Welsh Sec D to much for a novice?

[Griggster1990]

Im new on here and 2 the horsy world in general!

I rode as a kid and recently started lessons again and decided id like a horse. I love sec Ds but i heard they were a bit of a hadful?

 

[Batgirl]

Like any breed they are individual, my first horse (bought as a novice when I was a 20yo) was a section D and was ace, called Teddy, would be mid 20's himself now, sold him to a lovely girl Northallerton way.

My friend also had a D and he was a fire cracker but is now her Nat Horsemanship demo horse, she can ride him with nothing but a piece of string round his neck.

Try them like you would any other horse, get an experienced person to try it too, could be perfect

 

[rhino]

Depends on the particular horse, there's good and bad in every breed

 

[Griggster1990]

Thank guys. I a in no rush to by. Just restarting lessons and savin up now :O)

Are the horse owner certificates any good? Thinking of doin them. Think its BHS who do them?

 

[starryeyed]

^ Yes! The BHS horse owner courses are brilliant. I've been around/owned horses my whole life but went along to them and learnt so much, they're so informative. There are several "levels", they start off fairly basic and get more complex as time goes on - you learn things like stable management, horse ailments & illnesses (starts basic and then you learn more complex ones further along), about tack, about correct feeding and how to calculate what your horse needs, vitamins & minerals, how to fitten your horse correctly, clipping, in level 4 you learn the muscles/skeleton/teeth of the horse...that kinda thing, but the list goes on forever!
I really enjoyed them, made some horsey friends & really loved our weekly meet-ups as we used to go round to each others houses and have meals/snacks with wine while we talked horse for hours of an evening! We still meet up once or twice a year for a meal. We also had demo's on things like the clipping and bandaging. I did all 4 levels and highly recommend them, so much fun I still find myself going back to my 4 huge folders to check up on things I'm not sure on! x

 

[Myhorseeatsmoney]

I also came back to riding after a long break.

When you haven't got a horse it is easy to set your heart on having a particular breed of horse but unless you aim to take part in shows don't do it. The best advice I have had had is always choose by temperament unless you are looking for a serious competition horse. These usually have a quirk or two but because of their ability owners put up with it.

I have had an ex-racer who was fantastic to ride out and school but not always nice in the stable. An arab who would hack for hours, brilliant in the stable but just got hotter and hotter in the school (but schooling is not what they are bred for). I have ridden ponies from 14hh to a 17hh+ warmblood, all different and enjoyed all of them.

The welsh section D's I have known have varied from a Gelding who did handstands when he bucked and had some serious issues when ridden to a 14.3hh Palamino who was a fabulous schoolmaster.

Now because I am getting older and trying to be more selective in what I ride I have a young Irish Sports who has a great temperament, enjoys schooling, hacking and jumping. He isn't bad looking for an irish but does not compare to the arabs or tb's in that department. Would I swop him for any of the better looking breeds now? No! He is always sweet, willing, doesn't spook at leaves or pieces of paper and I feel safe on him.

It took me almost a year to find him but he was definately worth the wait.

 

[madlady]

As others have said there is good and bad in every breed.

Go and try plenty and don't restrict yourself just to Section D's, there are lots of nice novice suitable horses out there.

 

[Echo24]

Every horse is different and try and bear in mind temperament over breeding. I rode a lovely Welsh D who was an angel to handle and ride and tried one to buy and it tanked off with me and I did not feel confident with it at all. Am waiting on a vetting for a TB which I did not consider at all for my first horse, but temperament wise is he so laid back, calm (bordering on plain lazy!) and forgiving that I felt more confident on him then the Welsh D!

The horse owners certificates are worth doing if somewhere near you offers them

 

[Ladyinred]

Thank guys. I a in no rush to by. Just restarting lessons and savin up now :O)

Are the horse owner certificates any good? Thinking of doin them. Think its BHS who do them?

Sec D's aside.. I am too biased to answer, I love them!! It's so good to read of a potential new owner being so responsible!

Personally I think this certificate should be mandatory for people with no previous owner experience!! Although I do realise that would be impossible to enforce. Lucky the horse that eventually gets you as an owner

 

[WestCoast]

You may find that when you start looking or a horse you are restricted to what is actually available locally to you and fits your criteria. Goof first horses without health or temperament problems are like hens teeth as far as I can tell.

I just bought a young friesian mare because I adore the breed and always dreamed of one, but I did own a very difficult horse for four years as a teen, I accept that I am not going to be able to just jump on and go for a hack for a while and I'm paying for someone else to school her.

