Pros and cons of buying a youngster....please tell

[debsflo]

I currently have a 21 yr old mare and hack her and plan a bit of showing. Horsey daughter has gone to uni for 3 years but we plan to get another horse poss to share although she cannot commit fully yet due to her commitments. i have grazing and stables and time but am toying with the option of a ready made but more expensive horse to get out on or the option of buying a youngster and bringing on with a view to having a horse in a few years that will suit us both. i really want a middleweight 15.2 ish mare pref with some irish or native or warmblood in it and have seen a yearling filly at a local well renowned stud that fits the bill breeding wise. My concern is that i have only ever had one youngster my mini who i got unhandled at 10 months and is a total star now in every way but is obviously not ridden . please tell me all the pros and cons to consider . i have owned horses for many years and like the idea of a clean slate having inherited problems but equally dont want to be naive...

 

[AdorableAlice]

Go for it, lots of pleasure rearing your own youngster. Just make sure the temperament of the sire/dam is sound before buying.

 

[minkymoo]

I did it!

I only had one horse so would consider myself a novice really though had been riding for years. In 2011 I bought an 8 month old PRE, slightly on impulse but with the support of my current yard owner and husband.

He turned 3 in January this year and had someone sit on him Friday just gone (not me as I had a baby and am still carrying the baby weight!) and he genuinely didn't bat an eyelid.

It's one of the 2 most amazing things I've ever done (the other being the baby!) and I'm immensely proud of both him & myself. I worked really hard to get him to be a well mannered and confident little horse and I feel that I've mostly succeeded.

There have been ups and downs and many hiccups along the way but I've learnt so much about my horse, myself and weirdly, being a parent.

I can't wait to get on him and am frantically dieting to get back to my pre-baby weight (I have just over a stone to go...!) and it's proving to be the greatest motivator ever!

I made the decision for him to be out with the other livery horses and have the same routine rather than with other youngsters which has suited him well fortunately. I also decided that he would be backed at the yard rather than go away, this way I feel that I have more control and more importantly more time.

The last 6 months I've ponied him out with my other horse (who I recently sold to keep the youngster) been long reining him, walking him round our little hacking route and leaning on him with his saddle on in preparation.

It really is the most satisfying thing, I suppose because normally a horse comes to you 'ready made' and one rarely gets the chance to do it yourself and boy, when you do and you get it right (ish!) it's an amazing feeling!

Good luck with whatever you choose and keep us updated.

 

[windand rain]

Best thing in the world.
Pros you get the animal you have made
You can make sure they get the very best treatment and never have to suffer any abuse
You can grow them slowly not forced like some are to look good for the market
Everything they learn they learn your way and you get a much better bond
If you buy a two year old it will be cheaper in relation to any other age.
If you buy a weanling rather than breed one you get the colour, sex and stamp you want

Cons It takes time and patience you cant rush it
It costs money a bit at a time rather than a bigger purchase price
Youngster look for ways to hurt themselves
They need lots of freedom and company no use having to stable them for days on end
They may not grow the way you expect and may end up either smaller or bigger than you expect.

 

[be positive]

Pro's it will be a clean slate, subject to having a good temperament often inherited so as AA said above check out the dam and sire plus any siblings if you can. You will get pleasure from seeing it develop, working with a young horse every step of the way.

Con's, it will take time, which you seem to have, money, it is certainly not a cheap option, at some point you may need to invest in professional help if you have never started a young horse it is important to try and avoid making mistakes at important stages of education.
They can break as easily as any horse, youngsters seem to have the ability to find something to damage themselves on, you have 2 already which means it should never need to be left alone unless you want to as part of the education, rather than having to because you want to ride which should reduce the risk of self harming.

There really are not that many cons, just like any horse things can go wrong along the way, get the right horse and you will enjoy years of fun.

