JFTDWS
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Be warned... Disagree with my posts and my giant horse will instigate a reign of terror over your miniscule little houses 
How much would a foal cost, per month?
- Thread starter Shantara
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Be warned... Disagree with my posts and my giant horse will instigate a reign of terror over your miniscule little houses JFTDWS
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Dexter
Well-Known Member
Your making a huge mistake. I have a 3yr old, 2yr old and a yearling. NONE of them are going to turn out they way I expected and the way their breeding says they should. The 2yr old is out of my pony mare by the most laid back stallion ever. Hes sharp, and I expect will be sharp under saddle as well. The pony bought to be a lead rein pony is now a 14.2hh tank, and is no way suitable for a child. They have all grown much more than anticipated, and not one is going to make the 15hands I hoped for. The yearling looks set to make 16hands +.
They ALL have had moments where without an experienced, competent person handling them it could have ended very badly. They are well behaved and easy to handle because I made them that way. I found it relatively straight forward, but thats because I've had the experience and training from other people. There was and no doubt still will be moments where I feel out of my depth. I've also owned horses for 20yrs + and worked on countless yards, including studs etc. My sister sold her youngster because she realised she'd made a mistake, and shes owned horses for nearly 20yrs, including a nut case 17hand trak that would have most mere mortals quivering in their boots!
They are also bloody hard work with no real return. The money I have spent would have bought me a really, really smart 6yr old, well bred and ready to go. Oh, and the GORGEOUS foal I bought is a pig ugly yearling. Theres no way I'd be posting pictures of him,I cringe when I look at him
Did I mention they are also boring as hell? Once the basics are in place the very best thing you can do is turn them out with other youngsters. Mine get the odd session just to check manners are there etc, but on the whole they get a pat on the nose and quick check. It very quickly starts to seem like a hellish hard slog for a very long time!
I'm just about to have a look at some of your older posts, but if you are at the yard I think your at, then its not suitable for a foal, the fencing is no good for a start. Foals shouldnt be turned out in paddocks fenced with sagging wire and ramshackle posts. And I wouldnt be asking your YO for advice, shes only interested in money and will tell you what you want to hear. It is NOT the sort of place you should be buying/keeping/learning about youngsters at
They ALL have had moments where without an experienced, competent person handling them it could have ended very badly. They are well behaved and easy to handle because I made them that way. I found it relatively straight forward, but thats because I've had the experience and training from other people. There was and no doubt still will be moments where I feel out of my depth. I've also owned horses for 20yrs + and worked on countless yards, including studs etc. My sister sold her youngster because she realised she'd made a mistake, and shes owned horses for nearly 20yrs, including a nut case 17hand trak that would have most mere mortals quivering in their boots!
They are also bloody hard work with no real return. The money I have spent would have bought me a really, really smart 6yr old, well bred and ready to go. Oh, and the GORGEOUS foal I bought is a pig ugly yearling. Theres no way I'd be posting pictures of him,I cringe when I look at him
Did I mention they are also boring as hell? Once the basics are in place the very best thing you can do is turn them out with other youngsters. Mine get the odd session just to check manners are there etc, but on the whole they get a pat on the nose and quick check. It very quickly starts to seem like a hellish hard slog for a very long time!
I'm just about to have a look at some of your older posts, but if you are at the yard I think your at, then its not suitable for a foal, the fencing is no good for a start. Foals shouldnt be turned out in paddocks fenced with sagging wire and ramshackle posts. And I wouldnt be asking your YO for advice, shes only interested in money and will tell you what you want to hear. It is NOT the sort of place you should be buying/keeping/learning about youngsters at
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CBFan
Well-Known Member
How long is a piece of string?
Have you accounted for the fact that with foals, NOTHING is guaranteed? You say you don't want something that bucks... how can you guarantee your foal won't end up a bucker?! this is not something that a horse learns to do necessarily, some just do it and can never be trained out of it.
I'm not going to tell you not to do it as I don't think that will have any effect. I'll just tell you my own experiences.