Mind you I still full expect to be reduced to tears at time despite going in with eyes open.

Paula

 

[Flame_]

Usually they are too much for novices, yes. Generally speaking, section Ds don't particularly need great riders, but they do you to think like a horse person and that takes experience.

 

[Crugeran Celt]

I have a sect D and have been riding for 40 years, this is my 3rd all be it the other two were crosses and all 3 have been fiesty and full of personality. They seem to thrive on a confident rider but as others have said there are good and difficult horses in all breeds so just look for the right horse not the right breed. Good luck.

 

[horsemadelsie]

If you were talking about my section d then yes definitely too much for a novice- he can be an angel but likes to test new people out and can be a handful on the ground.
A friend of mine has a welsh d who used to be a riding school horse and he is the most laid back horse I have ever known- he is usually too lazy for most people, but he would definitely be suitable for a novice.
Although some breeds tend to be calmer or more highly strung than others, you have to see the individual horse to decide.
Good luck in your saving!

 

[Goldenstar]

Their reputation is for being very hot someone I know who works with them describes then as insane ( he's joking but you get the drift).
I know them from the driving side and they are sharp and physically strong but I like them .
It's down to the horse you buy how it's been trained and what job it's been doing I would not tie yourself down to one breed for a first horse buy the right horse for the job it needs to do .
The ideal first horse is one that's successfully done that job before good luck with your search when you start.

 

[cheeryplatypus]

Have you considered getting a Highland? They make great first ponies and are up to weight carrying if required. They can do pretty much everything I can think you would want from a first horse (ok they probably don't have the scope of a D when it comes to jumping, but will do up to about 3'). As a breed they are kind and forgiving which is what you want for a first horse.

After a totally unsuitable first couple horses I got a highland to have fun on and love him to bits.

 

[MileAMinute]

In my horsey life, I have encountered hot headed coloured cobs, and placid, laidback TBs, so like the other posters have said, breed doesn't really come into it.

I'd strongly suggest the BHS Horse Owner's Certificates. I did it via distance learning as I was still in school (how I found the time I do not know!) and still reference back to certain things for reassurance

 

[LittleWildOne]

Im new on here and 2 the horsy world in general!

I rode as a kid and recently started lessons again and decided id like a horse. I love sec Ds but i heard they were a bit of a hadful?

Hi, and welcome

Keep up with your lessons and if you can, try to have some private lessons to.
Individual, one to one with a good instructor, will help you to learn more than in a group.
Is there anyone local to you who would be willing for you to spend a little time with their horse ? Supervised by the owner, you could learn a lot about the daily care needs and work involved in owning a horse. I'd certainly be happy to do this with my own.

When you are ready to start looking for your own horse, DON'T make the mistake, as too many do, of overhorsing yourself. I don't just mean the big warmbloods or TB's and Arab types/crosses. ANY horse or pony can be too much for a novice owner. Lots of "sensible" cob types (read that as your standard riding school "safe" beginners cob), can quickly learn how to take advantage of an inexperienced owner.

When you start looking, take someone experienced with you. It's too easy to "fall in love" and not notice any negative points about any horse or pony. This is very common with first time owners.

Once you have found your first horse which fits in with everything YOU need, has passed a full vetting, and your experienced advisor agrees that it is suitable for you, then you need to find a suitable place to keep him/her.
It's always best for first time novice owners to have someone experienced around, who can help (but without interfering) if and when any problems arise.

I have personally owned a VERY laid back, lazy Thoroughbred, a 14.2hh chunky cob (Welsh type) who was 100% safe and sensible in every way...but a bit too keen and sharp for a novice to ride. I could ride and drive him in the heaviest of traffic, "escort" nervous horses out hacking when he was only 5yo, but he used to get excited at the thought of going for a canter round stubble fields ! He would jog on the spot, tense up and squeal to himself. He was fast and strong on a cross country course and tricky to hold at the start (bucks and squeals), but once on our way he would jump anything safely. He is the same now at 17 years old as he was when I bought him as a 2yo.
My 4yo Welsh D mare, who I have just backed, can be very quiet to the point of ploddy. She is so far, quiet to ride in walk and trot. BUT, on the ground, she CAN have moments where she gets anxious and would walk right over the top of an inexperienced handler. She comes down again very quickly from her OMG IT IS GOING TO KILL ME moments, but you need to know how to handle horses like her to be able to, a) keep yourself safe, and b) calm her down.

