Will i ever find a horse? :(

I'm sure you will!

Aaaargh I know, I've been having exactly the same problem! I'm 16, and am looking for a first horse - haven't owned before, but have ridden at different riding schools all my life, and been working at a livery for over a year. I'm looking for something fun, and interesting, that I can do lots with, but that I can hack out safely, and that will be lovely to handle, and that will not deliberately try to throw me off it's back!

It's a nightmare trying to find something, but I have tried out loads, and at least 2 of them I thought were perfect, one was a 6 year old from dealers kent horse producers - he was lovely, irish hunter, would jump a 5 bar gate, ditch, hedge, whatever you pointed him at really, and although he was abit green schooling & sj, he had done some, did work in an outline and jump fillers, and was very honest and reliable! Sadly I didn't have the money for him :( And the other was a full loan, owner going to uni, he was 13, a complete schoolmaster, totally safe and sane, but could jump 1.20 and was winning newcomers classes! He was a very calm TB. He was a little stubborn out hacking but 10% in traffic etc, and didn't have any nasty vices. Unfortunately someone got in before me! So that didn't go through :(

I've currently stopped looking because I'm waiting for the market to pick up a bit and there to be a bit more of what I'm looking for out there. Don't despair, you will find something, I would advise putting up a wanted ad too, I've heard they're a great way to find something.

Oh and BTW don't automatically dismiss the 'not a novice ride' ones...The SJ schoolmaster for loan I went to try was described as 'not a novice ride' and he was perfect. I think some people just put it on there ads to discourage any beginners because they don't wanted their horses ruined. If you ring up, they can give you the reason the horse isn't suitable for a novice.

Goodluck! :D

also how about this dude (well it's a mare but still) ?

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/advert/12_yrs_7_mths_16_1_hh_bay_tb_x_cambridgeshire/117746
 
Thank you, cambridge is a tad far for me, if you dont mind the horse you tried at KHP, is he still for sale? and could you pm me how much he was?
 
I would agree with not writing off a horse at a dealer that seems a little quiet. If you get the right type then schooling, feed and fitness can sharpen them up. More often than not horses that are forward going are "toned down" for sale so that they can be more suitable for the wider public who often are the pull-kick variety. Ideally ask for some more details on the horses you are looking at, it really helps to phone up previous owners and see how the horse actually goes. It is far easier to get a horse to go up a gear than down.
 
Yes, you will find a horse but you will probably need to compromise.

I had four horses between the age of 14-18 [and then I went to uni so had to sell!]. Only one of the four did I really strongly click with, and funnily enough he was the one who was most difficult and caused me the most heartache.

Contrary to your belief, clicking with a horse straightaway really isn't the be all and end all, particularly when you're looking for a first horse rather than your probable horse for life. All the others I have gained a bond with over time anyway, and had lots of fun with despite not being immediate soulmates.

Obviously don't get a horse that you hate riding, but at this stage it should be more about suitability - and being honest with yourself about your capabilities, because owning is very different to riding at a RS.

Like you I'd ridden for years at a RS and then ridden other people's horses for them for a while before I bought. My pony I bought on impulse from a riding holiday, and though he was absolutely fine to ride, he was really naughty and cheeky on the ground. It turned out fine in the end as I luckily found a mentor who helped straighten us both out, but I endured a lot of misery before then and it could have been a very different story.

So I cannot urge you strongly enough to make sure you get a horse that is sweet tempered and advertised as suitable for a novice, because it really will pay dividends to build your experience of owning with something that will look after you before you move onto something more exciting. Thats not to say that you need to get a plod - but I just wanted to give you a word of warning because a fun little spark can easily turn into a massive problem when you're out of the controlled environment of a lesson/trial.

There are absolutely horses that fit the bill, and you will find one - but I would strongly recommend that you don't try and find your perfect horse right now. Find one that will do the job for you now and get out there and have fun.
 
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