Thinking of buying a young Dutch W/B - any experiences/advice to share?

[CharlesMax]

I am currently shopping for a new horse and didn’t realise what a daunting task it is! I have recently got the taste for Eventing which my lovely ISH Hunter didn’t enjoy as much as I did so I sadly sold him on so I could find a more willing horse. Having a small budget, I have had to compromise on age and still toying with getting a more experienced older horse vs getting a young horse with potential. I was only considering younger Irish horses but have recently come across a fabulous looking Dutch Warmblood. I have seen videos, etc and am impressed so far and want to trial the horse with my Instructor.

I am not very experienced but nothing phases me and I have good instructors to help me. My last horse was very Green and I managed well with him under the right Instructors so I am happy to take on a new challenege. I wanted to ask your opinions/experiences buying younger Warmbloods, especially from those of you who are less experienced.

 

[Orls]

I bought both my warmbloods very young, one at three years old just backed and the other at 10 months old, I just backed her myself last month. I have had nothing but joy from both of them! My baby was very easy to back but I suppose that's because she's had consistent, fair handling from day one. Don't believe all the stories about them being stupid or difficult to manage, like any horse if they are treated well they will repay you one hundred fold.

I've always handled these types of horses as I used to work on an event and then a show jumping yard where the majority were big warmbloods, many youngsters. I've found they bond very tight with their handlers and are wonderful, loyal friends if trained correctly. It's important to be consistent and firm with your boundaries but that goes for any horse really!

Don't forget that the warmbloods take a long time to mature both physically and mentally and training should be slow and logical. To be honest, I wouldn't be happy with any other breed now. I just love them. My two are very trainable and smart and super athletes. How old is the one you are considering? Be wary of anything with a huge movement at only two or three years old, sometimes the over exaggerated movers can have a tendency to break down young. If you are inexperienced the best thing to look for is a kind eye and a willing attitude over the super flashy paces.

Don't be too in awe of them, they are still horses at the end of the day! If you would feel confident training another young horse there's no reason why you won't be capable of managing a warmblood. Mine do like to be active though and can be a bit full of themselves if left with no work for more than one day at a time.