Look at every horse as an individual, and enjoy the experience .

 

[Tinsel Town]

2 out of the 3 section D's that I know very well are def not for novice's. the other one is a fab pony and novices could ride her, but she can be strong so I wouldnt have advised it.

But they are all different so its just a case of looking at the individual and not limiting yourself to a particular breed as it might take a long time to find 'the one'!

happy riding!

 

[FreddiesGal]

Another person with a Sec D here and he has a rocket up his bum 24/7. I think there are obviously "good" and "bad" to every breed as previously said, but all the Sec D's I know wouldn't be suitable for a novice.

 

[Black_Horse_White]

I've owned a pure bred and a cross and both were not suitable for a novice, although safe they were very strong and a tad unpredictable. I've got a hairy cob now and I'd class him as very safe but even he would be strong for a novice.

Carrying on with lessons is a very sensible idea, then when you are ready to buy I'm sure your horse will find you, whatever the breed.

 

[PandorasJar]

I have a Welsh D x tb 4yo. I fell in love with her last year as a 3yo who'd who'd rather come and say hi than chase the others round the field in their loopy moments. Led like a dream as a 3yo after having only been handled and had a head collar on for a week.

Unfortunately had an incident overnight late last year which left her terrified and taking baby steps back again having removed her from the previous yard. She's taking longer second time around but is very genuine and wants to please. She's struck out once since I've had her, after she was attacked and when boxed in a stable and never at me, she reared on lead for the first few days but very quickly learned not to (without any violence or gadgets, just with vocal commands and patience).

She has her spook moments, a little jump on the spot, and her decide to spook moments where she remembers to spook after the spooky event . This never happened before she was attacked though. She is a very smart horse and learns new things very quickly, as a very smart horse she is quick to train you and has you following her training before you realise She is loyal as anything, never have to wander up the field to meet her, call her once and she'll walk the length, will always walk back down, even a couple of minutes later, never been bitey or nasty when having an off day, has been clipped on the bum by another horse while I was stood there and chose to sit down rather than run through me.

I'd pick the horse individually as when out looking for one I had ruled TB's straight out because I wanted a good doer, although she's a cross and a good doer, my OH has a tb who lives off air and gains weight in winter Learnt my lesson on looking to the individual rather than the breed.

Pan

 

[CatStew]

My sec D is one of the kindest, hard working horses I have ever known. He tries so hard to please you, he really is a sweetie. But I probably am biased because he is my horse!!

He's 5 and had a shakey start to life, so I more then less had to restart him at the beginning of this year and take it slowly with him, but he is therefore very green and lacks confidence. He does need somebody confident to ride him forward. He doesn't buck or rear, but he has spun a few times with me and can be spooky at times, and can be strong when following others on hacks.

I'm sure once he's got more confidence in himself, and matures a bit more he'll be suitable for all levels of riding.

My advice would be to try a few experienced sec D's that have been out and seen the world a bit more once you're in a position to buy and go from there. They do make brilliant all rounders.

 

[Littlelegs]

I'd go for temperament over breed for a first horse. I used to teach a young girl from a non horsey family. When her riding got to the point her mum couldn't keep up hacking on foot, she decided to learn to ride purely so she could accompany daughter who was only 9, rather than relying on others. I taught the mum, who's riding ambitions went no further than being able to hack a sensible older horse. She ended up with a young Welsh d, who is the ideal first horse, & in the 6yrs they've had her proved how good she is. My daughter was happily cantering her in open spaces at 4/5, owners young non horsey son can handle her on the ground etc. Another friends sec d would have killed anyone less than very experienced, even in her 30s.

 

[LollyDolly]

Have you considered getting a Highland? They make great first ponies and are up to weight carrying if required. They can do pretty much everything I can think you would want from a first horse (ok they probably don't have the scope of a D when it comes to jumping, but will do up to about 3'). As a breed they are kind and forgiving which is what you want for a first horse.

After a totally unsuitable first couple horses I got a highland to have fun on and love him to bits.

^This.

Highlands as a rule (although there are differences in every breed!) tend to be very sane, safe and sensible and therefore make good first horses.
As Cheery mentioned, they might not take you round Hickstead but they will certainly perform all of the duties which are required from a first horse!
But to be honest, I'd focus more on the individual themselves as oppose to the breed, stereotypes aren't always correct and there are always exceptions to the rule!
But if you are more interested in specific breeds then although Highlands might not be as flashy, they do tend to be more docile and safe than a D. However there are D's out there who are complete sweethearts and will do anything asked of them!
So in my opinion, go for the individual rather than the breed

 

[acw295]

I got a Welsh D for my first - she is not a novice ride as such but nothing dangerous - just fast and furious and more than a little opinionated. She is a lovely horse to have around though - everyone loves her character.