I have a youngster. He's my second. Unfortunately my first ended up being diagnosed with a career limiting growth disorder which caused her severe pain and me severe headaches, heartaches, sleepless nights... not to mention the vets bills in excess of £5000. I did everything within my power to get her right, but it just couldn't be done and I just couldn't have done what I did for her without my very healthy salary (3 or 4 times what you earn)
My current boy - I got him when he was 16 months old and ONLY 15hh. He broke my arm within months of having him, has knocked me over countless times and trodden on me. I have had the vet out to him on average of about once a month (he is extreamely accident prone!) and having backed him relatively easily earlier this year, I have discovered he has a hell of a buck on him which has put me in hospital despite hat and body protector. he has cost me a fortune in saddle fitters, dentists, osteopaths etc etc to check and double check he is physically sound.
Reading some of the above you would think I was an incompetent schoolgirl wouldn't you?I am however 29 years of age and have never riden in a riding school - I have been riding and handling 'real' horses since I was 13. My first regular ride was a mare that used to spin and bolt for home out hacking... my second was a mad ex-racer and my 3rd was a strong and quirky ex-grade B showjumper -16.2 when I was 14 years old all of which I rode and hacked alone. Since then I have regularly ridden 'private' horses of various ages, shapes and sizes and even worked on a TB stud but NOTHING prepared me for the reality of having my own foal / youngster.
4 years is an increadibly long time to wait to be able to ride your horse - even when everything has gone smoothly but when it's tough, it's very tough. My boy is testing me every day. Sometimes his manners are impeccible... other days its as if the last 2 and a half years have never happened and he's the rudest burger around thats 4 year olds for you.
I didn't actually set out looking for a foal. I wanted a 3 or 4 year old to back and bring on and if I could do it again, I would do exactly that. I too was sold on the cute factor and although I planned my foal's upbringing meticulously, NOTHING prepared me for how it went.
Have you accounted for the fact that with foals, NOTHING is guaranteed? You say you don't want something that bucks... how can you guarantee your foal won't end up a bucker?! this is not something that a horse learns to do necessarily, some just do it and can never be trained out of it.
I'm not going to tell you not to do it as I don't think that will have any effect. I'll just tell you my own experiences.
I have a youngster. He's my second. Unfortunately my first ended up being diagnosed with a career limiting growth disorder which caused her severe pain and me severe headaches, heartaches, sleepless nights... not to mention the vets bills in excess of £5000. I did everything within my power to get her right, but it just couldn't be done and I just couldn't have done what I did for her without my very healthy salary (3 or 4 times what you earn)
My current boy - I got him when he was 16 months old and ONLY 15hh. He broke my arm within months of having him, has knocked me over countless times and trodden on me. I have had the vet out to him on average of about once a month (he is extreamely accident prone!) and having backed him relatively easily earlier this year, I have discovered he has a hell of a buck on him which has put me in hospital despite hat and body protector. he has cost me a fortune in saddle fitters, dentists, osteopaths etc etc to check and double check he is physically sound.
Reading some of the above you would think I was an incompetent schoolgirl wouldn't you?I am however 29 years of age and have never riden in a riding school - I have been riding and handling 'real' horses since I was 13. My first regular ride was a mare that used to spin and bolt for home out hacking... my second was a mad ex-racer and my 3rd was a strong and quirky ex-grade B showjumper -16.2 when I was 14 years old all of which I rode and hacked alone. Since then I have regularly ridden 'private' horses of various ages, shapes and sizes and even worked on a TB stud but NOTHING prepared me for the reality of having my own foal / youngster.
4 years is an increadibly long time to wait to be able to ride your horse - even when everything has gone smoothly but when it's tough, it's very tough. My boy is testing me every day. Sometimes his manners are impeccible... other days its as if the last 2 and a half years have never happened and he's the rudest burger around thats 4 year olds for you.
I didn't actually set out looking for a foal. I wanted a 3 or 4 year old to back and bring on and if I could do it again, I would do exactly that. I too was sold on the cute factor and although I planned my foal's upbringing meticulously, NOTHING prepared me for how it went.
not_with_it
Well-Known Member
I havent read all of he replies but the ones I have read have offered very sound advice.
I have grown up around big 2 and 3 yo WB's, have backed a few and never had a problem. They have all had their moments but nothing major.