 

[dizzyneddy]

If you really like her go for it - its hard work having a youngster but its really rewarding. l only took a youngster on because l'd gained experience helping friends with theirs & working with them whilst gaining my quals. We got our first youngster at 9 months old & l broke her in when she was 4 years old. Whilst our second youngster was bought at 6 months once she'd been weaned - l hope to break her in later this summer depending how she develops. However l have found that they require more time & regular handling. If you get all the ground work done you'll find it easier. Just think of the years of fun you'll have plus you'll know more history about a youngster (like someone has already said its a blank canvas). With alot of older horses you normally don't know the horses full history & some have issues sadly. Good luck whatever you decide

 

[Fides]

I have two youngsters (one from 18 months the other 3 weeks) and it was the best thing I have ever done! They take time and plenty of patience but the rewards are amazing. And the best thing is you get a completely unspoiled, issueless horse

 

[maccachic]

Pros for me I find it more rewarding with a youngster, I don't put pressure on myself to compete at high levels and do well, I like the challenge of having things questioned and new things pop up to over come. You win a ribbon you know its down to you and the horse not someone else work. You learn heaps.

Cons - cant get on and compete, sometime the issues can be annoying when you want to cruise.

 

[smellsofhorse]

Go for it, lots of pleasure rearing your own youngster. Just make sure the temperament of the sire/dam is sound before buying.

This.
Plus lots of back up from experienced intrusctor and advisors!

 

[EstherYoung]

Lots of good comments above. Make sure you have somewhere suitable for the young horse to grow up, too - they do need space and company, ideally with other youngsters.

I was in a similar situation to you, as my oldie was 23 and I bought myself a weanling. I was lucky to find some good youngstock livery locally and then our babies came 'home' last year. It has been very bittersweet though, as you have all the exciting firsts happening with your young horse at the same time as the lasts with your old horse. It is very strange starting from scratch again. Good though And I'm really glad I did it.

 

[Luci07]

I am not quite so positive. I have seen 3 youngsters become really hard to back and bring on and all were solo pets of inexperienced owners. The owners were hot on the affection front but not so good in boundaries and all 3 became tricky. You also don't really know what you have until you actually start to bring the horse on. This is fine if you have no completion ambitions but heartbreaking if you are a dressage/hunting/hacking queen and your horse doesn't share your passion.

The best youngsters I have seen were horses who were either in a field with horses of the same age or a good old mare to keep them in line. They were either handled regularly with a focus on manners or left alone and that worked. A half way approach just confuses the horse.

You have the space and time. I would ensure you have good back up if you do consider this but I would also think long and hard about what you can offer the youngster. Youngsters can and will throw a range of bizarre things at you and without the experience to deal with it, it can become a big problem. I have brought on a number of just backed horses and found that challenging enough!

 

[kassieg]

I got mine as a 2 year old I bought her mainly on her temperament & it hasn't failed me she's 1 of the best youngsters I have dealt with I have done everything without professional input & shes now 5 & ready for her 1st season eventing
Seems very bizzare that we have come this far!

Pros
You never quite know how good they are going to be despite parentage, I never expected mine to be the type to event I expected a nice little alrounder to sell on
You don't have to right peoples wrongs
You can take things at your pace
By the time it comes to breaking you will have their trust completely
You know exactly what has happened every step of the way

Cons
Takes a while
For me there arent any cons really I will always buy youngsters unbroken whether they be 9 months or 4 I am not planning on buying a broken horse again I just love the process

 

[Daytona]

Con - paying for a field ornament for a number if years before they can start work at 4.

 

[twiggy2]

you cannot be sure of a youngster being a clean slate-it is more likely yes.

in an ideal world a youngster needs to live out with a herd of at least 3, the elders will teach manners the youngsters will play together.
youngsters can be more prone to injury.
you will have times when you need help and an extra pair of hands-is that practical?

on a yard at home with few people about and lack o experience i would say go for something established that you can get on now and go for a hack on your own without issues.

 

[debsflo]

thank you,lots to consider. i have a 21 yr old and a 5 year old. Would consider youngstock livery but would prefer to keep at home. Husband is v hands on and have a horsey friend nearby plus a good equestrian centre locally. Wont jump in lightly as ultimatley decision is for my potentially last horse...