I was/am a novice owner but not a completely novice rider though - if that makes sense. Had ridden for 23 years when I got her (I was 30) - mix of riding school, private horses and a share for 2 years. So it was owning I was novice at - not so much the riding as actually would describe myself more as "competent leisure rider" rather than truly novice.

I have to say in the 4 years I have had her we've never had a bad day and there have been no tears

I didn't look for a Welsh but so glad I have one!

 

[RockinRudolph]

My boy is a D - although I have ridden and worked with horses for most of my life, he was the first I have actually owned. I got him as a 3 year old and he fits the stereotype of being hot, bolshy, and opinionated as well as very smart and lots of fun! He is a huge personality and everyone loves him. He has been hard work over the years but is gradually starting to chill out a bit. I adore the breed for their looks and spirit, but I do think that the fiery ones may really knock the confidence of a novice. Of course there are the quiet ones so I would advise looking at quite a few if you specifically wanted a D. They are fab though and I would buy another in a heartbeat if I could afford it!

 

[Rolffy]

^ Yes! The BHS horse owner courses are brilliant. I've been around/owned horses my whole life but went along to them and learnt so much, they're so informative. There are several "levels", they start off fairly basic and get more complex as time goes on - you learn things like stable management, horse ailments & illnesses (starts basic and then you learn more complex ones further along), about tack, about correct feeding and how to calculate what your horse needs, vitamins & minerals, how to fitten your horse correctly, clipping, in level 4 you learn the muscles/skeleton/teeth of the horse...that kinda thing, but the list goes on forever!
I really enjoyed them, made some horsey friends & really loved our weekly meet-ups as we used to go round to each others houses and have meals/snacks with wine while we talked horse for hours of an evening! We still meet up once or twice a year for a meal. We also had demo's on things like the clipping and bandaging. I did all 4 levels and highly recommend them, so much fun I still find myself going back to my 4 huge folders to check up on things I'm not sure on! x

I'm considering doing the horse owners certificate, I'm a mature novice rider who returned to riding 2 years ago after a very long break. I've never owned/shared a horse so I dont really know much about stable managment but would like to find a horse to loan/share. Did you do the course at a local college? I would need to start at the first level. If you dont find me bombarding you with questions How long is the course and what are the cost's involved?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Brummyrat]

Oh God I love them and would always recommend a D to anyone looking, they can be your best friends, so full of character and really intelligent. When I got mine I already had a TB ex pointer on loan and had ridden in a showjumping yard before that, ridden all sorts of loonies and thought Id look for a steady eddie as I was getting a bit old for hooning around. Oh how wrong I was! He was 3 when I got him, 22 now and still scares me *****less on hacks but there isnt a malicious bone in his body, he has such a jest for life and has taught me everything about trust, having fun for the hell of it, friendship, forgiveness, outright fear (out hacking) and utter amazement (teaching him changes). If you find the right one and build a bond you'll never want another horse because they'll go to the moon and back for you. Like lots have said above, this isnt a blueprint but the ones Ive known have all been a bit "hot". Good luck - but dont limit yourself to a particular breed (buy a welsh ha ha) x

 

[Tremartyns]

Exciting times for you! I bought my first horse in October (D) and he is fab! To be clear he can be a bolshy git at times and has really tested me. As a total novice in horse ownership this could have been really bad news but I share a stable with my OHs really horsey family who give me hints and tips to keep in control without taking over and not letting me learn for myself... Invaluable as a novice. Riding wise I'm ok. Confident, not nervy and my boy thrives on that. He LOVES hacking and can get hot, but he's not malicious in any way. We've had one tumble out doing some 'learner' jumps and god love him he pinged off to the side to make sure he didn't clip me then came and stood right next to me, nose to nose as I got up. Loving character, full of personality and clever to the max. I love him and am delighted we ended up together, I didn't purposefully choose a D, we chose each other, that's probably the most important thing, don't get hung up on breed.

 

[RainbowDash]

Hi,

OP just wondered what you decided and whether you have brought one?

I brought a Welsh sec c x, not a novice ride but i love a challenge and hes brought my riding/hanging on on no end ;-)