Last year I bred a foal who is now 17 months. She is so different from all the others that I have dealt with. She is so confident and with it she is pushy and bargy, if you give an inch she really does take a mile. I have to be so careful with her otherwise she will walk all over me. You can guarentee that an the day that I am in a rush she will play up and I just cant afford to let her get away with it. She constantly tests the boundaries and is the complete opposite to her mum who is a coplete wuss.
With a foal you just dont know what you are getting. They will have naughty moments and if you dont know how to handle them you will get injured. Thats even before you start backing them.
As for keeping costs she costs the same to keep as my horse. Infact she eats more than my other, poos more and demands more of my time in day to day handling.
Why not get an older reliable horse to ease you into ownership then in a few years time if you still want a foal then buy one.
You would still need something to ride if you have a foal as you cant have a 3 year gap from riding and then expect to ride a youngster.
I have grown up around big 2 and 3 yo WB's, have backed a few and never had a problem. They have all had their moments but nothing major.
Last year I bred a foal who is now 17 months. She is so different from all the others that I have dealt with. She is so confident and with it she is pushy and bargy, if you give an inch she really does take a mile. I have to be so careful with her otherwise she will walk all over me. You can guarentee that an the day that I am in a rush she will play up and I just cant afford to let her get away with it. She constantly tests the boundaries and is the complete opposite to her mum who is a coplete wuss.
With a foal you just dont know what you are getting. They will have naughty moments and if you dont know how to handle them you will get injured. Thats even before you start backing them.
As for keeping costs she costs the same to keep as my horse. Infact she eats more than my other, poos more and demands more of my time in day to day handling.
Why not get an older reliable horse to ease you into ownership then in a few years time if you still want a foal then buy one.
You would still need something to ride if you have a foal as you cant have a 3 year gap from riding and then expect to ride a youngster.
FestiveBoomBoom
Well-Known Member
The mother of a novice girl at my yard told me the other day she wanted to get back into riding having not sat on a horse for the best part of 30 yrs. Great I said, are you going to have some lessons at a riding school on a school master? Or perhaps have a sit on her daughters lovely schoolmaster? She then informed me that she was thinking of buying a foal as adult horses are "big" and scare the cr@p out of her and if she bought a ickle cute foal then she wouldn't be as scared once it reached maturity! Unbelievable.
Queenbee
Well-Known Member
STOP.ENCOURAGING.ME.
GO ON...
You
Know
You
Want
To!!
Its sooooo tempting, thier like chocolates, Just one more can't hurt
Thats what I told myself when I saw this:http://www.freeads.co.uk/uk/buy__se...old-yearlingcolt-pony-to-make-approx-152/view
I have had to padlock my wallet just incase I do something naughty, you on the other hand could easily do with one more chocolate
Emilieu
Well-Known Member
STOP.ENCOURAGING.ME.
Not trying to encourage you in any way i promise. But look at that face...
TallulahBright
Well-Known Member
If I were you I would think twice, then think again and finally think again. I have a beautiful youngster who I've had since she was 8 months old. In agreement with many other posters, it is ****** hard work. You can't cut corners and all along the way if I have given an inch then she has taken the ****. She's had numerous accidents, has grown out of everything I've bought and has cost a small fortune. The wrong livery yard, and by that I mean one that is not specifically geared up for babies, can be catastrophic. It has been an emotional rollercoaster and when I've watched friends heading off for a blast on the moor it has been more than a little depressing.
HOWEVER, I wouldn't change her for the world and now have a gorgeous, newly backed beast with great manners and with whom I enjoy a great relationship. I am, though, a settled 40 something with a career that generates a lot more income than you have coming in. You would need to factor in vets' bills and either insurance (with a £150 ish excess each time- one month early on saw three of these) or massive bills as they come in. Yes, some foals are not as accident prone as mine, but you have to be prepared for what might happen.
Sorry to be a doom sayer but I think you would be better off with something a bit more grounded.
HOWEVER, I wouldn't change her for the world and now have a gorgeous, newly backed beast with great manners and with whom I enjoy a great relationship. I am, though, a settled 40 something with a career that generates a lot more income than you have coming in. You would need to factor in vets' bills and either insurance (with a £150 ish excess each time- one month early on saw three of these) or massive bills as they come in. Yes, some foals are not as accident prone as mine, but you have to be prepared for what might happen.
