Those who bought a foal/yearling and brought them on...

We bought a weanling last year... Is it a financially viable way of getting a ridden horse in terms of time and expenditure? I doubt it... :o But he's brought a lot of fun, laughter and outright enjoyment...

Luckily, we rent stables and land as a package and have others so we haven't really had to consider using up valuable livery space for a few years and not being able to ride whilst keeping a baby... We haven't shown or anything like that with him as we're not really interested - it's just great fun having him around and we've managed (so far) to turn him into an easy to handle yearling who still has his field fun as a priority... Mr Dragon isn't the slightest bit interested in riding and had zero knowledge of horses but he loves the grunt work around the stables and training/handling on the ground...

Shame you're not closer Lippy... It sounds like just the sort of home I've been looking for for our 15.2, 5yr old TB (he was a bit of a sorry affair when I got him) who's ready to start doing some 'proper' education... :)
 
Bought my mare at 8 months. Rising 6 now and we still don't have any bond. She is now being sold. By contrast my new horse and I clicked the first time I met him, though he was not for sale, I wasn't looking to buy, I don't like geldings generally or bays or tbs but we clicked. It depends on the horse.
 
Lippyx said:
Badgermyer - thanks for the offer, I am sure I will be needing lots of help and advice.
I am after a small dressage horse. I dont want something big, as I feel happier on smaller horses. So 15.2hh is ideal really. I am doing so well with the client dressage that my yard organises, and I love watching it. I want to get a backed youngster, that has the basics and go for it in the dressage world. I also quite enjoy showing, so would like to give that a go. That's the plan anyway :D
Click to expand...

I dont know many dressage people but can keep my eye out for you!
 
I've loved every minute of it, but have found it very difficult not riding when we've been knee deep in snow, dragging wheelbarrows through the mud, in the torrential rain, knowing that there is no 'enjoyment' to come any time soon. Obviously I enjoy just having her, but I have found it hard.

However, backing her has been the best process EVER!
 
I bought a 9mth old wild dartmoor pony as my first horse, I didn't think he would make the required height for me even though I'm small but he has taught me so much. He has certainly pushed his boundaries and he can be as stubborn as a mule but he rests his head on my shoulders for hugs and gives me kisses all day long. He is now 13hh/13.1hh at three years this year and I will be able to ride him after all :) I have taught him basic manners and done lots of groundwork, now that he's turned three I have bitted and lightly backed him and will continue groundwork and very light schooling till winter which he will have off till next spring. I have a six year old green welsh mare that I've been spending time bringing on so have still been able to ride and he calms her down when she's skitty and scared. They're complete opposites but seeing the results is so rewarding, I went away for a week to devon and left them out in the field 24/7, got back yesterday and they galloped straight up to me :D
 
Be aware that what you think you are buying might not be what you end up with! I bought mine at nine months old. He was to make 15.2 and was bought to be my low level dressage/happy hacker. The little devil is now rising 4yrs and stands at over 16.1 with at least another inch to go. It has been a wonderful experience bringing him on over the last three years but I completely under estimated the commitment. He takes a lot of time and effort (in a good way). I would recommend buying a "known product" because at least if you buy a backed 4yr old you have a good idea of size and temperament. Whilst I love my youngster and wouldn't swap him for the world he definitely wasn't what I wanted in many respects so I've had to adjust my plans to suit him (and he's not even backed yet!)
 
I have an 8 year old Clydesdale that was backed at 6 and is still quite green, late maturer really bless him. I also have a 4 year old ID x SportsHorse who was backed early last year and then turned away, I bought him in October last year and he has just been handled, walked etc and is now off to "school" at the end of next week for a few weeks to be professionaly stared again. And then I just fell in love with a 20 month old filly...:rolleyes::D sooooo she is coming home soon too ;)
My friend has two young cobs (one is 12 months and the other just turned 2) and its been a fantastic experience watching them learning etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top