When are you ready for your first youngster?

Ben2684

Ben2684

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With soundness issues of late with my horse and a slightly uncertain few months ahead I have been looking at outcomes for all eventualities.

One of the possibilities is keep current horse as a light jack and get another. Now herein lies the query. Current horse I got when he was nine and he was beautifully schooled etc I'm wondering (partly due to budget) whether I would cope with a 4/5 year old, whether I am ready basically? Competent but sometimes lacking confidence would best describe me I suppose but instructor is on same yard and would have a good support network in place. Nowhere near definite really just a random musing for a Monday afternoon!!

And I don't mean newly backed-have seen a nice 4.5 yr old heavy hunter type that I like with all the basics in place. How do I know if I have the skill/knowledge to further a horses education? Instructor says yes definitely with help
 
If your instructor says yes, I'd go with that. (S)he knows you well and is there to help so will be able to tell you far better than anybody else. You know how if you worry about being a psychopath, you can't possibly be one? I think the same goes for young horses. If you worry that you might ruin one, you won't! Recognising when you don't have the skill / knowledge and getting help at the right time is key.

Also, there are youngsters and youngsters. My share horse is now 20, but he was just as laid back and forgiving as a 5year old. Find the right one, listen to advice and get help when you need it and you won't go far wrong.

Good luck.
 
Is there any way you could get some experience with a youngster of that level before going the whole hog and buying one? Do you have any friends with youngsters you could ride / look after for a weekend? Maybe search the online ads for local people who want some help with theirs - then at least you could check your confidence levels when being tested by a youngster to see if you'd be happy taking one on.
 
I suppose in part in depends in which areas you tend to lack confidence, when you do (e.g. when jumping, when horses misbehave, when in an unfamiliar environment?). Have a think about that and whether it would impede a young horse's education or whether it could easily be sorted with the right support (for example, if your confidence gets easily knocked when jumping getting someone else to introduce your youngster to jumping or getting an instructor who can support both horse and rider together).
 
Your instructor is best placed to advise really.

It's not just about whether you're ready, but also about whether you're up for it. After the emotional roller coaster of a lame horse, a youngster can be a whole other set of ups and downs. I don't think you should think of it as a cost effective way to get a better quality horse than you might otherwise afford, as you could end up spending a fortune on training for both you and the horse. I know that's not what your post says, but lots of people do seem to see it in those terms.

Having said that, if you choose the right horse with the right temperament, you're prepared to invest in training and put the work in, and your expectations about speed of progress are realistic then it can be amazingly satisfying and really good fun.

I bought a just backed 3yo as my second horse just over 18 months ago. I am pretty confident, as in not afraid, but very much aware of my limitations as a rider. My chap is exceptionally easy in every way, and even so there have been plenty of ups and downs. He has made me challenge every aspect of my riding and what I thought I had learned about training horses with my first horse, and at times I have really wondered whether I am good enough to keep going without ruining him completely. Things reached a low point last winter, not because he was misbehaving or sharp, he wasn't, but because I was really struggling to get the basics right and it was p***ing him off. Then the two people who were helping me by riding him once or twice a week got injured (nothing to do with my horse) and I had to step up and get on with it, with plenty of lessons. As it turned out, it was the making of us.

We are now starting to really get the basics right, we have been getting out and about hacking in new places and doing little tiny shows and we are both so much happier with things. I look forward to spending the next 20+ years with the little dude.
 
Micropony said:
Your instructor is best placed to advise really.

It's not just about whether you're ready, but also about whether you're up for it. After the emotional roller coaster of a lame horse, a youngster can be a whole other set of ups and downs. I don't think you should think of it as a cost effective way to get a better quality horse than you might otherwise afford, as you could end up spending a fortune on training for both you and the horse. I know that's not what your post says, but lots of people do seem to see it in those terms.

Having said that, if you choose the right horse with the right temperament, you're prepared to invest in training and put the work in, and your expectations about speed of progress are realistic then it can be amazingly satisfying and really good fun.

.
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Your instructor is indeed best placed to advise BUT I would question the motives of one or two instructors I've come across and advise that you go to an independent BHS examination centre (at the very least, failing access to anywhere else), explain your predicament and get yourself assessed. Be prepared to describe precisely the type of youngster you are looking for and also to have to invest in a few lessons/assessments before they put you on anything like what you MAY be considering purchasing.

Your current instructor is likely to have only seen you on your current horse; some people ride very differently when they get on to a strange animal-which is what a new purchase would be.

Also, being a cynic, I know of several instructors that have in the past advised someone to go ahead and buy totally unsuitable 4 or 5 year olds - based, presumably on the hope/premis that they would then get the revenue from loads of extra schooling/lessons. I know this for fact as last year I picked up a very nice youngster at a knockdown price that hadn't been too screwed up and which has just won at his first effort at BE100. :) Reason for sale? Scared owner *****less who could no longer afford/sustain the cost of the necessary schooling/lessons to keep horse on the straight and narrow.

Just some food for thought....
 