Sorry to be a doom sayer but I think you would be better off with something a bit more grounded.
HazyXmas
Well-Known Member
Gosh Annie, what a lot of reading for you 
Have you thought about offering a loving home to a suitable loan horse or pony? We have had some fabulous loans & they often have lovely, supportive owners that you can call on for advice if you need it. You might find the perfect horse or pony that is just aching to be loved & go out & have some fun. It would be great experience for you.
With regard to Endurance riding. My daughter & I did a small amount a few years ago, it was amazing We started with the one that the Waddon PC organize in Milton Keynes. This is a good place to start as you don't need a 'special' horse, you don't have to be a PC member, i borrowed my daughters old 14.2 connie & had a whale of a time, even got a rosette (my one & only) for best adult on a pony. We did a few with Endurance GB & found everyone to be warm, welcoming & generous with their help, advice & friendship. As i mentioned, we were on a connie & Welsh D but that didn't seem to matter & horses & riders had a blast exploring the most beautiful countryside that is not usually available to ride over.
My advice, for what it's worth, is to put the foal idea on the back burner & find something that you can go & do things with now, join a RC, go to some clinic's & start some low level endurance, you'll love it.
Good luck
Have you thought about offering a loving home to a suitable loan horse or pony? We have had some fabulous loans & they often have lovely, supportive owners that you can call on for advice if you need it. You might find the perfect horse or pony that is just aching to be loved & go out & have some fun. It would be great experience for you.
With regard to Endurance riding. My daughter & I did a small amount a few years ago, it was amazing
We started with the one that the Waddon PC organize in Milton Keynes. This is a good place to start as you don't need a 'special' horse, you don't have to be a PC member, i borrowed my daughters old 14.2 connie & had a whale of a time, even got a rosette (my one & only) for best adult on a pony. We did a few with Endurance GB & found everyone to be warm, welcoming & generous with their help, advice & friendship. As i mentioned, we were on a connie & Welsh D but that didn't seem to matter & horses & riders had a blast exploring the most beautiful countryside that is not usually available to ride over.My advice, for what it's worth, is to put the foal idea on the back burner & find something that you can go & do things with now, join a RC, go to some clinic's & start some low level endurance, you'll love it.
Good luck
Biscuit
Well-Known Member
I'd ask myself:
* Even if you can have a youngster, is it worth the cost?*
If you lack experience yourself you need to plan to obtain it elsewhere (and pay for it!) Even if you have a kind YO she may not necessarily be the right person to help with every problem, and who says she'll be around and willing to help for the next 5 years.
* Even if you want to have a foal one day, is now/next year the best time?*
You are young and still have life ahead of you to meet your goals. I would consider riding now while young and independent, focusing on career etc and get experience with foals/youngsters... and plan to get a foal later in life when you earn more/potentially have a retired horse who needs company/unable to ride as often due to family commitments etc etc
***Now back to your question regarding costs:*** Sorry, LONG!
I'm not familiar with the costs in Milton Keynes but here are some of the things I'd consider for a budget:
-Insurance - depends on value. A top company charges a lot. If you do not have substantial savings strongly consider vet fee cover.
-Farrier - less than a shod horse but could also be more than an unshod/barefoot horse since foals some times need more frequent/remedial farriery
-Vet - very variable, but some consider youngsters more accident prone. You need to budget for a comprehensive vaccine program, and even if you are fully insured expect to pay out for small things due to the excess. Significant cost of gelding (may vary from area to area)
- Livery - as others have pointed out, could be less than a horse in work if you keep on grass. Keep in mind foals/youngsters need to be socialised.
-Worming - similar to a horse.
- Teeth - young horses some times need additional work if complications due to wolf teeth etc
- Clipping - would not be needed for a foal/youngster so a bit of savings there
- Training - consider having a good trainer visit you on a regular basis to make sure you are on the right path in terms of ground training/manners, remember it is a whole world of new experiences for the youngster and everything will have to be taught and done right and consistently - leading/picking up feet/tying up /grooming /washing /loading/ clipping/standing for vet and farrier etc etc. For example, if you turn a away at grass in a herd most of the time, but then when the youngster is on the yard have someone come and teach you both once a week. Costs will vary but perhaps around 30 pounds for a session for someone good.
