Is there ever the perfect time for your first?

[Nofilter]

Hello,

I'm new to the board, this is my first post although I have been lurking for over a year!!

I'm hoping for some advice on the direction I choose for the route to owning my first horse.

I'm 35, a mum to a gorgeous toddler and have recently sold my business so work free for the foreseeable few years, plus have the financial side sorted as a result too.

My plan was to - eventually, have my horse on part livery which I will decrease as my daughter goes into nursery and then school. She does a couple of afternoons a week presently just to socialise with other children. For right now the livery part would be all mornings and two evenings but I would be at the yard every day and able to spend 3 full days as long as I wanted... I definitely have the time available and am climbing the walls somewhat because I'm out of a routine of working and being challenged in my day! Babylife is fun but you have GOT to have something else going on for your sanity haven't you haha! Iggle Piggle please SHUT UP!

I've been connected to horses my whole life. "Lived" at my friends farm throughout my teens, had riding lessons from 8 years old and had all the tack (despite being unable to afford a horse!) when I was 12 for xmas!!

I've spent my twenties focusing on career, but have always ridden on holidays and had around 30 lessons over that decade in clumps... I've always known I will eventually have a horse.

I'm completely sunk by the bug right now and literally siting on my hands to not go and buy my first!! I've spoken to Oakdene stables regarding investing in from what I gather a great horse - and agreed a 12 week "return" agreement where they would find me another - basically ongoing until there is a fit, as a backup should the first horse not work out. The criteria I have asked for is a horse "to grow into" a safe as houses and gentle confidence giver, and no white AT ALL! I have just finished a 4 month loan on a gypsy cob - with a long long white tail and mane jeezzz! I have slight OCD and that was a challenge!!

I planned on loaning until spring, along with lessons to finally tighten up my riding technique as I'm confident hacking alone for hours on end alone - know my way around a stable and the basic day to day jobs - slight concern about whether I'd notice something wrong like an illness as no formal course completed but hoping this would be covered by having the part livery and I'd be able to provide a suitable level of care for what I'd consider a new addition to our family!

The loan didn't work out, I just don't know if at 35, having been a business boss (without sounding like an ego idiot!) I'm going to be able to enjoy/stick at a loan situation as I'm opinionated - I'm not keen on gossiping, negativity, refuse to entertain somebody being rude to me when they feel like it, and think you shouldn't cut corners when it comes to looking after horses...

I have a visit to another yard to discuss a loan - thinking that would be a great stepping stone to familiarise myself with the yard stuff - experience a full winter - another horse to get to know and gain more experience continue with my lessons and learn to jump - I've been over a few ad hoc... I already have concerns though as from the sounds of it the turnout is just 2hrs a day in winter - am I looking at this negatively maybe? It's just not how I'd look after my own horse and I'm wondering why I'm potentially heading into a frustrating setup when maybe I don't need to?

BUT my question - although long winded I do apologise is should I just go for it and get my own? I'm quite sensible and practical (you have to be with a toddler) I'm not nervous around horses one bit, I know how to show who's boss from the off, handle a horse bolting, napping, been on a couple of bucks and stayed on etc... I probably ask really silly questions still but can work my way around really...


I can't get this nagging idea of just taking the plunge out of my mind!! It's not a great time of year to buy is it as there could be issues only visible in summer such as sweetitch, I just have this golden opportunity here in my life but am scared of jumping in feet first too early and regretting it basically.

As you can see I'm all in a dither over this decision, any advice at all would be soooo appreciated!!

Thanks xx

 

[be positive]

Lots to think about and it sounds as if in many ways you are ready to start looking for a horse of your own, I see you have posted asking about livery yards nearby and to my mind that is probably the first thing to get sorted, once you find the yard that ticks most of your boxes, nowhere is perfect so it may take a while and you may need to compromise a little, then you can start looking for the horse and if you are lucky the YO may get involved with that search or at least be prepared to offer advice/ support as I would not want to limit myself to one dealer to find a suitable horse.

