What do you think of this lad?

He looks lovely, but I agree with jrp, I think something like him with a few more years so that everything is more established would be better
 
A horse dealer phoned me up to say that he had heard I was looking for a horse and he had the perfect one form me. I had a go on it and rode it down a main road in london and she was perfect. He then suggested that I took her to my place and use her for a week. He told me she was 8 years old. Took her home and rode her daily for a week and she was absolutely fine. As it happened my vet was on the yard and asked me when I had got her and I said that she was not as yet mine. He asked me how old and then he checked her teeth to find she was only 3 years old. I gave the horse back as my vet said she could change. However 17 years later the horse is still completely safe so they don't always change character.
 
Generally I don't think novice riders and young horses together are a good mix......

Even saintly youngsters tend to need slightly more firm guidence and a more experienced hand at times. They also often have a horrid "teenage" phase around 5 which can be tricky to negotiate if you are inexperienced as they will really test your boundaries.

I know someone, a fairly experienced rider, but first time owner who bought a 4 year old as her first horse. He is a brilliant character and a lovely ride but with hindsight she wouldn't have got a youngster. She kept him at livery at the riding school and had lots of help and support when needed as well as regular lessons on him.

I'd look for something 6 or over, preferably more like 8-10 for a first horse.
 
Connemaras are performance ponies and they can be very sharp. They are usually great jumpers and lovely characters but I wouldn't risk a 4 year old as first time buyers. Also I echo the horrible fives phase, almost all my youngsters have gone through a testing time at five.
 
Honestly, you'll just have to go and see him - I know 3 year olds that act like 10 year olds, and 10 year olds that still pretend that they've never been backed before LOL!
You've just got to take into consideration that although he may be very sensible, he will probably have baby moments - but there's only one way you can get experience for that sort of thing....
 
I have 2 connies now and have owned a number over the years. They are typically very quiet at 4 and then turn into little monsters at 5 for a couple of months, they do grow out of it pretty quickly but they are a pain during that "phase". They take a long time to mature so if you are looking specifically for a connie I would look at 7/8+ years
 
A 4 year old will not have had time to experience and get used to all the things that would make it suitable for a novice in later years, so even if it has the loveliest temperament it will need a more experienced owner.
 
cptrayes.
I don't know where you have got the info about connies being performance ponies and being sharp. I have had a lifetimes experience of connies and conny crosses. They make extremely good first ponies and also moving on up from that. They are a M & M pony suitable for children and adults. They are also reasonable weight carriers. If they have been brought up correctly and patiently like any other horse or pony, they make a fabulous all rounder for any member of the family. As is with ANY horse/pony there are exceptions to this. My advise would be to go and see for yourself and take someone with you.
 
I've seen plenty thanks
grin.gif
 
I think a 4YO is too young for a novice, and this horse looks as though he needs some more schooling as to me it still looks quite green in the pics, i think he would suit a more experienced home. He does look lovely though!
 
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