- Keep in mind you may also need to pay if you do not have facilities readily available - for example to use their horsebox/trailer to teach your youngster to load.
- Breaking - budget for someone to do or at least help with this, it is a lot more expensive to correct a mistake than do right first time. Breaking livery can be 100-200+ per week for 2-3+ months and it isn't good to be in a hurry.
- Studbook registrations/change of ownership application/showing/grading etc - depends entirely on what your needs/goals are. Even if you are not planning to bring on a show/competition horse it may be a good investment to take your youngster to a show or two to see the world.
- Tack - a lot more expensive due to growing out of things, but some are also more likely to chew and mangle things. Some people have two sets of tack for their youngster so they don't destroy their show quality stuff.
- Saddle fitter - Once started, more frequent saddle fitting may be needed than for an older horse as the youngster grows/puts on muscle
- back checks, physio etc - on average likely to cost less for a young horse than for an older horse with previous injuries - but you never know
- freeze marking/chipping - costs vary depending on company/area.
- Contingency plan - regardless of the age of your horse, it may be necessary to pay for a groom or full time livery at some point if you get sick/injured/family issues/work away. A lot can change in 5 years.
* Even if you can have a youngster, is it worth the cost?*
If you lack experience yourself you need to plan to obtain it elsewhere (and pay for it!) Even if you have a kind YO she may not necessarily be the right person to help with every problem, and who says she'll be around and willing to help for the next 5 years.
* Even if you want to have a foal one day, is now/next year the best time?*
You are young and still have life ahead of you to meet your goals. I would consider riding now while young and independent, focusing on career etc and get experience with foals/youngsters... and plan to get a foal later in life when you earn more/potentially have a retired horse who needs company/unable to ride as often due to family commitments etc etc
***Now back to your question regarding costs:*** Sorry, LONG!
I'm not familiar with the costs in Milton Keynes but here are some of the things I'd consider for a budget:
-Insurance - depends on value. A top company charges a lot. If you do not have substantial savings strongly consider vet fee cover.
-Farrier - less than a shod horse but could also be more than an unshod/barefoot horse since foals some times need more frequent/remedial farriery
-Vet - very variable, but some consider youngsters more accident prone. You need to budget for a comprehensive vaccine program, and even if you are fully insured expect to pay out for small things due to the excess. Significant cost of gelding (may vary from area to area)
- Livery - as others have pointed out, could be less than a horse in work if you keep on grass. Keep in mind foals/youngsters need to be socialised.
-Worming - similar to a horse.
- Teeth - young horses some times need additional work if complications due to wolf teeth etc
- Clipping - would not be needed for a foal/youngster so a bit of savings there
- Training - consider having a good trainer visit you on a regular basis to make sure you are on the right path in terms of ground training/manners, remember it is a whole world of new experiences for the youngster and everything will have to be taught and done right and consistently - leading/picking up feet/tying up /grooming /washing /loading/ clipping/standing for vet and farrier etc etc. For example, if you turn a away at grass in a herd most of the time, but then when the youngster is on the yard have someone come and teach you both once a week. Costs will vary but perhaps around 30 pounds for a session for someone good.
- Keep in mind you may also need to pay if you do not have facilities readily available - for example to use their horsebox/trailer to teach your youngster to load.
- Breaking - budget for someone to do or at least help with this, it is a lot more expensive to correct a mistake than do right first time. Breaking livery can be 100-200+ per week for 2-3+ months and it isn't good to be in a hurry.
- Studbook registrations/change of ownership application/showing/grading etc - depends entirely on what your needs/goals are. Even if you are not planning to bring on a show/competition horse it may be a good investment to take your youngster to a show or two to see the world.
- Tack - a lot more expensive due to growing out of things, but some are also more likely to chew and mangle things. Some people have two sets of tack for their youngster so they don't destroy their show quality stuff.
- Saddle fitter - Once started, more frequent saddle fitting may be needed than for an older horse as the youngster grows/puts on muscle
- back checks, physio etc - on average likely to cost less for a young horse than for an older horse with previous injuries - but you never know
- freeze marking/chipping - costs vary depending on company/area.