By getting involved with the dealer set up you are thinking of it will limit your options, in theory it sounds like the perfect scenario but if horse 1 is not right you will probably find that even if they do take it back they will want extra ££s for horse 2 if they have one that is better for you, if that doesn't work out horse 3 may be even more ££s not to mention having each one vetted, buying new tack or at least probably having to find a different saddle each time, if one goes lame, gets injured while you have it the dealers will not take it back so willingly, best case scenario horse 1 is ideal and you keep it, worst case you send that one back and spend thousands of pounds, months of your time and a lot of emotion into horses that are not right for you or end up with one that is unable to work due to injury.
Dealers can be very easy to work with but many are great with your first purchase but rapidly lose interest once they have secured that sale, check them out carefully before getting involved and look around at what else is available for comparison, get the horse vetted and if you do decide to buy take your time, it may take many months to find the right one so in the meantime keep going for lessons or possibly a share to give you riding time, don't rule out the one you are considering, 2 hours turnout may not be ideal but it is better than nothing and many horses in work will be fine with that in the winter if everything else is done properly, if they have adlib forage when in and not stood for hours going hungry along with plenty of exercise each day.

 

[meleeka]

On paper it all sounds perfect, but I would always say listen to your gut. Taking on the worry of a horse is a big commitment along with the worry of a small child!

I'd be looking but not looking If it were me. If it's meant to be it will, and just like meeting a partner, if it's right, you'll know.

You are right in saying two hour turnout isn't ideal. If you have a child to worry about you need the flexibility that you don't have to ride if you haven't got time (you'll know that kids time their illnesses to perfection when it comes to being inconvenient).

Presumably you have someone to call on for when you're not sure about something? On a good yard you should be able get the support you'd need.

Good luck, I hope your perfect partner comes along and makes your mind up.

 

[Nofilter]

Good morning,

Thanks for the replies - it's helped so much to just have a second opinion on my idea - which hasn't been met with positivity from my family - but then, they do not understand the horsey bug at all!!

I'm hearing that you think tentative steps to create the environment first would be a good starting point, I think that sounds sensible and I will make a start with a hit list of yards to contact.

This is so excitingly scary isn't it!!

I shall report back with any progress.

;-)

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If you have already tried loaning and found that you don't like having to compromise your standards to fit in with the owner (I fully understand, it would drive me mad!), it sounds to me as if you are ready to get your own horse.
I don't understand the advice often given on here to 'ease yourself into' horse ownership by loaning, you have to follow someone else's rules and don't have the opportunity to make your own mistakes and learn from them. I would never advise loaning as a way into horse-ownership, partly because owners usually decide to loan because they haven't enough time to spend with their horse, so certainly won't have time to spend teaching a novice.
If the dealer you have been talking to thinks they can find you a suitable horse, go for it! Just make sure that they get good reviews, or at least no bad ones, on the relevant FB pages.

 

[madamebonnie]

I will PM you as you are nearby to me if you are looking in Sale.

 

[Nofilter]

Hi,

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm aware of restrictions around giving reviews on people's businesses on here which I fully understand but if anybody has any dealings with Oakmere dealers and could privately share with me I'd be most grateful.

Thanks!!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I think that you need to make sure that the yard you livery at is willing to support you as a new owner. Most new owners have a wobble and having helpful, knowledgeable and kind support can make all the difference between success and failure, especially as some horses are quite upset by a change of home and need time to settle.

Secondly, do not overhorse yourself. This may sound like a simple thing, but it is a trap that I have seen many new owners fall into. You sound very confident, but anyone who says that they can handle a horse bolting has never been on a true bolter. I don't mean to have a go, I'm just saying be realistic about your experience level and what sort of horse you need now, not what you might need in two years time. Don't let your natural confidence trick you into thinking that you can cope with more than you really can.

 

[Nofilter]

Hello,

Thanks Faracat some good points there - I see what you mean RE bolting it was probably a half hearted bolt the few times my loan horse did it!

What kind of breed would you recommend for a first horse? A trusty cob? I'm trying to get my head around the traits of the different breeds to try and work this out...

What is the main difference between mare and geldings or is that too a generalised question to ask?

Currently only have

15-16hh
No white at all
Confidence giver and no traits

As my criteria!!

What do you think of these points? Anything I could add/change?

I've just spoken to a lovely YO with a livery stable coming available at the end of the month who could also loan me a horse in the interim AND help me find my first horse to buy... direct hacking and not too far away, less than 10 minutes from my house...

Shall be calling by Friday to meet her / the horses.

It's happening OMG!!

 

[Amye]

Hi nofilter.

I think other people have covered it re the knowing when to buy your first horse. It is a bit of a shock to the system in terms of time etc so be realistic in what time you could give up for a horse.

