ginger111
Well-Known Member
I just wondered if anybody has brought a young horse for themselves or for someone else who was nervous or a novice? I would be interested to hear your thoughts and what the outcome was? Many thanks
Would you buy a young horse if you were a novice or nervous rider?
- Thread starter ginger111
- Start date
Tiarella
Well-Known Member
i think it totally depends on how bombproof & safe the horse is.
how how much it trusts you & you trust it
how how much it trusts you & you trust it
oofadoofa
Well-Known Member
Yes I think it totally depends on the type of horse. When I was a child I was always told that the child's age and pony's age should add up to at least 20, not sure how that would work with novice adults though!!
Amys_Babies
Well-Known Member
When you say young how young you talking?
Is it just a general question or are you or someone you know looking?
Is it just a general question or are you or someone you know looking?
MerryMaker
Well-Known Member
generally no i know too many people who have and then wonder why it goes pear shaped. it'd have to be a very safe steady type and even they have their moments
trundle
Well-Known Member
Nope, never. I'm a very novicey (though not nervous) rider, and I simply don't feel I have the ability or the knowledge to bring on a young horse properly. I would permanently be worried that I was teaching it bad habits. I know that having a good trainer would make all the difference, but in reality I'd be the one riding the horse all the time.
Its nice to think that I'd be good enough to turn a young horse into something really special, but I know that in reality, i simply don't have the expertise and would risk ending up with something either dangerous or unrideable.
Its nice to think that I'd be good enough to turn a young horse into something really special, but I know that in reality, i simply don't have the expertise and would risk ending up with something either dangerous or unrideable.
jumpthemoon
Well-Known Member
Personally, no, and I wouldn't recommend doing so either. However, it's not always disastrous. The right type of young horse with a nervous/novice person can work so long as the person has plenty of support. I don't think it's a very good idea really though - there is a lot of potential for things to go wrong.
Hovis_and_SidsMum
Well-Known Member
I have!
Against everyones advice I bought a four year old. I am a nervous rider and a novice so it should have been the most stupid thing i'd ever done in my life. As my YO told me the night I told him what I'd done!
But then he met the Destroyer.......
Hovis is a superstar, he's not a plod, can throw a hissy with the best of them and the other day tanked off with my friend dumping her into the fence. But I trust him implicitly and we are learning together all the time. I have sat outside at a competition hysterical in tears saying I can't do this and yet have trusted him to take me in and not kill me. I have cried the whole way around a hack in gale force winds from sheer fear and he's not done a thing.
I knew he was the one when 10 minutes after getting on I had my first canter in the open in a long time.
He has tested me more than i thought possible, has had me in tears and had me thanking my lucky stars for him. I wouldn't change him for the world and I don't regret it at all. But i think they broke the mould when they made him and i got to be the luckiest owner because i got the one and only Destroyer!
Against everyones advice I bought a four year old. I am a nervous rider and a novice so it should have been the most stupid thing i'd ever done in my life. As my YO told me the night I told him what I'd done!
But then he met the Destroyer.......
Hovis is a superstar, he's not a plod, can throw a hissy with the best of them and the other day tanked off with my friend dumping her into the fence. But I trust him implicitly and we are learning together all the time. I have sat outside at a competition hysterical in tears saying I can't do this and yet have trusted him to take me in and not kill me. I have cried the whole way around a hack in gale force winds from sheer fear and he's not done a thing.
I knew he was the one when 10 minutes after getting on I had my first canter in the open in a long time.
He has tested me more than i thought possible, has had me in tears and had me thanking my lucky stars for him. I wouldn't change him for the world and I don't regret it at all. But i think they broke the mould when they made him and i got to be the luckiest owner because i got the one and only Destroyer!
bhpride
Well-Known Member
bought a 14hh reg section D mare 4yo wizzy and strong - I was nervous and novice. It wasn't easy but had experienced help and lots of riding lessons, worked out really well..taught her to jump myself and really enjoyed schooling - very rewarding. BUT it was not easy and wasn't a wise thing to attempt - could of easily ruined her.
ginger111
Well-Known Member
He is a 5 year old 15hh Irish Sports Horse. He's got a lovely tempremant and is very calm. Its for a 12 year old boy who is very big for his age. In my past experience, inexperienced jockeys and baby horses don't tend to work as they often look for the rider for confidence. It always seems ok until something goes wrong!!
AutumnRose
Well-Known Member
Unless it is an extremely laid back horse and you have a lot of experienced help i think it's a very bad idea. So many nervous people get more nervous, horses don't learn the right things and it goes badly all round. You see it so often. I'm not sure why a nervous/inexperienced person would want a youngster though....it's not going to teach you much as it needs to be taught itself and as such probably won't do much for your confidence either **runs for cover in fear of being shot down**
Having said that it does occasionally work......i think a lot depends of how much experienced help you have.
