Start off small or go for it?

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cobmum

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I will hopefully be getting back into horse ownership next year and OH and i would love to go for a draft breed as they are very suitable to what we need and want.

However i have not owned a horse for 5 years (i have sucessfully loaned in between though) and the first horse i owned was a complete disaster!!

Should i ease myself into horse ownership again by prehaps taking on a small pony or just go for my dream?:confused:

I think im hesitant because my 'horse owning' experience was just horrible, the horse was a nutter, the owners lied, the yard was bitchy and my mum was hurt quite badly :mad:.

I know that i have learned a LOT since then and plan to do some horsemanship courses before i take the plunge to buy but should i go for the less daunting option of a smaller pony who will be more of a pet than a great big lump of a draft horse :confused:
 
Prehaps dont worry about the specific breeding, and look around locally to find a MW/HW horse that suits your needs, and then you can try to buy from people you know (or friends of friends etc) because then you have a better chance of the vendor being honest - go to pony club DC's, hunt secretaries etc. Obviously thats not always the case, my friend bought a horse from her instructor, who lied completley about the horse then stopped teaching her after she bought him!
Also, small ponies can be much naughtier than big horses ;)
 
Does the size really matter? A little pony can be bulshy and a right pain as much as a bigger horse!! As long as you get something that is fairly good to handle and do in all ways and make sure you let it know its place and that you are boss, i'm sure you'll be fine!
I've got a little 13.2 and she scarred my hand for life in march, pulling a rope through my hand, just cos she is little doesn't mean she aint strong!
Just takle your time choosing 'the one' and if poss have it on loan first so you can find out if you can handle it...goodluck!!
 
go for the drafty!!

sometimes smaller ponies can be as much trouble or more, than larger draft types! once you buy with your eyes open, and an experienced person giving you a second opinion, you should be able to find a great match for you.

That's dreadful that you had a bad experience first time, but you sound like you have your wits about you now and won't get in a situation like that again. best of luck!
 
Get the horse that is right for you. If that is a draft, then make sure that it's a well handled draft. I can't really see much point in getting something that you can pet, all horses and ponies cost the same to keep afterall.
 
you sound sensible so ok draw a line under last experience and look to future - go for your dream - you sound like you will ask and listen to advice so trust me little ponies are little shites and im smiling when say that as i do love them - but honest go for your dream and basked in the honour of our truelly gentle giants - i would say read up with the recognised socieities etc but hell go for it and enjoy the love they will give to you xxx
 
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