In terms of your current list, maybe think about what you want to be doing with the horse when you get it.
Will you be hacking? Alone/in company? If you want to hack out alone you need to see the horse hacking.
Will you be competing or going out to fun rides? If so you need to make sure it travels and loads well.
Will you have you little one at the yard sometimes? I would look for something quiet on the ground, easy to groom, pick feet up etc.
What age are you looking at? If you go for a younger horse you may hit the 'kevins' and end up with a difficult few months with it. An older schoolmaster type already doing the job might be more pricey, but would be worth the money! (IMO).

Mare/gelding is sometimes a personal choice. I have a gelding and I think personally, I would always lean more towards geldings. I've not owned a mare but have been involved with some and generally they are fine, people say they can take time to trust you and you have to 'get them on side' more than a gelding (generally). Mares can sometimes be more grumpy and their behaviour may change when they are in season, which is always a question to ask when viewing a mare. These are all generalisations though and geldings can be grumpy and mares can be calm! You just have to look at the individual horse really.

Personally I wouldn't get set on a colour. Having a grey isn't everyone's choice but I have one as my first horse and yes he gets dirty but, he's perfect for me so if I'd said no white I wouldn't have had him.

ETA: Thinking about the little one, I would add on your criteria a horse that doesn't need riding everyday - there may be times you won't have time for riding so you want something you can pick up and go not one that is going to be fizzy if it's been left.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I wouldn't get hung up on breed, but instead look for a horse that has done the job of being a 1st horse and their owner is now selling because they are looking for a 2nd horse. Two of mine are pure arabs. The grey mare would be super for a new owner (she actively looks after her rider and is incredibly forgiving), the gelding wouldn't (he gets overexcited and his brain falls out). Same breed, trained by the same person from yearlings, but you can't overrule their basic character traits.

Definitely yes to a confidence giver. I would also ask leading questions like 'how would the horse react if I accidently knocked them with my foot as I mounted?' New owners (well all of us really) will make mistakes and you want a horse that will stand still and forgive your mistakes, not the one that would take off bucking in that situation.

On the white issue, I would be relaxed about white on the face as it is easier to keep clean than the legs. My chestnut mare has a big blaze, but only small white leg markings and she is easy to keep clean. It helps that she is very thin skinned with lovely fine, soft fur (has a metallic sheen in the summer) that the mud and dirt just slips off, it's not like having a cob with feather.

RE mares V geldings, some people are very sexist about this. I personally like to judge horses as individuals. My mares are very sweet and even tempered. They don't change when in season. My gelding is very sweet too, but he's hotter then the girls. Is that because he's male though?

Every horse will have a downside as the perfect horse doesn't exist, but you may find the one that is perfect for you. So it's a case of do their negatives matter to you or not? My chestnut mare can lack confidence, which in the early days of owning her showed as napping. It was something that I could cope with, so it was fine (I did have some lessons on her too which helped keep everything good) and she ended up being able to hack for hours on her own and was even used to give confidence to other horses. With a new rider, she worries until she learns to trust them, so the confidence issue doesn't completely go away, she will always have that in her character, it just doesn't matter to me.

 

[tallyho!]

Just get on and do it woman! You haven't got time to mess about - life is too short. If it goes tits up, well it goes tits up at least you gave it a shot.

Follow your heart trust your instincts and you'll be fine and whatever you do look at the feet. The YO at the livery sounds like a good place to start with a horse on loan, and you'll have knowledgable people to help - having said that, never take anything anyone says as gospel - always think for yourself.

As for mares/geldings - either as long as the horse is sound and sane. Both sexes have quirks, nothing is perfect. You might start off with one and change later. Don't start by looking at breed either! Worst mistake you could potentially make. A sound honest Heinz57 might be your horse of a lifetime and could be the best teacher you ever have.

 

[Nofilter]

Hello,


I'm so so grateful for this advice it's helping me navigate this tricky process!

So, updated list for horse might be like this do you think?

15-16hh
Something that doesn't need to be ridden every day
Older schoolmaster type
Gelding preferred
Quiet on the ground
Mid age 8Yrs+
Still quite set on not having a white horse as it drove me slightly mad with the loan horse but I take on board what you say!

Obviously this is a guide isn't it , I'm hoping my gut feeling will kick in like it did when I bought my first house - I just "knew" it was right...

