and there was nothing that could be done. I experienced in 6 weeks the enjoyment of owning a horse and losing him and it knocked me for six, I've been so upset and depressed and even though I'm still helping down at the yard to keep my stable on I am really struggling with finding a new horse.
Rhys was irreplaceable to me and so every horse I see I compare to him, plus because I'm a novice it's very scary jumping on loads of different horses to try them out and to be honest it's affecting my confidence as a rider. The lady at the livery is very good to me and has not pressured me to get another horse but I miss owning one so much and the bond that forms and I just don't get that from riding at the school every week. To say I only started riding in March and it's now August be honest everyone and tell me do you think I should look for another horse or just continue with my lessons? I'm very confused and really need some advice. thank you!
 
i'd continue my lessons. As you say yourself you have only be learning for a short time. Is there an option of taking part share on a school horse?
 
stop actively searching for another horse - its a bit like when you break up with your boyfriend - dont want a rebound situation!

carry on with lessons - take on a share perhaps, when its the right time you will find the right one!

but remember = we have to kiss many frogs before we find prince charming, so you will probably have to view a fair amount of horses before you find "the one"
 
Thanks for that Paddy!

That's pretty much the advice I have had from my husband and friends about this, I have plenty of knowledgable horsey friends which are all looking out for me. Hopefully as I have more lessons my confidence will grow and I just hope the right horse is waiting for me somewhere!
 
i really believe the right horse finds you at the right time, so im sure one will turn up when it's a good time!

Enjoy the lessons and get the confidence up. Riding a range of horses can do wonders for improving your skill and understanding of horses.
 
anymore advice welcome? - also I have spent a lot of money on stabling floor mats and grooming brushes and have set myself a budget for buying a horse ( as my last one was gifted to me I doubt I'll get another one for nothing ) my budget is £1500 maybe £1750 at a push is this realistic for a first horse for someone like me ? who needs an experienced horse to bring me on ?
 
Carolina 24

Also did something similar and got the first of my horses after 18 months of lessons but that is not to say that's what you should do.

I have a thought and have PM'd you
 
Keep on with your lessons, keep looking and something will turn up. If I were you to avoid the stress of jumping on strange horse, I'd take one of your horsey friends with you to each viewing and after the owner has ridden the horse to show you, ask your friend who you trust to ride the horse before you do. In that way you will know that the horse really is within your capabilities and that the rider doesn't do any 'magic tricks' to make the horse behave.
Good luck!
 
Was just thinking some riding schools do a loan programme where you can "loan" one of their horses exclusively. Perhaos sharing a horse might be an option but I'd be very honest about your skills and experience so that the owner would know you are a novice rider and therefore if their horse was suitable for you.
I'd definitely stck to your lessons and perhaps have some at different yards / witha different teacher / different horses as well to help you with your confidence riding different horses. Ask your instructors if they hear of anything that might be suitable for you.
the right horse will be out there - you might just have to be patient to find it.
 
Thanks for the advice everyone - I'm going to take it and continue with my lessons and helping at the yard where I had my previous horse. I hope the right horse will find me in time and hopefully when it does I'll be a competent enough rider to be an good leader! thanks :)
 
Hi - welcome to the wonderful world of horses. The right horse will appear and probably when you least expect it. Keep on with your lessons. Just remember we are rapidly heading towards autumn and winter. Winter can be a miserable time to be a first time horse owner. If i were you I would aim for early spring when the days are longer - especially if you work full time. You are young (lucky you) i was well into my forties before i got my first horse - so dont hurry into buying anything unless you are absolutely sure its the right one. good luck.
 
brucethegypsycob said:
Hi - welcome to the wonderful world of horses. The right horse will appear and probably when you least expect it. Keep on with your lessons. Just remember we are rapidly heading towards autumn and winter. Winter can be a miserable time to be a first time horse owner. If i were you I would aim for early spring when the days are longer - especially if you work full time. You are young (lucky you) i was well into my forties before i got my first horse - so dont hurry into buying anything unless you are absolutely sure its the right one. good luck.
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Thanks - I was thinking the same thing and obviously in Winter your limited by hours and weather as to when you can ride. ( plus no indoor arena ) If I haven't found the right horse by winter I'll offer as much help as I can at the yard that way there's a good chance I can get used to the winter routine and still be involved. I'll keep you all posted on any news and hopefully when I get my horse I can post up some pictures of me riding ... confidently !!! :)
 
Morning all! I have news for you about my horse situation! I went to see the horse I had visited twice that had become my benchmark for every other horse I saw and took to expert friends with me who knows what to look for in a horse. I decided that he is the right one for me. I haven't got any pictures yet but when I do I will post them up. He's an Arab x Welsh C , 15hh and very kind natured. We seem to get on well together and I have managed to get some lessons organised on him. He arrives tonight so the plan is to ride him straight away and then get him settled in!! wish me luck and I'll get a new thread with pictures up soon.

Caroline
 
Congratulations!!

Hope it all goes well and you have loads of fun with him. The winter is a good time to bond and become a pair, I quite enjoy the peacefulness of it TBH.

Get yourself some thermals and enjoy!
 
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