When are you ready...?

Q

q105

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To go from sharing to owning?

I was lucky enough to share an oldie for 3yrs, and a lot of the time I had full responsibility for the horse.

I have ridden for a while (15yrs ish) but have not ever had time and money to commit to owning. Im now in the position to, but dont know that I have horse management experience to manage alone. I just miss my old sharing/pony life (he was retired and I moved).

Ideally, I will get livery where experience is available on the yard. Will this be enough? If Im even asking this question, does that mean Im not ready...?

Id hate to be irresponsible enough to get a horse I couldnt manage properly.

So when do you know?

Any advice...?

Many thanks...

Q x
 
I would try to find some really good horse care courses in your area firstly and then research yards which would offer you support with your new ned. I can think of a couple in my area that would be great for first time owners. You have to start somewhere with horse ownership so try to make sure that you are well versed on the basics and learn the rest "on the job" so to speak. Even top riders are always learning so you'll never know it all before you buy but horse care/ stable management courses are a good place to start. x
 
I think that by taking the issue so seriously, you are ready, and just wished more people would put that much thought into horse ownership.

If you have had full responsibility for a horse for 3 yrs, plus riding for 15 yrs, I think you would be best finding a good yard that can help and advise you as necessary. As the above poster mentioned there are several courses you could go on, such as the BHS, many books that you can read, and of course the H & H forum!!

In terms of a horse I would be looking at an older one and make sure you get it vetted so have no health issues to deal with immediately.

I have had horses for over 30 yrs and am still learning.

Good luck and keep us all posted!
 
Have an honest think about your share horse. If you needed a bit of help with how to treat a minor injury, feeding & the like, but on the whole could get on unaided, then no reason you can't have your own, provided the horse is a been there, done that type, & you choose a yard with an experienced yo/ym who is available to help. That's a world away from having a green/project/comp type on cheap farm diy & needing back up with the smallest of daily jobs. Look into the bhs horse owners certificates. And it helps to have someone experienced you can trust. Some yos, instructors etc do see novice owners as £ signs, letting you buy an unsuitable horse so they can charge to 'help' & for various other things you don't really need. If however someone you trust can recommend a good yard & instructor, you'll get the support you need.
 
Sidney said:
I think that by taking the issue so seriously, you are ready, and just wished more people would put that much thought into horse ownership.

!
Click to expand...

Exactly what I thought when I read your post, OP. Find yourself a good yard, perhaps on part livery initially if you can afford it, and perhaps on an instructor's yard, so you can have lessons/help if you want/need them. Be realistic - pick something experienced and sensible for your first horse (doesn't have to be a plod). Its a good time of year to buy. Good luck!
 
Thank you all... I especially liked the course idea, if nothing else it could help me in the confidence department!

Ill keep you posted.... ;-)

Q x
 
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