Yes my little one will be with me on occasion however I'll be riding when she's either with my mum or nursery so it balances out with quality time with DD and riding - it's inevitable that she'll be around though as it's such a big part of our lives we are about to hand over to this crazy hobbie of mums! I'm hoping so much that she gets the bug and we can get her a little pony when she's a bit older but that's way in front - I can dream!!

I'm meeting the YO tomorrow at 1.30pm now she's texted me so that's good no point waiting around! Do you think it's essential I look at lots of yards or if I think this ticks all boxes should I just go for it as I can always move when I learn the lay of the land being a horse owner further down the line? It's super convenient to where I live and direct hacking which is hard to find really, it's intimate apparently and very child friendly as the YO who lives in by the way has kids and her husband is a farrier (convenient!!). Just need to check turnout...

This is making me want to ride SO much so ive booked a 2 night ridingholiday in Tarporley this weekend Friday and Saturday and can bank some really good riding hours plus 2 lessons with an instructor - first time away from baby for two nights - have done one night lots - but not too far from her haha!! My mums taking DD to our place in Wales with some other children so she'll be having fun too!

Do you know if there exists a checklist of tack and items I'll need to stock up my new tack room? I've started a list of the basics and of course the new horse might come with some things but wanted to get an idea and budget it out and - enjoy window shopping for my new things!! Yikes

Would you start getting things now so there's not a mad rush as soon as I find the right horse and I can shop around for bargains and sales or hang fire?

Could I ask please what horses were OPs first horse to give me an idea of where I should be looking? A trusty cob do you think?? I am used to riding a cob and when I rode a slimmer and taller bay last week it was really weird and I was bouncing a lot but I'm sure I'd settle in time on a horse with a different stride...

Another question is what do you have in your stables? Any of those fun toys to keep them occupied during winter, stable mirrors to help loneliness and licks? Please humour me I've been looking at buying horse stuff of my own for YEARS and am a little giddy!!

Thanks again for taking the time to share thoughts it feels a little less scary!

 

[Nofilter]

Hi!

Also any opinions on this for a first horse?

http://oakmerestables.co.uk/product/bert-16-1hh-chestnut-gelding

Am I looking in the right area of price etc or should I save more budget for my second horse when I'm more experienced?

Thanks!!

 

[Nofilter]

Thanks Tallyho - you are quite right - CARPE DIEM!!

 

[tallyho!]

Hi!

Also any opinions on this for a first horse?

http://oakmerestables.co.uk/product/bert-16-1hh-chestnut-gelding


Am I looking in the right area of price etc or should I save more budget for my second horse when I'm more experienced?

Thanks!!

Not my cup of tea and even if tb's were, I'm afraid the conformation of this one just makes me think "vets bills"... a more experienced rider could put muscles in the right places but as he is, not worth £4000! Hollow neck and back, long back with a suspicious dip in front of the sacro-iliac joint - having done lots of research on spinal injuries and conformation I would give anything with this convo an wide berth, and tied in at the knee too.

There are SO many really nice tb's out there for much less. Happy for you to PM me if you are dead set on a tb.

 

[madamebonnie]

Another question is what do you have in your stables? Any of those fun toys to keep them occupied during winter, stable mirrors to help loneliness and licks? Please humour me I've been looking at buying horse stuff of my own for YEARS and am a little giddy!!

You'll see the toy I've made in my stable tomorrow then! TBH he doesn't bother much with it but his neighbour likes it. George is more bothered about actual food rather than toys...

Enjoy the window shopping but don't buy everything new straight away, you might want to take your time to find out what the horse likes and needs. No point buying anything in the wrong size! A grooming kit is always a good place to start...one size fits all!

How tall are you? You might find you can get away with something smaller/larger depending on build of the horse.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

RE stuff. Just aim to have the basic essentials to start with. Being on part livery means that you shouldn't need to get all the mucking out gear yet. You can always get it in the future if required.

Also beware of getting things that need to be a specific size. Wait until the horse has passed the Vetting before you get those (eg rugs). Some stuff can only be fitted once the horse is yours (eg the saddle).

RE first horses. I had a Fell x on loan but my first owned horse was an anglo-arab gelding. I wasn't looking for that breed, but he was amazing and it was due to him that I love arabs and part bred arabs. I have ridden all sorts though and have known plenty of brilliant horses of various types and breeds. So I still say keep an open mind. Riding different types now will be helpful as you learn to adjust your riding to suit the specific paces of the horse you are on. A good skill to have.