- Contingency plan - regardless of the age of your horse, it may be necessary to pay for a groom or full time livery at some point if you get sick/injured/family issues/work away. A lot can change in 5 years.
EstherYoung
Well-Known Member
^This.
I've got two youngsters. I didn't plan to get either of them but their breeders made us offers we couldn't refuse...... I'm very lucky in that we found somewhere locally where they can grow up in a stable herd of other youngsters, in good safe grazing, with experienced horsepeople on site 24/7. It's also a haulage yard next to main roads and a busy waterway with boats etc, so they are getting nicely bombproofed as they grow up. Had I not found that place there is no way I would have taken on a youngster as there is no-where else suitable round here. They actually cost me more to keep than my other horses but that's because my land isn't suitable for youngsters and the youngstock livery does cost. The most important thing for me was to give them a good childhood, which is something our other horses didn't get.
It is a long old wait though. By the time Wolf is old and mature enough to compete at the level that H and me used to, he will be at least 8yo and I will be at least 44. That's scary. And that's only if we can keep the endurance gods at bay for all that time, plans being baaaad and all that. All sorts can go wrong bringing up young horses.
Don't think I'm complaining because I'm not. I do take a lot of photos and yes they are pretty darned cute. When Wolf flutters those little white eyelashes of his I just melt. It has been incredibly rewarding. I can't believe I may sit on him next year. But that's another thing - he's half welsh and very bright. He's lapped up everything I've taught him so far but when it comes to it I may not be able to ride one side of him. There is a lot of pony there.
Jelphick - Don't knock the connies. We think our friend's connie may just have pulled off the EGB supreme championship for the second time in his career. We'll know for sure in a couple of weeks
Queenbee
Well-Known Member
Its like a cross between donkey from shrek begging 'pick me' and puss in boots from shrek with its huge saucer eyes...
and its saying JFTD
JFTDWS
+++ Out of Cheese Error +++
Its sooooo tempting, thier like chocolates, Just one more can't hurt
http://www.freeads.co.uk/uk/buy__se...old-yearlingcolt-pony-to-make-approx-152/view
I have had to padlock my wallet just incase I do something naughty, you on the other hand could easily do with one more chocolate
Is it concerning (or at least odd) that 95% of this thread is "DO NOT BUY A FOAL" and the other 5% is encouraging me to buy this little chap?
I have my eye on him, for sure. If I can work out a plan as to how this might work, I will consider looking into him further if he's still available at that point. You're a very bad influence, you know...
The pony in the link looks a nice sort - are you tempted to dig out the keys to that padlock?
BTW- Wolf is an awesome name for a horse. I always dreamed of one called Beowulf, shortened to Wolf...
ETA - Queenbee, that is NOT fair. How does he know my name?
I would love for him to come and be Darach's field buddy...
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EstherYoung
Well-Known Member
JFTD,
In the words of Mrs Doyle.....go on go on go on go on go on....... (assuming adequate finances/facilities/etc)
Here's Wolf:
He does have very fluttery eyelashes. He also has a penchant for eating ants nests and bark. If he makes it to adulthood he will have the constitution of an ox.
In the words of Mrs Doyle.....go on go on go on go on go on.......
(assuming adequate finances/facilities/etc)Here's Wolf:
He does have very fluttery eyelashes. He also has a penchant for eating ants nests and bark. If he makes it to adulthood he will have the constitution of an ox.
Zimzim
Well-Known Member
Ive had a few youngsters (ranging from 6 months +), and yes in some ways they can be cheap to look after and sometimes they can be quite expensive (vets bills.....!!!). Foals/ youngsters are very curious about life and sometimes it doesnt take them long to get themselves in trouble - curiousity can get the better of them, lol.
You have to ensure that you have a plan in place of what your wanting to do (i.e. future, break your self or send away) because its going to be a long time before your riding it, you have to think about the long term costs (foals grow and quite quickly so their wardrobe will change quite frequently over the years till they reach their mature height). You also have to think about is the place your wanting to keep him/ her suitable and have the necessary facilities you require, are there experienced people around to help you when your training etc.
