Opinions NOVICE vs. NERVOUS? put this is my advert or is it rude?

SAMgirl

SAMgirl

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Apologies, i'm just in the throes writing an advert on word
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, and get a bit carried away - this is how I would describe him over the phone, but do you think it is worth putting it in the advert itself, or is it too much?

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... He is the kind of horse that is suitable for a novice (I mean you can kick him he will go, pull him he will stop, he will not buck or rear), however he is probably not the best for a really nervous type of rider because he is lacking in his psychic abilities and unless you tell him to something he’s just gonna stand there. If you don’t put him into gear, and let him slob about, he’ll come above the bit, push him forward and he’ll go round. Also with his paces being quite bold can cause a nervous rider to panic and take a hold of him, he will just stop if this happens, but I do not like seeing him ridden this way, it is unfair and will just confuse him.

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I'm only deliberating because i would say this horse, is suitable for a novice, but a few people which have tried him are prob not actually "novice" riders but have experience yet nervous. I think sometimes people read - suitable for a novice, and think that they will sit on it and suddenly feel a surge of confidence. He has been ridden by really novice riders and will take them round no trouble, but the nervous yet experienced people seem to ride worse than the novices??
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I wouldn't put all that in the advert
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I would just put "suitable for novice but must not be nervous rider".

I put something like "not novice ride, suit experienced teenager or small adult" in my boy's ad. Yes, I did get a few of the "can I use him to teach my 5yo grandchild to ride on", and "would he be suitable for me who is scared stiff to even get on a horse to ride" calls, but mostly I had people who were experienced. Had loads of 14yo girls email, and I just asked them to get their mum/dad to ring me, which most did. Most people who contacted me were keen to stress their level of experience and generally did listen to what I put in the ad.
 
Thanks for the advice guys! I was just getting waaay to carried away on word! I just don't want to waste anyones time or my own! lol
Chestnut Cob where did you advertise your horse? Did you get a good response?
 
I put him on Horsemart (got loads of 13yo girls but a few good people), a couple of local PC sites, hunt emailed it round the mailing list, and on the NFED (sorry, I don't know where you're based but as i'm in Hampshire it was ideal for Hants, Berks, Dorset areas).

The people who are having him got my details from NFED but TBH everyone who called from there was great.

He's only going on loan though, not sale, but I've been totally honest with everyone who's called. I just would be wary of what you put in the ad in case people don't call at all!
 
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I think you''re putting too much detail in. Put something like "suitable for confident novice".

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That sums it all up and sounds much better!
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Save the chit chat and detail for the viewing
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Thanks CC, i'm going to try Horsemart and Horsequest first I think. I'm in Lancs so quite a way from you. You are right! I would quite like *someone* to call
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!! Thanks for the advice, good luck with your loaning!

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'Suitable for novice although numpties need not reply'
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mwha - that would save on the word count!
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yeh id go with suitable for confident novice or something along those lines to. im about to write an advert for my daughters pony (passed down ) as they are just not compatible and she also needs a confident rider.anyone that shows nerves and she will just take full advantage..guess thats welshies for you!
 
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I would just put "safe but not complete novice ride, ideal confidence giver for competent rider."

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I like this one.
 
It may be a bit too much detail, but extra information like this does show potential buyers that the owner is genuine and cares about getting the 'right match', which is always reasuring.

On another note, it sounds to me like your lad is more suitable for a nervous rider than what is often thought of as a novice! e.g. I've had a couple of nasty accidents over my brief time (5 years) riding. As a result getting on a strange horse would be a very big deal for me and if (God forbid) anything happens that I couldn't ride my mare and was horse shopping again, I'm certain that I'd be very nervous trying new horses - I'm guessing very tense body, legs and arms, hard hands, leg aids a bit lame
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If the horse I was on respnded by 'just standing there' when I didn't clearly tell him what to do and best of all 'just stopping' if I inadvertantly took hold of his mouth, I'd relax, my body would relax, my hands would soften and follow and my legs would become more effective. Big paces wouldn't be a problem as my mare has big paces.
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Its horses that respond to these things by getting tense themselves and/or running away from it that are bad for nervous riders. Its all about feeling that the horse is listening and the rider can have control (even whilst riding like a wooden fool).

Maybe for your boy the big issue is their attitude to their riding. I can be nervous, but I am also serious about riding well. I have lots of lessons from good instructors and I work hard to improve. After only 5 years though I am of course still a novice (though beginners also seem to often be described as novices) particulary since I'm not one for riding a variety of horses. Once I relax though, I'm a sympathetic rider, constantly mindful of my effect on the horse etc.

Bit of a mindfield you have to negotiate. Good luck
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