Please advise

[Tabbi]

I am currently looking into buying a horse, but would like some advice about what "type" of horse I should be looking into. I am 5'3 and NOT petite ( after having kids I have put on weight, so I would not want to break a horses back!).

 

[The Original Kao]

i think you could have a lot of choice, depending on your weight.
also what kind of size you're after.
if you prefer a large pony or small horse or even a large horse.

 

[Tabbi]

I was looking at around 15hh.

 

[carys220]

What do you want to do with it?

 

[Tabbi]

Gain confidence (being a first time owner), jumping, hacking, and also for my two boys to be around and start riding, so a family horse.

 

[LankyDoodle]

What sort of experience do you have as a rider?

 

[trundle]

i think it depends what sort of horse you like, as much as anything !

i am shorter than you, and also VERY far from petite, and i share a gorgeous 16.3hh TBxID mare, whio can be a bit silly, but is absolutely lovely. She's really too big for me, but I much prefer bigger horses and i'm not over-keen on the very heavyweight and cobby types.

Lots of people say that cobs and large natives are good for nervous and heavier riders, but I'm not convinced. For one thing, I have short legs and if i rode a wide cob, my legs would stick out sideways like a Thelwell child !

 

[Tabbi]

Well I have not been riding for about 10 years now and I am also currently looking ino lessons in my area so a "refresher course" when I was riding regular, I was going out on hacks, jumping and cantering. Seeing that I have not been riding for such a long time, I would be looking for a horse suitable for a novice so that I can build up my confidence again and also I thought a novice horse would be suitable for the kids aswell.

 

[LankyDoodle]

If I were you, what I'd do is have a courseof lessons - maybe 10 - which will refresh you before you go looking at horses, give you an idea of what breed/type you really like and could see yourself owning and enjoying riding, the height you want/need etc. It will also enable you to have a bit of a dabble at tacking up and, I am sure if you ask, you'll be able to have horse management lessons - mucking out etc.

Then in a couple of months or so you could think about buying. Still look in the meantime, and if something catches your eye go and look, but as your last time riding was 10 years ago, I really would bidy your time a bit.

Also read around, research dealers and breeders, get to know the ins and outs. It's easy to be 'done' in this game!

 

[Tabbi]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. All is very helpful.