I will say it is very satisfying producing something yourself, watching them grow, see their personalities form etc. But its hard work and you have to be prepared to work through some tough times when they start to test the boundaries and test their strength. You also have to remember that what you teach them/ do with them will affect them in the long run, so you have to make sure that what you are doing is the right way. Also they may look like cute things at the foal age but when they get bigger they may turn out completely different to what you were initially expecting and they may turn out not to be suitable for what you were planning to do.
You have to ensure that you have a plan in place of what your wanting to do (i.e. future, break your self or send away) because its going to be a long time before your riding it, you have to think about the long term costs (foals grow and quite quickly so their wardrobe will change quite frequently over the years till they reach their mature height). You also have to think about is the place your wanting to keep him/ her suitable and have the necessary facilities you require, are there experienced people around to help you when your training etc.
I will say it is very satisfying producing something yourself, watching them grow, see their personalities form etc. But its hard work and you have to be prepared to work through some tough times when they start to test the boundaries and test their strength. You also have to remember that what you teach them/ do with them will affect them in the long run, so you have to make sure that what you are doing is the right way. Also they may look like cute things at the foal age but when they get bigger they may turn out completely different to what you were initially expecting and they may turn out not to be suitable for what you were planning to do.
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elsielouise
Well-Known Member
I want Wolf.
Just saying....
Just saying....
midi
Well-Known Member
highlandponygirl
Well-Known Member
JFTD,
In the words of Mrs Doyle.....go on go on go on go on go on.......
Here's Wolf:
He does have very fluttery eyelashes. He also has a penchant for eating ants nests and bark. If he makes it to adulthood he will have the constitution of an ox.
Wow wow wow. You must buy that horse. What a little stunner. Looks like butter wouldn't melt. *sighs* It's definately one of the prettiest horses i'v ever seen.
EstherYoung
Well-Known Member
Wolf's not for sale, Highlandponygirl - he's all mine
And yes, I do realise I'm very very very lucky.
And yes, I do realise I'm very very very lucky.
Vickijay
Well-Known Member
I wouldnt get a foal. They are almost as expensive as grown up horses to keep. They take the same amount of time to look after. It does take ages for them to grow up. Its hard work and you can easily mess it up, which a huge responsibilty. If I think about the money it cost me to breed them, added on the money that they have cost me to keep, plus my time and It would be well over £10,000 before I ever got to sit on them!
Also there is nothing saying that they will grow into what you want. My first homebred is super, but she is only 15.1 which is too small so next year I may even have to think about selling her, which would break my heart. If you have a list of things that you want your horse to do/not do then having a baby would not work as although you can try to turn them into what you want there is still not promise that it will happen.
One of mine is rather accident prone too (despite my best efforts!) and she has cost me alot in vets fees alone.
It is nice having the special bond with them, seeing them as blobs on pregnancy scans and then knowing everything about them but I have just as strong relationship with my grown up mare who I got when she was 4 so Im not really sure that its worth it.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do
Also there is nothing saying that they will grow into what you want. My first homebred is super, but she is only 15.1 which is too small so next year I may even have to think about selling her, which would break my heart. If you have a list of things that you want your horse to do/not do then having a baby would not work as although you can try to turn them into what you want there is still not promise that it will happen.
One of mine is rather accident prone too (despite my best efforts!) and she has cost me alot in vets fees alone.
It is nice having the special bond with them, seeing them as blobs on pregnancy scans and then knowing everything about them but I have just as strong relationship with my grown up mare who I got when she was 4 so Im not really sure that its worth it.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do
highlandponygirl
Well-Known Member
Wolf's not for sale, Highlandponygirl - he's all mine
And yes, I do realise I'm very very very lucky.
Sorry, haven't read the whole thread. Just assumed he was for sale. Woops. But he's lovely.
HazyXmas
Well-Known Member
Hi EstherYoung,
i'm sorry, didn't mean it to read that i was knocking connies, I LOVE them, we've got two & i think they are the most wonderful breed. Just wanted to point out that you can do PC level & EGB without having an Arab I was so impressed with the sport, really think that everyone, especially children, should do some as it's all about getting the really important basic's of horse care & management right, & great fun as well. Very, very good luck to your friend
i'm sorry, didn't mean it to read that i was knocking connies, I LOVE them, we've got two & i think they are the most wonderful breed. Just wanted to point out that you can do PC level & EGB without having an Arab
I was so impressed with the sport, really think that everyone, especially children, should do some as it's all about getting the really important basic's of horse care & management right, & great fun as well. Very, very good luck to your friend 
Shantara
Well-Known Member
Goodness, bla bla bla bla. This forum really gets a kick out of saying things over and over.
