What level should I be at before buying a horse?

[fjmyrtle]

Hi, I'm a young adult getting back into riding after 10+ years. I'm slightly embarrassed to ask in case I sound ridiculously overly keen but what kind of level should I be at before I look into buying my own horse? I've heard loaning or sharing one first is sensible but the same applies for what level I should be at before enquiring about either of those options as well.
From the research I've done so far I'm confident I have the time and can afford it but I can't seem to find any information regarding how good I need to be. I've helped out at yards when i was younger (I would definitely need a refresher but I know that I can cope with it) and I'd say I can ride a horse competently in the school and on a hack but without any finesse. I haven't done any jumping or particularly advanced training, but I'm taking weekly lessons and making progress.
I just wondered if anyone might have any advice and any milestones to aim for before considering taking on a horse?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

So long as you buy a suitable first horse, I would expect that someone with your current experience and who is prepared to learn more about stable management will be fine to buy a horse. You will learn a lot from your first horse, so please look for one that is advertised as suitable for novices . In general it's not the riding part of owning a horse that is the most challenging but the handling and management.

I am not one who recommends loaning/sharing, as I think all you learn is how to follow the owner's instructions, which may well not suit you and your horse - and some owners have some weird ideas!

 

[fjmyrtle]

So long as you buy a suitable first horse, I would expect that someone with your current experience and who is prepared to learn more about stable management will be fine to buy a horse. You will learn a lot from your first horse, so please look for one that is advertised as suitable for novices . In general it's not the riding part of owning a horse that is the most challenging but the handling and management.

I am not one who recommends loaning/sharing, as I think all you learn is how to follow the owner's instructions, which may well not suit you and your horse - and some owners have some weird ideas!

Thank you so much for your advice, thats really helpful! That makes a lot of sense about the loaning/sharing, I'll steer clear.

 

[milliepops]

I think the loaning/sharing thing is probably more useful for people just needing or wanting to get more saddle time but either without the funds or unsure of how the commitment will fit into their life on a long term basis.

I'd echo what PAS says and say that a horse suitable for a novice owner/rider should be fine, make sure you have someone knowledgeable on hand to help you pick one and be honest with them about what you need and line up some support for when you bring it home.

eta. your first horse might not be your forever horse. it's tempting to look at something with loads of potential but it would be more realistic to get a horse that is suitable for the level you're at now, and then maybe look at selling on and buying something else when you've progressed. Having a horse that fits your abilities well makes it a more enjoyable experience than struggling with something that you possibly aren't ready for yet.

 

[fjmyrtle]

I think the loaning/sharing thing is probably more useful for people just needing or wanting to get more saddle time but either without the funds or unsure of how the commitment will fit into their life on a long term basis.

I'd echo what PAS says and say that a horse suitable for a novice owner/rider should be fine, make sure you have someone knowledgeable on hand to help you pick one and be honest with them about what you need and line up some support for when you bring it home.

Thanks for replying! I'm totally open to different opinions, what would you consider long term? I'm pretty confident my situation wont be changing for at least the next 5 years, and I'll more than likely still be able to commit to a horse beyond but I can't predict the future sadly. Would you say this is sensible or do I need to be 100% sure I'll be able to keep my horse for the rest of it's life. Also on that note, I would of course take the advice on looking for a horse suitable for a novice, is it common for people to sell and buy a new horse, perhaps to compete one day, as they progress?

 

[milliepops]

Yeah i think that's normal. Its always a bit of a shame when people over horse themselves with their first horse, it makes everything more difficult and less fun. Probably seems like a good idea to get something you can "grow into " skills-wise but I think its best to be realistic and buy the horse you need now, not the one you might want in a few years time when you have more experience under your belt.

 

[fjmyrtle]

Yeah i think that's normal. Its always a bit of a shame when people over horse themselves with their first horse, it makes everything more difficult and less fun. Probably seems like a good idea to get something you can "grow into " skills-wise but I think its best to be realistic and buy the horse you need now, not the one you might want in a few years time when you have more experience under your belt.

Thanks for your help

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I agree with MP, my advice to any potential new horse owner is 'don't overhorse yourself'. This includes not only under saddle but in-hand/on the ground too. The next thing for new horse owners is to have good support available. It can be really hard to cope with things like basic field injuries, brewing hoof abscesses etc... to start with, so having someone trustworthy to check if you need a vet or not or maybe a farrier is invaluable.

 

[fjmyrtle]

I agree with MP, my advice to any potential new horse owner is 'don't overhorse yourself'. This includes not only under saddle but in-hand/on the ground too. The next thing for new horse owners is to have good support available. It can be really hard to cope with things like basic field injuries, brewing hoof abscesses etc... to start with, so having someone trustworthy to check if you need a vet or not or maybe a farrier is invaluable.

I’m not a particularly ambitious rider I’d just be looking for an easy going horse to continue learning on. I like the idea of competing one day but I have no plans to go out looking for a horse I won’t be safe on for now. Have you got any tips for a first time owner on choosing a place to keep the horse? Is it a good idea to stay where I’ve been learning just because I already have a good relationship with the owner and know a few people at the yard or should I look around in case somewhere new would be a better fit?

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Unless there is a good reason that an alternative yard offers something better, then staying where you have a good relationship with the YO and liveries sounds sensible.

When choosing a yard after being at an unsuitable one I looked at everything in my area that was available and weighed up all the pros and cons of each yard. In the end I sacrificed some facilities (no school to ride in but had good, all year, herd turnout and a sensible, kind owner, plus a toilet) for a place that I trusted with my horse.

 

[HazuraJane]

Just here to wish you the very best of luck. The first morning of horse ownership is so poignantly full of excitement, promise and the new life ahead of you!