 

[Nofilter]

Thanks Madame I'm 5,7" and 10 1/2 stone (need to lose some hence horseriding supe plus points there haha)

I shall PM you tallyho I'm not leaning to any breed that's just the first horse ive been sent because I thought I'd be better going with a breeder who has a good reputation. I also contacted Pocket nook farm but they don't have anything g and suggested I call back in 2 weeks. I wouldn't know what to look for if I did visit a few anyway!! Not sure where to start with searching for him/her?

Thanks

 

[gallopingby]

Hi Nofilter and deep breath! You're obviously very keen and want to escape the baby scene for a little while which is understandable but......slow down a little. The livery yard - go and look at a few, doesn't matter if they have spaces or not. The best will have a waiting list and you absolutely must get on with the owner yard manager or whatever. Find out how long the longest livery has been there and how often people move yards, plenty ways of doing this. Take what you discover with a large pinch of salt - steer a middle ground. If you can't get to the yard who will help and how much will it cost? Re buying your first horse, what do you want to do, a cob could be ideal as long as been there got the T-shirt - this is the most important thing. Don't rule out a native cross or even a pure native, the larger breeds, dales/connemara/newforest/highland can be fun and a good one will be comfortable and ride much bigger than a poorly put together TB. Do make sure you get a vetting - I wouldn't always do this but certainly as a new horse owner its essential, OK it only applies on the day of the vetting but the vet may spot something you haven't realised could be a problem, explain what you want the horse for and remember it is an opinion on suitability for the job you require it to do - there is no pass or fail mark! Good luck look forward to hearing how you get on.

 

[9tails]

There are many pitfalls in the horse world, not least yard owners who would like a new patsy. Don't get too chummy and try not to ingratiate yourself. Horse sellers can be quite lenient with the truth too, and I agree that a 5 stage vetting is a must for any potential purchase, no matter whether the dealer promises to swap to a more suitable mount. Each new mount will be more expensive than the first. Ask about vices, get it in writing through email. I think your budget should be around £4-6k for your bombproof jack of all trades.

Don't be fooled that you would be able to get used to the movement if the horse isn't comfortable at first, they tend not to get easier to ride if you only do it a few times a week.

Depending on where you end up, you may not need most stuff that DIY require. You may need feed buckets, I like tubtrugs though some horses are destructive and would do better with rubber buckets. It's best to buy stuff when you have your new horse home, so don't go out and buy a saddle, bridle or rugs as the sizes are specific to the horse. As mentioned above, a decent grooming kit would be great.

My horse is on DIY, her stable has a himalayan salt lick on the wall as I'm not keen on the swinging ones. I want her to have salt rather than chase around the annoying swinging thing. I bought her a lickit but the birds had it. She has a decahedron for treats and a mirror as she can weave if anxious.

I don't like the look of Bert, as Tallyho says he's not well put together and is well overpriced for a horse that has the muscle tone of being out of work for months.

 

[JFTDWS]

With a budget of 4-6k, you should be able to buy a nice type. I would avoid any dealer who marketed a horse like that within that price range - I don't see any signs of him being an elementary level horse, and everything I do see is poor quality, poor conformation, lacking muscle and his movement is concerning. I'm currently looking for another horse and I wouldn't pay 1k for one like that...

A first horse is a very exciting time - but there's no need to rush out and buy everything until you're sure what you need. Once your new pony passes the vet, it's worth buying a couple of essential rugs (a turnout, at least, if it's not an unclipped hairy native type), headcollar etc. Until then, buckets and grooming gear make for the best horsey purchasing! I really wouldn't put much stock into breed or colour, but look for something safe, sensible and established, to avoid overhorsing yourself. Your biggest problem is that you haven't been around horses enough to learn sensible "fear" - there's no such thing as a half-hearted bolt - true bolters are incredibly dangerous and most experienced and sensible riders will avoid them at all costs. And a vetting is absolutely essential. You should make sure the vet takes and stores bloods so they can be tested retrospectively if anything concerning crops up a week or two down the line too.

I don't use any stable toys or mirrors. My horses all live out as much as possible. They'll be in at night some time after the clocks change, I imagine, but will be out all day, every day, throughout the winter, and don't need distracting for the limited time they do spend in stables. Lickits are a terrible idea as they're pure sugar, which is an entirely unnecessary and generally undesirable dietary addition. I'm not convinced about salt licks either, especially those with high iron content like the himalayan ones...