I don't think "Don't get a foal" really needed 18 pages, now did it? Hm?
I saw someone had said I should ask my YO 'if she's so great' and I have done. She thinks I'd be fine and is more than willing to help and why not? She gets more money and gets to see me fulfill a dream. What I didn't want to do was text her or call her at 8pm to ask a silly question, I thought SOMEONE here might have been able to give me a sensible answer. You're all meant to be horse people, am I right?
You all jump to incredible conclusions, seriously! Youtube videos are the BEST way to judge someone's riding, we ALL know that, gosh!!
No, of course not. Before you judge me, come ride with me. Hell, come and ride Ned!
I know MOST of you are trying to be helpful, but some of you are just being rude, unhelpful and irritating.
Oh, but I forgot. Everyone's a keyboard expert.
I'm asking for this thread to be locked.
I don't think "Don't get a foal" really needed 18 pages, now did it? Hm?
I saw someone had said I should ask my YO 'if she's so great' and I have done. She thinks I'd be fine and is more than willing to help and why not? She gets more money and gets to see me fulfill a dream. What I didn't want to do was text her or call her at 8pm to ask a silly question, I thought SOMEONE here might have been able to give me a sensible answer. You're all meant to be horse people, am I right?
You all jump to incredible conclusions, seriously! Youtube videos are the BEST way to judge someone's riding, we ALL know that, gosh!!
No, of course not. Before you judge me, come ride with me. Hell, come and ride Ned!
I know MOST of you are trying to be helpful, but some of you are just being rude, unhelpful and irritating.
Oh, but I forgot. Everyone's a keyboard expert.
I'm asking for this thread to be locked.
Spring Feather
Well-Known Member
Actually some of us are real life experts. I'm done though; you go buy your foal and good luck.
Wagtail
Horse servant
I think that many people were just responding to your original post. I for one did not read the whole thread. If you see 18 pages of 'don't get a foal', doesn't it tell you something?
I for one was not being rude. I was giving my honest opinion. Many others took an awful lot of time to carefully explain their reservations and I guess you are dismissing their experienced and considered opinions out of hand? Be careful as many on here take time to help others and your response to them seems highly ungrateful.
midi
Well-Known Member
Ugh this thread makes me a little angry tbh.
If someone won't even take in about 170 replies into consideration, god help anyone else trying to help or give advice and this is exactly how horses are ruined, but I guess some people will only listen if its what they like and want to hear.
If someone won't even take in about 170 replies into consideration, god help anyone else trying to help or give advice and this is exactly how horses are ruined, but I guess some people will only listen if its what they like and want to hear.
Shantara
Well-Known Member
Who says I haven't taken any of it in? I've taken it ALL in. VERY VERY difficult read. How dare you assume I'd ruin a horse, I wouldn't let it get that far. No one I know would let me get that far.
ANYWAY! One final post on this thread from me. I still do want a foal, more than anything, but we'll see.
Instead of saying how awful I am at riding, perhaps some of you could have given me hints and tips about foal care?
ANYWAY! One final post on this thread from me. I still do want a foal, more than anything, but we'll see.
Instead of saying how awful I am at riding, perhaps some of you could have given me hints and tips about foal care?
*hic*
village idiot :D
The trouble is you then chose to ask the "silly question" on here. It is, of course, NOT a silly question, but people who have had some experience of what you have posted on here were trying to help you out and make sure that you got the most out of what will be your first horse.
You brought up the subject of your YO and her financial interest in your having a foal. I'd just like to point out that none of the people who responded on here (unless any of them have offered by PM to sell you a foal) stand to benefit in any way, they offered their experience to help you make a very big decision.
KVH
Well-Known Member
This!! No one is responding with spite, but with honest and useful advice!!
I know it is hard but you must take these comments on board-they are for your own good, aswell as for the yearling.
I would implore you to think about this carefully!!
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