Thanks for your replies. I may be jumping the gun as I'm hoping my current horse may come right but I'm looking at options if not.

In regard to my instructor, I have been having lessons once/twice a week and very early on she said I need to experience riding other horses. I have ridden a few of hers (some quite tricky) and helped exercise her just backed warm blood (under her guidance) so feel I may have ticked that box. I sometimes lose confidence in my ability more than anything-I worry whether I am doing the right thing in the right way but getting better at this.

I've only really looked around a bit what is out there. VERY nearly called about a 17.2 RID 4yr old, hacking under saddle, not much jumping as yet due to size and maturity but looked V nice. This is the type of thing I would be looking for. Not a complete blank canvas but foundations already laid.

Need to wait a bit before deciding what to do, won't be selling or loaning my lad so will I've to work out what is best for him whatever the outcome
 
I think that you need patience and confidence before getting a youngster and be prepared to fall off a few times as well, because a youngster will be unpredictable, if they have not done something before then you can't be sure how they are going to react to new activities or questions.

I went from sharing an older horse to buying a 5 year old native pony so big change. I have had my pony nearly 9 years and it has been challenging at times but he is a good pony so I have been lucky as I am not a very good rider and I have not had the chance to have loads of lessons with him. He is not that well schooled but we have fun together and I am able to do most activities with him including lots of things I had never done before such as dressage competitions, sponsored rides, Le trec and county shows. One things I found was that he was very quiet when I first got him then a few years later he became more sharp and challenging and now he is fairly settled and well behaved most of the time, and I fall off a lot less! However I think that is because I know him so well now that I know what he does and does not like or what makes him get over excited and buck so I am just more prepared.
 
I've just retired my old mare and bought a 5 yr old. I only did this after much searching and consideration and have based myself on a yard for support and facilities. Despite being a super brave confident kind horse it is hard work and I feel pushed out of my comfort zone on a regular basis. I'm trying to just get on with it and hope that it will get easier as we get used to each other. I wanted a horse with no baggage but it's hard work ...
 
Really depends on the horse I think. I bought my ID mare as a 5yr old when I was 18 and very inexperienced. She had been broken, done a bit of hacking, had a foal and then been sent to the dealer I bought her from. She couldn't even walk in a straight line when I got her. I pottered around hacking and xc for a few years and then moved on to other stuff. She was amazing and was pretty quiet as a youngster, she got sillier as she got older.
 
Sounds like ability wise etc you are probably OK for the right horse. However, IME it is a massive roller coaster where one day everything's going great then suddenly you have a massive leap backwards and basics you had well established disappear overnight and have to be re taught. Can be quite frustrating and demoralising and does make you second guess everything you have done.
 
gnubee said:
Sounds like ability wise etc you are probably OK for the right horse. However, IME it is a massive roller coaster where one day everything's going great then suddenly you have a massive leap backwards and basics you had well established disappear overnight and have to be re taught. Can be quite frustrating and demoralising and does make you second guess everything you have done.
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I second this.

Another thing I would probably say is if you are easily frustrated / impatient then have a good hard think about it.

My last youngster turned into a lovely little chap who I then sold on to buy another youngster, but I made my fair share of mistakes with him. And mostly because I was constantly wondering why I wasn't progressing at the same speed as so-and-so on the yard etc. Once I took a step back and took the pressure off both myself and him then it was exceptionally rewarding.

And if nothing else, riding youngsters does generally improve your riding, your seat and your balance! Failing that, it will re-affirm your belief in always riding with an 'oh-****' strap!
 
I was 9 years old when I got my first pony - an unbroken ex-feral NF X TB that had been abused and he was 4 years old. I'd been having lessons and riding since I was 4. I didn't have an instructor, pretty sure my parents thought you could only get them at a riding school. I haven't actually had a lesson since I was 9 come to think of it, I probably should consider having someone out to check I've not slipped into some terrible habits!

It many ways, this was an absolutely terrible idea - a young horse and rider, put together. He was extremely nervous, extremely unpredictable and an absolute baby. We got setback 6 months when he broke his leg, but as an 9 year old, I was adamant I wouldn't lose him after only 2 weeks! He healed remarkably and is 100% sound always, never an issue and not even a scar. Those 6 months, with me visiting him in horse hospital sometimes 3 times a day in his first few weeks and then he came home. I loved him too much already and this time allowed the foundations of our bond to come together - very cheesy but that's the only way I can think of phrasing it!

When we finally managed to get him to stand still long enough to get the girth on his saddle done up without him bucking it off, I plucked up the courage to get on. After leaning and waffling my arms across his back and nudging his quarters over the course of a couple of sessions and him standing like a rock, I slowly swung my leg over. I think all in all I was on his back for around 4 seconds before I hit the deck. On my back. With him broncoing at my feet still.