Having said that it does occasionally work......i think a lot depends of how much experienced help you have.
malibu211211
Well-Known Member
I bought a very green 6 year old and I was quite novicey (still am
) He had been hacked for the last year and had picked up some bad habits along the way
It all went wrong after a month of having him when I was out hacking with some friends and he reared up and fell back on me
after I asked him to walk down a steep hill
Luckily I escaped with soft tissue damage and severe bruising to my left leg
He went to a local dressage rider for schooling for 5 weeks and nearly a year on has turned out to be a lovely horse
But it has been alot of hard work and lots of tears but I'm pleased I stuck with it.
I think it helps if the horse has a good temperament, luckily my boy does and is very forgiving!!
It all went wrong after a month of having him when I was out hacking with some friends and he reared up and fell back on me
He went to a local dressage rider for schooling for 5 weeks and nearly a year on has turned out to be a lovely horse
I think it helps if the horse has a good temperament, luckily my boy does and is very forgiving!!
hellspells
Well-Known Member
No never, purely because I don't think it is fair on the horse, I personnally don't think a novice or a nervous rider will be able to bring the horse on suffciently, but in the same way I wouldn't buy something that was green but a bit older.
I've seen enough riders and horses confidence lost through each I don't think its fair on either side!
I've seen enough riders and horses confidence lost through each I don't think its fair on either side!
Amys_Babies
Well-Known Member
Is there any chance the lad can try the horse out to see how he goes? Maybe on loan or something? I know what you mean that it all is ok until something happens and then with youngsters it can be 100 times worse than expected. However there is a few youngsters i know of who are very steady, fairly bombproof and very safe to ride. So may well be worth seeing if he can try him out at all.
Kat
Well-Known Member
I think if you are just nervous then as long as you get a fairly genuine sort that doesn't scare you it shouldn't be a problem. My OH is a nervous rider but he is also a very sensitive and quiet rider, ideal for a youngster.
He works wonders on green or young cobs, but a TB or a highly strung warm blood would scare the pants off him no matter how young or old it was.
It depends so much on how novice you are and how young the horse is. But generally novice riders and young horses are a bad idea.
However if you are not a real novice, are prepared to have lots of lessons, lots of help, let more experienced people ride your horse and to ride others to improve yourself then there is no reason why a well educated, well mannered quiet four or five year old should be completely out of the question.
Talk to your instructor, and get loads of lessons on different horses now, you need all the experience you can get.
He works wonders on green or young cobs, but a TB or a highly strung warm blood would scare the pants off him no matter how young or old it was.
It depends so much on how novice you are and how young the horse is. But generally novice riders and young horses are a bad idea.
However if you are not a real novice, are prepared to have lots of lessons, lots of help, let more experienced people ride your horse and to ride others to improve yourself then there is no reason why a well educated, well mannered quiet four or five year old should be completely out of the question.
Talk to your instructor, and get loads of lessons on different horses now, you need all the experience you can get.
Beanyowner
Well-Known Member
Nervous rider...No, novicey rider then yes as long as your have regular GOOD QUALITY riding lessons so you two can learn and develop together.
I say nervous rider No....because if you have a young horse looking for confidence in their schooling and you stick a nervous rider on board...its just a disaster waiting to happen!!
I say nervous rider No....because if you have a young horse looking for confidence in their schooling and you stick a nervous rider on board...its just a disaster waiting to happen!!
maggiehorse
Well-Known Member
as a rule no ...i,m sure there are exceptions but young green horse plus novice / nervous rider is a recipe for disaster and i,ve seen it too many times , its heartbreaking to watch a young horse grow nappy and uncertain with a rider getting more and more upset and demoralised , horse gets sold rider hopefully gets a more suitable mount , horse loses or if lucky gets sold on project horses
CBAnglo
Well-Known Member
Its like they say, "green and green make black and blue".
But it can work and I have seen it but it depends on the horse. Like everyone has already said, a steady calm youngster would be fine. There are plenty of older horses (say 10-12) who are definitely not novice rides but I know plenty of sensible level headed younsters (I just dont own any of them).
But it can work and I have seen it but it depends on the horse. Like everyone has already said, a steady calm youngster would be fine. There are plenty of older horses (say 10-12) who are definitely not novice rides but I know plenty of sensible level headed younsters (I just dont own any of them).
mrogers
Well-Known Member
NO NO NO.
Even if a horse is quiet at 4 it will have its tempermental teenage years to come. If you have not got the experience to deal with problems that ARE going to arise leave it to someone who knows what theyre doing!
Young horses pick up things so if you don't know to teach things right dont teach them at all.
Theres plenty of older more experienced horses out there
Even if a horse is quiet at 4 it will have its tempermental teenage years to come. If you have not got the experience to deal with problems that ARE going to arise leave it to someone who knows what theyre doing!
Young horses pick up things so if you don't know to teach things right dont teach them at all.
Theres plenty of older more experienced horses out there
bhpride
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
However if you are not a real novice, are prepared to have lots of lessons, lots of help, let more experienced people ride your horse and to ride others to improve yourself then there is no reason why a well educated, well mannered quiet four or five year old should be completely out of the question.
Talk to your instructor, and get loads of lessons on different horses now, you need all the experience you can get.
[/ QUOTE ]
Agree. It's the novice riders that either blame the horse and/or don't have the dedication or willingness to Learn from their mistakes who'll end up in probably much bigger trouble. To an extent it does come down to attitude as will I think.
