Should novices be allowed to buy horses?

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The only problem I have with some novices is that they do not consider themselves novices!!! I have been riding horse for 20 years and have kept my own horses for about 12 years, and yet I still consider myself a novice rider. Im pretty good at looking after my horse but my riding is novice, even though I have ridden at affiliated level, I still consider myself as such.

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I am exactly the same! I have been riding for years and years, still have no confidence and would also consider myself a novice! Its nice to know that other people feel the same way
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Yes novices should be allowed to buy horses. I have a number of novice horse owners on my yard and not one of them is a numpty (although I do have one numpty however this person is not a novice, just a numpty). My novice owners are like sponges and suck up, and remember, valuable information - they are terrific! Having said that, they are not responsible for the day to day care of their horses, I am, so they can't go that wrong.

I actually have a heck of a lot of respect for my novice owners and I am always impressed with how much they have learned during their time here. I have to admit, watching their progress over the years, does give me a big buzz.
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It's too do with attitude more than experience and some very 'experienced' people treat horses very badly whilst novices are eager to learn and improve. I don't think beginners should be allowed to buy horses though (I'm talking about the people who have a couple of lessons then buy a horse with no idea of how to take care of it).
 
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It's too do with attitude more than experience

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Absolutely. We are all novices to start with. We can learn before we buy, but most of our learning comes once we own our own horse/pony/donkey/mule. The Novice who is willing to learn, asks questions, researches, will be sensible and always do their best for thier horse. The 'numpties' do not research beforehand or during ownership. They will always remain a novice.
After many years with equines myself, I feel I will always be a Novice, but hopefully never a numpty. (unlikely)


Edited to say: In answer to the question, yes, I think Novices should be allowed to own a horse.
 
I have no problem with novices buying horses, assuming they're willing to learn and ask for advice. After all, we were all novices once! I really object to idiots buying horses, but I don't think there's a test for that, is there?
 
Agreed. Whilst ignorance is certainly not an excuse for maltreatment, at least it can be cured with information and willingness to learn. Those who knowingly hurt animals are unlikely to ever change. On a separate note, however, I do think that a Horse Test (like a driving test) would be beneficial and that prior to being allowed to purchase a horse, you must pass, oh I don't know, your first two or three BHS Horse Ownership Certificates or something (though god knows they're hardly difficult). It won't stop intentional cruelty or lack of care, but I feel sure it would help those who wish to learn and improve. Then again, I suppose if you wished to learn you'd be out there actively teaching yourself anyway, so perhaps it wouldn't do that much after all
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