It was a long breaking process and he was a complete nutter. Years and years of work along and I have my dream pony. We've done a lot - cleared a metre, galloped and he lives for the hilly hacks and long gallops stretches on hacks. Now after finally close to outgrowing him, I'm ready to hand him down to my younger sister, who I think will have so much fun, and I'm pretty sure he'll enjoy the lighter load of my sister!! He will stay with me for the rest of his life. He's got something so special about him, and I can honestly say I brought him on myself. Oh and believe me - I have the injuries to prove it - like on our first time how out hacking he ditched me down a ditch and then walloped me in the jaw as I crawled back up, or the time he stood on my back (thank you Harry for the lovely hoof shape scar on my back, it really compliments my outfits when that portion of my back is visible). But it's all honestly been worth it and I've loved having him from such a young age. My new horse is an ex racer, 12 years old and he's in progress of becoming an event horse.

Looking back, I was definitely far too young. But, I was pretty fearless and didn't appreciate at that age how easily he could hurt me. Whenever I came home bruised and sore, my parents would always remind me how lucky I was and that we couldn't afford a schoolmaster, and he was my best shot at my dreams. It was make him what I wanted or nothing at all. I guess I'm all up for a challenge because of that. Not to mention that they both were extremely budget friendly and I know have the seat of a saint thanks to my pony.

OP - my advice would be trust your gut and maybe if you think your ready go view some youngsters and get a feel for how they behave and how you think you would cope. Having a instructor I think will help you massively.
 
I think it totally depends on the horse......but having the support of a decent instructor would be invaluable.

I have ridden for 30 yrs and although not hugely confident, reasonable well experienced. I bought my first youngster 3 yrs ago (he is now 7), and has been a steep learning curve.

He was backed and ridden away but that was about it. When he was 4/5 yrs he was kept at home, and although I did have someone to help with his flatwork, hacking etc was done on his own so just had to 'get on with it'.

He went through a very serious teenage phase at 5/6 with me having to really grow some balls, and some scary moments, both in his handling and his ridden, such as planting and spinning on hacks, and rearing in hand.

However now as a 7 yr old I have my near 'perfect' horse and am very proud of him. He is exactly what I wanted and we have a very close bond. He rides as I want him, and I know him inside out, and him me. we have taken everything very slowly and he has just started competing now, with great results.

Now I have done it once, I would feel more confident to take on another youngster, and although it would be lovely to buy another 'made' horse, there is nothing more satisfying to have brought on your own, and I wouldn't swap him for the world.

Good luck!
 
Did my first untouched 4 year old when I was 18, but had brought numerous youngsters on previous to that (although none that I actually backed myself).

By the very nature of horses, some youngsters are easier than others, but inevitably you will encounter some sort of difficulties as things rarely go smoothly. It's a lot of work, but extremely rewarding. Make sure you have a good support network and that you are a confident and competent rider and handler. A youngster can test even the most confident rider at times. Good luck! It's a fantastic experience.
 
My first horse was just backed and ridden away when I got her at 3. I had helped others with youngsters but never had my own horse I would definitely do it all again, but I think confidence is super important with them. You have to be willing to stand your ground, be calm in scary moments and ensure you find a way of winning arguments- not necessarily by being forceful, more by finding a way to get through it and still have the horse do what you want in a way you are both happy with. My horse is quite sharp but she has a good nature at heart. They can be frustrating, when you think you're there and you're not and the tack checks- they grow and change so much I must have had my saddler out every 2 months! But as I say I've already planned to look for another youngster should I ever be in the market again!
 
Thanks everyone your input has been really helpful. Situation is now that I will be giving my horse a fair few months off (until spring?) with the hope he may be able to Pootle up the lane twice a week-bare minimum I would like him to be field sound without needing medication. My current YO has amazingly said if I got another one he could remain on grass livery for a very good price, and I didn't realise she did a multi horse discount so basically he can effectively convalesce/ retire where he is for £10 w/k on top of what I am paying now if I got a 2nd :)

So I will be looking for something that is 16.3 plus with good bone (I am 6ft 3 and 12 st) that is relatively sane/sensible. Under the guidance I don't mind putting the hours in with a youngster and have had a look at a few. I'm more inclined towards he ones that have at least had tack on/started very basic schooling as opposed to not started yet. Any suggestions as to what sort to try, am looking at a couple of ID/IDX's this weekend, instructor and yard owner both coming with me and on the phone I have been very (though my instructor says I undersell myself) honest about my expectations, experience and what I would be wanting to achieve. Youngest is 4yrs 3 months and the eldest is 4yrs 9 months. I am also in the process of rising other liveries/instructors horses (as I have only ridden my own for a few years) in the meantime to just experience different animals and how they ride really.
 
I agree with a lot of the comments above. It depends on the horse, it's personality, your attitude and whether you've a good network around you. I didn't think I was ready but 18 months on from taken on a 6yo that had next to nothing shows I was and I am. I'd lots of experience with other peoples horses but this girl was effectively my 2nd horse. We've had our ups and downs but she's never thrown anything at me that I haven't been able to handle. (I started a blog when I got her www.horseyculture.wordpress.com, if your interested).
 
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