 

[Tia0513]

I bought my late gelding as a foal. It was quite an experience bringing one up from such a young age, enjoyable, sometimes difficult but also rewarding at the same time. The main con for me was lack of another riding horse which meant that, when it came to backing and bringing on my youngster, my confidence wasn't at it's best and I was a bit rusty in the saddle. If you have another riding horse then that isn't a problem for you. The youngster I have now I bought last year having already been professionally backed 8 weeks. I must admit I preferred this to having to reback something else. But then, because I lost my gelding so suddenly, I was still in the mind frame of wanting to actually be able to get on and ride something rather than have to wait again.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[oldie48]

I have to say I'm less enthusiastic because I've seen lots of friends bring on young horses and it's gone pear shaped because although they had owned and ridden for years they didn't have the skill to bring on a young horse properly. You can invest a lot of time and money but still find the horse isn't right for you and unfortunately if these horses have got "out of hand" they can be difficult to sell. Even horses with a really nice temperament can go through very tricky phases. You may have the confidence, skill and experience to do a good job but the fact you are asking this question on a forum, makes me question that. Also, ideally a youngster should be kept with other youngsters and when you start riding it out, again ideally, should have the company of an older sensible horse (which your 5 year old should be by then). Last thought, sometimes they don't grow to be the size you expect. However, if you are able to do a really good job, than go for it, it must be hugely rewarding!

 

[Asha]

I have found it extremely rewarding, and also very expensive ! Would I do it again, absolutely

Pros :
watching them grow and change through the seasons, its amazing how one day they look like 2 horses welded together, and the next day they look stunning
the little things can be so rewarding, first trim, first rug, first show etc etc
the bond you can build with them
You can make sure every first experience is a good one
The overwhelming pride you feel when they start out
The confidence you have knowing the full history - training and medical

Cons:
unless you are a good/confident/experienced rider then its expensive
You cant guarantee what you will get - height / talent wise its a lottery
Patience is required - your friends will be out having fun, while you are taking things at the horses pace.

I have loved it so far........

 

[Doormouse]

I am not quite so positive. I have seen 3 youngsters become really hard to back and bring on and all were solo pets of inexperienced owners. The owners were hot on the affection front but not so good in boundaries and all 3 became tricky. You also don't really know what you have until you actually start to bring the horse on. This is fine if you have no completion ambitions but heartbreaking if you are a dressage/hunting/hacking queen and your horse doesn't share your passion.

The best youngsters I have seen were horses who were either in a field with horses of the same age or a good old mare to keep them in line. They were either handled regularly with a focus on manners or left alone and that worked. A half way approach just confuses the horse.

You have the space and time. I would ensure you have good back up if you do consider this but I would also think long and hard about what you can offer the youngster. Youngsters can and will throw a range of bizarre things at you and without the experience to deal with it, it can become a big problem. I have brought on a number of just backed horses and found that challenging enough!

This is a very good point. I too have soon far too many over humanised over handled and over loved youngsters who by the time they are 3 are spoilt toddlers but in 1/2 tonne of horse which is not a good idea. You must be very confident that you will leave a youngster to be just that, a youngster, not too much pandering and fussing, basic handling is all that is necessary for the first years.

Otherwise, it is great fun and very satisfying when it all goes right!

 

[debsflo]

is it unrealistic to make comparisons with a young mini horse. i have had her from unhandled and she is good to catch trim bath feet box in traffic and to catch.

 

[Shysmum]

Shy was 2 when I bought him, pretty much unhandled. I had always wanted to start a horse myself, and it's been the best thing I have ever done horse - wise. I have learnt soooooo much along the way, and any mistakes I have made have been mine alone. Patience was my main lesson, and lots of ground work and having fun.

I did it all with hubbie, using the "ABC of Breaking and Schooling" book, and Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks. Hence why he is called Shy Boy !

If you have the knowledge (and the books) to do it, go for it !

 

[Kimchi]

I would recommend it. I bought my mare as a yearling, and I have loved raising her. You gain a really strong bond with them when you have raised one, and have been there all along. Sometimes my mare seems to read my mind. And it is so rewarding when you achieve even the smallest things because you have done it yourself.

However, babies are idiots, they will do stupid things that adult horses just don't usually do. They will hurt themselves doing those stupid things. And young horses all seem to go through a teenage stage where at worst they can be down right dangerous.

