Should a novice rider buy a green horse?

[Natch]

Tentatively yes, I would (and have). I have seen a fair share of both success and unsuccessful stories, and they typically follow a pattern. The success stories:

Had a genuinely knowledgeable person who helped to decide to buy the horse, talked through the costs and commitments involved, and had contacts so could help with a transport company and finding the first yard/tack etc.

Had knowledgeable and helpful people around them on a day to day basis who can advise you on everything. Mine was a good YO who was used to a RS, teens and their first horses, and an instructor.

Kept their horses at livery, NOT in a field or at home

Had regular lessons

 

[Sol]

I'd been riding 5yrs when I got my first pony - however only at riding schools and the type of stuff was ridiculously basic :/
My first pony was 9yo, but a complete nutcase. Had no saddle and only a snaffle bridle for weeks when we got him, and he used to buck, spook and bolt, and had never been schooled.... that could have ended in disaster but somehow didn't I was confident enough to stick with him - and as my mother constantly pointed out, who else would have him?! Now, I'd happily jump on him bareback & bridleless, though he still doesn't school
It taught me a lot, and made me a much better and more determined rider. Though it could have easily stopped me from wanting to ride - or worse, I could have been seriously injured considering how often I came off!

I think it takes a combination of the right person and right horse - ages regardless.

 

[chestnut cob]

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When you say novicey though, how novicey?

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Have learnt to walk, trot and canter with the riding school. out on my friend's horse have sat through a few bucks and a 'bolt/gallop' - it was a bit of a laugh (I did ride when I was a kid) but I am not keen to have a horse that habitually bucks or spooks off.

I value all your comments - not looking like such a good idea so far.

Holly B

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No, terrible idea IMHO. Get an older schoolmaster type that can teach you the ropes. A 5yo needs guidance from you and if you are nervous or unsure, it will most likely all end in tears. Sorry to be blunt, hope you find the horse for you.

 

[HollyB66]

Thank you all for your advice, I did think I would get both sides.

You've given me a lot of food for thought, and I doubt I will buy this particular horse.

No doubt in a few days time I will be posting about another possibility.

I've got a lovely yard sorted and the owner is really supportive. So, I know when I finally take the plunge I will have a great time - if I get it right.

Thanks again Holly B

 

[mimbulator]

I have been riding for about 8 years and went out to get myself a horse of my own . I couldn't afford a "ready made" horse so got a 5 mnth old filly. I had previously never had any dealings with youngsters,so really a untouched youngster was a little extreme, but with help from my mum (who had her old lad from birth) and others off the yard and a lot of luck, she is now a well manered, huge (17.1) 3 and a half year old who has just started to pick up collected canter (after taking it very slowly). i can trust her with children and complete novices (on the ground as she can still be enthusiastic when being ridden). I would not do it with another though, i dont think i would be so succesfull again with another youngster as she has the best temperament and will let you do anything. However i would not tell someone not to buy a green horse, just to tread very carefully and never be afraid to admit you need help as they're not always easy.

 

[tabithakat64]

Riding school horses are usually very quiet and push button and completely different from most leisure horses.

It is possible with a very quiet, laid back horse and weekly lessons, professional help on hand daily and somebody to help ride through any ridden problems that a novice wouldn't be able to deal with that a novice rider and a green horse could form a good partnership given a lot of time and hard work.

I really wouldn't recommend it though and if I were you I'd look for an older horse that has provern he/she is capable of everything you will want to do and is suitable for a novice rider, even then you are likely to need lots of help and regular lessons.

 

[Elizabethandtia1]

Ive gone to trail a horse today. 8 rising 9. Had a foal 18 months ago and been out of work for a year. Been brought back into work. Jumped amazing today except one jump with barrale next to it which spooked her out a little. She did jump it but it was something she didnt see before. The owner said shes green but not in the sense of ridden work but in the sense that she hasn't seen alot as shes been pregnant. I dont want anything that will help me out. I want something challenging and fun. I'm not a novice ride and have got experience. Any advice? Second trail or no?

 

[milliepops]

Elizabeth, it might be best to get relevant replies if you start your own thread, as this one is 10 years old.