 

[MiniScam]

I think if I were you I would look for something native/with a bit of chunk to it. A cob/connemara/IDx perhaps. In my opinion, these types tend to be better first time horses. Something like this should be easier to look after (less feeding, rugs, injuries, etc) while you're learning, and should be less reactive (spooking, spinning, bolting etc) by nature. This isn't a hard and fast rule (you can get TBs that are lovely for a new owner, and cobs that are not) so don't overlook a horse based only on breeding. But something bred to survive a cold winter on a muddy hillside should generally be lower maintenance and more amenable than something bred for speed.

Personally, I'd also add "good doer" to your list. It'll be cheaper to keep which is a bonus, but in my experience good doers tend to have relaxed personalities - they don't worry the weight off so easily. Probably a silly thing to say, but in 30 years of horse ownership I've not known a relaxed poor doer or a highly strung fatty . You want something that thinks before it acts.

Good luck!

 

[Nofilter]

Madame - thanks for setting up this viewing at the yard tomorrow I'm excited to meet George and see your handy work!! X

 

[Nofilter]

Hi Galloping - you've hit the nail on the head there. After18 Months of Baby baby and more baby I am going slightly insane - keep trying to wind myself down and then just get caught up in it all again!

Can hardly even concentrate todah because of it!

I.Am.Not.Normal (but hey that'd be a bit boring wouldn't it!)

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If you like the yard and the YO when you visit tomorrow, why not ask the YO to help you find a horse? There is a skill in 'reading' ads which comes with practice - and YO will have much more experience of it than you have at this stage. If YO will accompany you to viewings, that would be good too.

 

[Nofilter]

Hi Pearl,

When I spoke to YO today she mentioned that she does know the lay of the land and what's available in terms of good horses to by so I do think she'll be open to that - hope so anyway as I'm very vulnerable in that I don't have the necessary radar yet!

I shall report back.

 

[Nofilter]

Strange horsey dreams last night! It must have been all the adverts I looked at... phew!!

 

[Amye]

Haha it's obvious you're very keen but take time to take a breathe and relax!

It's easy to get swept up in the horsey world and let your heart rule your head (Especially when picking a first horse). Please take your time with the horse finding process, if you like a horse go and see it at least twice and try it in all situations, in the school, take it out for a hack, if you want to jump and are capable pop a cross pole. Have it vetted, especially if you don't have a good eye for spotting problems. When i was searching for my first a couple of years ago I liked a Welshie but I got him vetted and he had lots of confirmation issues that I couldn't spot because I wasn't experienced enough. I also took someone experienced with me on most viewings or sent videos to someone I knew.

My first horse was (is) a German warmblood and he's lovely. I got him when he was 14 (he'll be 17 next year). I aimed for something younger but he came along and was what i needed! Don't get too focused on breed though.

What I found helpful was to have a list of 'musts' so the horse MUST do this e.g. be good on the ground, good to hack, no vices.
and then a list of 'would likes' so these are things I'm willing to compromise on if the horse is otherwise perfect e.g age.


In terms of what to buy, don't go mad yet. Wait until you've found a horse and then think about buying stuff for it. Things you could buy before you purchase are:
Feed buckets,
Grooming kit (this was the first thing I bought before I even started looking!).
Basic fit aid kit for the horse.
Stuff for you! (Riding gear, warm winter stuff for the yard).

No point buying all the yard stuff until you know your yard, my yard is DIY but provides all wheelbarrows, forks and brushes.

I did buy some stable toys but my boy doesn't bother with them so I've slowly got rid.

 

[Fiona]

Hi OP......

I hope your meeting with YO/potential loan horse goes well this afternoon....

You've received some fabulous advice already on yards and buying supplies etc...

I have one qualm about you buying straight away.... and that relates to your riding experience.... As I'm getting the feeling that you haven't really done weekly lessons etc in the formal sense, more lots of holidays/concentrated periods of riding etc. Did you say you had loaned before and how long was that for??

I just wonder if you buy a really steady horse suited to your experience now, and have a 6-12 months of concentrated riding and lessons, you might find yourself wanting/needing a completely different type of horse..

Hence I am keeping my fingers crossed that the YO and her potential loan horse are suitable, and then you can reassess the situation in the spring or in a year, and really know what type of horse you want for your very own.

I hope this makes sense at all.... and best of luck...

Fiona