I would also suggest being very familiar with the dam and stallion of any young horse you buy. My mare is very like her mother both the good and the bad, so be aware of what those things are.

 

[paddi22]

I wouldn't risk getting a youngster myself as you don't know what their braveness, trainability or work ethic will be. I'd be gutted to spend years nurturing a horse and then find out it isn't brave enough cross country or doesn't like jumping. I'd much prefer to know what i was going to end up with! I can understand how enjoyable it must be to bring one on though!

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

I can only think of pros! Having a horse from a young age allows you to bond, and that carries on into backing and riding on, you know exactly what they've had happen to them in their short lives, and you can make their experiences good ones, and go at the speed best for them. Yes there are nerve wracking moments, but I'd be far more worried about getting on an adult horse I didn't know than getting on my own just backed youngster.

 

[kerrieberry2]

I got my rising 4yr old just over 2 yrs ago! he was virtually unhandled and for the first year was an absolute gem, then I had a few months of hardship with him, he learnt to rear, I couldn't get him out of the field or back again without him going up vertical! We've had loads of ups and a few downs but they are soooo worth it! I've never had a horse that trusts me as much as he does! He's been away being broken in, and is coming back on sunday! obviously I spent to first couple of weeks waiting for a bad report on him, but nothing! he's taken it all in his stride and has been a total gem! I've never felt so proud, I have been up and ridden him twice and he was at all fazed about having me on his back!

my reason for getting a youngster was because I was fed up with getting horses with bad habits that they were allowed to get away with by other people.

my mare ive had for 13 yrs, she is now 29, so was 16 when I got her! I couldn't hack out in company as she would bolt, jog, stress out and even started biting her own tongue through the stress of it all! took me 5-6yrs before I could really trust her, now I wouldn't change her for the world but the first years where terrible.

then I had a loan mare, that wouldn't stay tied up, would break away and run back to the field, and could be a witch to catch!

then I got an ex racer on loan and in 6 months I caught him a handful of times, again he used to break free when tied up but wouldn't always go back to the field, would ****** off and not be caught again!

so if my boy has any bad habits when he gets old, ill have no one to blame but myself

 

[debsflo]

I can only think of pros! Having a horse from a young age allows you to bond, and that carries on into backing and riding on, you know exactly what they've had happen to them in their short lives, and you can make their experiences good ones, and go at the speed best for them. Yes there are nerve wracking moments, but I'd be far more worried about getting on an adult horse I didn't know than getting on my own just backed youngster.

You have hit the nail on the head with what im thinking.......
so many helpful thoughts ,thank you everyone. i must admit i am feeling really positive but as a naturally cautious person will research everything. i am off to the stud but only to look at this stage. Recomendations on good books to read welcome please.

 

[maccachic]

Training the Young SJ by Anthony Paalman - even if you don't SJ this takes the horse right threw from the start to its 7th years and works on the old school slow and steady principals. Well worth a read.

 

[dizzyneddy]

Richard Maxwell's books such as Birth to Backing - it was fantastic for me especially when l broke my new forest pony in. Good luck whatever you decide & do what feels right & don't feel pressurized in your decision. If you've a good riding instructor they can still assist you - l know a couple of friends who got youngsters but still wanted more experienced help with ground work i.e. lunging, long reining etc. You can always have a youngster professionally broken - l've seen afew people do this themselves & got into difficulty leading to a horse or pony ruined. I'd rather pay & get the job done properly as its easy to make a mistake which causes irreversible damage which may not be cured. Take care

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

I got Benji as a yearling 20 yrs ago after losing my confidence with my TB x hunter. As I had him from a young age we grew up together, as I knew what I'd done with him I backed him myself and have never looked back.

It's frustrating at times not riding but the pay off is worth it. I've since bred and backed another 3 and just starting another one. It's so rewarding and I love the relationship you build with them.

 

[twiggy2]

is it unrealistic to make comparisons with a young mini horse. i have had her from unhandled and she is good to catch trim bath feet box in traffic and to catch.

yes i think it is