Re: First horse for returning rider

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Lesley2907

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Hi all, I am new to this site and I am looking for some advice on buying my first horse. I must point out that I have returned to riding and have been riding for the last year after ten years out, which was due to having a total of 16 different knee operations over a six year period!
Ive decided to buy my first horse and with the help of my friend, we have started looking, only problem being, I feel she is looking more for herself than me!!! We have been to see a few which she thinks have been fine, but after 20 mins in the saddle, my legs are killing me, which is due to the horses ive tried being a bit round. I find riding a taller, thinner horse takes the weight off my knees and keeps my joints in line. We have been looking at cob crosses, which I will require a weight carrier, I am 5'9 and 12.8 stone
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, the wight is coming off now, but I understand with my current weight I wont be getting a TB etc. What I would be gratefull to know is the best type to be looking at, I also need a horse that works well with little leg encouragment.
All advice welcome.
Thank you.
 
Hello and welcome
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Why won't you get a TB? There are some 'stronger built' ones that could carry you. There is no point in getting one that hurts your knee!

The rough guide is one stone per hand height, dependant on the horse's age, build, breed, and any medical issues; as well as the rider's weight and skill/experience (a good rider rides lighter than an inexperienced one) and to some extent their height.

My horse is a 16.2 Dutch Warmblood. She's only five now, but has filled out a bit - when I first got her it was like being a peg on a washing line! She lost a lot of weight after going for investigation re. her pelvis (a week at the vet's) and at that point I was at the very top of her weight carrying capacity, but now she has filled out again and we're working pretty regularly and building muscle, she's okay with me. I'm about 13.5 stone and 5'8"; I'm losing weight as I'm getting fitter (riding and walking most days, cut out Coke and chocolate (eek!)). Even though she's broadened out, she's not even going to be big - she'll get to a medium in saddles at the most.

I'm not suggesting you go out and buy a DW, but you get the idea
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Thank you for that, everyone keeps telling me, your better with a big sturdy plod along type, Ive given up tryig to tell people that not what I am wanting, I am wanting a horse that will further my riding and jumping, I dont just want a happy hacker, I want to get right back into my horses with my riding, and I am aiming for jumping, as long as knees are ok..

Thank you for the reply.
 
Lol, the cobs I know aren't the 'sturdy, plod along types'
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And they can jump
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But definately go with one where you are comfortable or it's pointless
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Happy horsey hunting!

... I was in a similar position to you, as in coming back into riding after a number of years away (though not the medical issues). Bought a three and a half year old just back IDxTB
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Not a novice ride lol. When I lost her, I bought a fairly recently backed four year old DB
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. Not a novice ride lol, but we're getting there. I too aim to jump (BSJA) and ODE. I'm 46 - years ahead for plodding
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there is absolutely no reason why you can't buy a tb, my gelding is 16.1 and cares my 13st oh who is an absolute novice no problems my boy is 17 with feet problems and suffers no ill effects from there plodding, he can also jump. he is absolutely perfect for my oh, little brother infact anyone to ride. so don't rule them out. look for what you are happy with a be firm with your friend, whilst i'm sure you are happy of her help, she will be doing you no favors if she buys something that isn't suitable for you. least of all with your knee problems.

good luck with your search i hope you find your perfect partner in crime
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You could get an ID x TB, that's what I got although I too was looking for a horse suitable for a novice (she looked a complete plod at the viewing) and ended up with something quite different, but we're getting there. Mine is quite a fine horse but carries my 6ft2 OH alright. Good luck and make sure you get what you want not what your friend wants for you.
 
Cobs can be very bloody-minded and aren't always automatically suitable for novices. There are some very complicated and sharp cobs out there!

You aren't exactly gargantuan, so if you want a TB type, go and get one! What about something like a TBx, so give it a bit more sturdiness without a huge amount of bulk. My old share mare was a TB x ID, although she looked much more like a solid Irish TB, and she'd easily carry a big man hunting.
 
I bought my first horse 2 years ago, and whilst I wanted something sensible as I would be a novice owner I didn't want a complete plod. I ended up with George who is 16.3 3/4 TB 1/4 shire, he has got plenty of bone and although chunky he is not wide. I'm 5ft 5 and 12 stone and feel like we fit each other well. We've had a few hiccoughs along the way but he's turned out to be an absolute angel / star!
 
Yes quite agree with the comments about cobs. I am recently returned to horse owning and wasn't sure what to look for.
I've never been a fan of cobs and bought a TB who was a bit skinny but is now a really chunky boy and he has manners to burn and an absolute gent to do anything with.
Remember too, if they've raced they've been handled by professionals all their lives so not allowed to be spoilt and over-indulged!!
 
I was 52 when I returned to riding after a 15 year gap. I ended up with a just 5yo TB who is 16.2. He is a fairly solid boy but not wide and v comfortable, with 9 1/2" of bone and he carried my 16 stone novice rider husband easily. Horse is certainly not a plod but sensible, ten years on we are both still having fun.
 
Echo others about TB - I know 4 just at your livery who would easily carry you! Yes, SOME Tb's can be fizzy, flighty and silly, but I know just as muny cob's when can be the exact same.

Go for temperament rather than breed. Something laidback and sensible.

I think ,as a first horse, I'd always recommend you 'underhorse' yourself slighty. Having to deal with silly or naughty behaviour every day can be frightening, not to mention wearing, and you soon start to thank you're lucky stars you've got a been-there-done-that horse who you can take anywhere and do anything with.

And for me THE most important thing : no seperation anxiety issues!!!!! (i.e no napping). I've had (and got) a host of horses and the ones who've no issues with leaving their friends were/are so so much easier to do just about everything with.
 
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