What horse is for me?!

PollyP

PollyP

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Hi All,

So... Next year my husband and I are looking to move to the reading area (ideally a lovely little village with a few pubs etc, although am thinking no such place exists!) he has promised that if we move he will buy me a horse! and I will hopefully be able to rent a field near where we will be moving to!

I've always ridden and been riding for about 17 years! My sister has always had horses TB's and I've always helped out. Now I'm starting to get excited about my search for my horse and am wondering which horse will be for me!

I'm thinking of a cobby type, but not a plod. My jumping is very rusty and I would love to improve it! I've got around 3K to spend and would like something 15.2 or bigger! I've seen a lovely 16.3 cobxhackney who looks lovely, if only he would stay on there till next year! So was just wondering if anyone could suggest any breeds to me to widen my search a little!
 
Firstly I think you need to consider how you'll be keeping the horse.

They are herd animals and do best with company of their own kind. So, you may wish to consider either
- (diy?) livery yard as the support with your new horse and also friend-making opportunity moving into a new area will be vauable as well as the company for your horse
or
- the fact that you'll need to buy of loan at least two to keep each other company

In fact, whereever you're thinking of keeping it a loan might be a good option as if you're a bit rusty now you'll want one kind of horse but may out-grow itsabilities as you get back into the swing of things.

Good luck!
 
Thanks Tickles, I should have added that my sister will also be moving to the area and is buying a pony for her daughter so am hoping that they can keep eac other company!

A loan horse could be a good idea, will have to look into it! Thanks
 
Hmmm, so you're horse will need to live out??? Therefore something quite hardy is needed?

What about a native X TB or Arab? That way you'll have the best of both worlds, the hardiness and thriftiness of a native plus the added pzazz of a TB/Arab.

Re. your thoughts about a Hackney X - personally I'd avoid anything thats basically a driving horse or bred as such coz they can be sooooo uncomfortable. For e.g. I went to try a Haflinger yesterday (crossed with a cob apparently) and I've never ridden anything so uncomfortable, I just couldn't wait to get off it!!!

OR: you could consider a Welsh D or Welsh D cross? They can be quite sharp and punchy however and therefore not usually a novice ride, but are good doers and very versatile. But like I say not really suitable for a novice if that's where you are at the mo.

Good luck anyway.
 
I'd suggest a cobby type :) I'm not being biased.. honest! :D

I'm sure many others would also suggest something quite hardy, my boy used to live out 365 days and 24/7 and we had no stable facilities. He was great with coping with the weather in a reasonably exposed field and his 'running costs' were a lot cheaper than my friend had to spend on her, albeit stunning ex racer.

I'd say they'd also be good for getting back into the swing of things, although don't be blinded by the 'ploddy cob' type - lots of them have a rocket up their bum and can easily be spiced up further with the right feeding if needed!

If you do for whatever reason end up needing a companion for your horse i'd really push you to consider finding a long term loan from an equine rescue, something that can't be ridden and needs some love and a friend to run with in the field. There are lots of them and you'd be providing a much needed loving home as well as keeping yours happy :)

Also, my advice would be to really consider going on a livery yard to begin with, as someone else said it's a great way of making friends in a new area and talking as someone who is still very much a novice having the support of knowledgeable and experienced people is invaluable for any teething problems you have getting back into the swing of things. Even the most experienced of riders find it hard work keeping horses at home so i'd be inclined to ease yourself into it.

Good luck with your move, you must be so excited! :D
x
 
Can I ask where you saw the cob x hackney advertised? I went to see one when I was looking about 2 years ago that was 16.3 and just wondered if it might be the same one...
Good luck with your move and search for a horse :)
 
You know what, I was looking for a 16.2hh plus gelding id x tb 8yrs and I got a 15hh Irish cob mare 6yrs ( but she was actually 4!)
I guess what I'm trying to say is it never goes to plan really and just go with what feels right!!!
My girly is a Coblet and is such a genuine honest horse. She is sturdy and hardy. But honestly when he right horse comes along all your wish list won't matter.
Good luck and enjoy x x x
 
PollyP said:
Thanks Tickles, I should have added that my sister will also be moving to the area and is buying a pony for her daughter so am hoping that they can keep eac other company!

A loan horse could be a good idea, will have to look into it! Thanks
Click to expand...

LOL, I went to school in Reading and remeber it being tropical compared to where I am now. I'd just agree with the rest tbh. I'd go for a yard. Having 2 in a field is a disaster - really attachment problems if you take one away etc etc. Both myself and my neighbour did this (at separate times) and was pretty disasterous (for her especially) and she ended up in a yard in the end anyway (not before nearly killing herself and PTS one pony with lami). As for breeds you can't go wrong with ID x TB, pretty hardy and really versatile. Jump like stink too.
 
I think a loan/part loan would def be a good place to start. Owning your own is so much more than just helping out with other peoples occasionally, and being responsible for a horse a few days a week as part of a part-loan/share agreement can be a great way to learn about that. A full loan would also mean you would avoid the initial out payment whilst you have time to work out what will work best for you.

Agree that 2 in a field is a nightmare for seperation issues. Also it would be difficult to manage just one field for all year grazing from what I have read on here, you would need to organise field rotation, seeding, shelter etc. There is so much more to it than simply renting the field and sticking them out in it. A livery yard on DIY or grass livery would be a lot more favourable IMHO, and also means you would have lots of support and other horsey people around you :)

In terms of breeding, if it needs to live out 24/7 then a lightweight cob or cobX sounds ideal. Personally I wouldnt recommend Welshys as they can be very stubborn, and might not quite suit you as a first time owner? (for the record, I do like Welshys, before anyone takes offence :rolleyes: ) If you wanted something a bit bigger maybe an IDX or RID, they are quite hardy, very safe and loving!

Also I am from just outside Reading originally so if you need a bit of local knowledge let me know :D
 
Thanks everyone for all your help and advice!

In terms of renting the field I would look into providing a couple of boxes possibly, depending on what happens! I just have reservations about being on a yard as have been on many in my time and found most of them to be really bitchy and feel like I'm being judged!!

Ashleigh the long term loan from the equine rescue is a lovely idea! Thanks!

Ceebee the cob x hackney is advertised on horsemart, he's called Archie if that helps! The ad says he's grown too big for his owner, to be fair in the pics she is TINY!

Thanks claudia will defo take you up on the offer of local knowledge a little nearer the time! Hubby has to have an operation before we move so once that's done I can start the exciting things!
X
 
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