However if you are not a real novice, are prepared to have lots of lessons, lots of help, let more experienced people ride your horse and to ride others to improve yourself then there is no reason why a well educated, well mannered quiet four or five year old should be completely out of the question.
Talk to your instructor, and get loads of lessons on different horses now, you need all the experience you can get.
[/ QUOTE ]
Agree. It's the novice riders that either blame the horse and/or don't have the dedication or willingness to Learn from their mistakes who'll end up in probably much bigger trouble. To an extent it does come down to attitude as will I think.
Ottinmeg
Well-Known Member
i bought a 6yr old welsh ,green as grass for my then novice daughters. had to jump on her myself a couple of times to sort her napping out but that pony taught my girls how to ride!Number 2 daughter has her to herself now and still the pony takes the P big time if my daughter gets a bit nervous.We have had her for 3 years now and it has worked out. Number one daughters horse ,bought as an 8 yr old,again green as grass (been in the kings troop and hadnt had any schooling as such so equivilant to a 4 yr old) They had there issues early on but are doing fantastically well nowadays. Again this horse took ashes riding to the next level. I agree with other posters that it depends on the temprament of the horse. I personally would never buy a young youngster although Ash is perfectly capable these days of bringing one on.
oliviacharley
Well-Known Member
I dont think it is the best idea cause you can cause problems for you and the horse....
although saying that we did buy a yearling and learnt by our mistakes - but the horse again was forgiving....
I think it all depends on how you are within yourself...if you are confident on the ground and stick by your guns on the horse I think it would be ok...also if you had lessons with the horse and had people to guide and help you I dont think it would be so bad....
I was a very confident rider and took full advantage of problem horses and found it a challenge when they threw themselves around...I lost my nerve when a troubled horse jumped a 5 ft hedge onto a road discovering that the horse had past back issues and should never have been ridden...I didnt ride for 3 months and when I eventually did it took alot of effort....
I then bought my 4 yr old who had not been ridden for 1yr due to the owner losing his confidence. The horse was very gentle and I knew I ride him well. The 4 yr old reared when schooling from the ground and when I rode him he bucked a little when I pushed on...I had a lesson and by the end of it I was cantering down hill and knew he just needed guidance....
Young horses look to you for guidance and confidence sometimes so I believe as long as you have confidence within yourself/assistance from others you should be fine....
although saying that we did buy a yearling and learnt by our mistakes - but the horse again was forgiving....
I think it all depends on how you are within yourself...if you are confident on the ground and stick by your guns on the horse I think it would be ok...also if you had lessons with the horse and had people to guide and help you I dont think it would be so bad....
I was a very confident rider and took full advantage of problem horses and found it a challenge when they threw themselves around...I lost my nerve when a troubled horse jumped a 5 ft hedge onto a road discovering that the horse had past back issues and should never have been ridden...I didnt ride for 3 months and when I eventually did it took alot of effort....
I then bought my 4 yr old who had not been ridden for 1yr due to the owner losing his confidence. The horse was very gentle and I knew I ride him well. The 4 yr old reared when schooling from the ground and when I rode him he bucked a little when I pushed on...I had a lesson and by the end of it I was cantering down hill and knew he just needed guidance....
Young horses look to you for guidance and confidence sometimes so I believe as long as you have confidence within yourself/assistance from others you should be fine....
imyourstalker
Well-Known Member
When I grew out of my 24 year old mare and mum gave her to my friend for a fun ride I wanted another horse instantly, so we went to view to 2 welsh's. The first was a dark bay absolutly gorg, 6 yrs and 'had been broken, needed a loving family and bringing on'. Well I couldn't actually get anywhere near this chappy, but I knew when I saw his lanky body and his head that looked too big for his face I knew I had to have him. This is where Henry originated (sp?) from
We had him trained intensivly with me and RI for roughly a year, and he was still full of problems. When I first got him in 2001 he was a mess, couldnt touch his face, everything was scary, and there was no chance of picking up his legs. 1 year on, he would pick his legs up for us and could be ridden, but wasn't the best horse to ride. Moved to a pony club yard where he was brought on as a fab jumping pony and lovely in everyway. That was five years ago now, and tbh it was the best thing we ever did. He's my best friend, even though I was only 11 when we got him, and it was probably a HUGE step for me, it was the best and biggest step I have ever taken
We had him trained intensivly with me and RI for roughly a year, and he was still full of problems. When I first got him in 2001 he was a mess, couldnt touch his face, everything was scary, and there was no chance of picking up his legs. 1 year on, he would pick his legs up for us and could be ridden, but wasn't the best horse to ride. Moved to a pony club yard where he was brought on as a fab jumping pony and lovely in everyway. That was five years ago now, and tbh it was the best thing we ever did. He's my best friend, even though I was only 11 when we got him, and it was probably a HUGE step for me, it was the best and biggest step I have ever taken
lucie1984
Well-Known Member
I would say it depends on the type of horse it is..and the training and help you have around you..I had a young horse as my first horse off ponies but she was a real star and had a great network around me to help and guide me in the right direction...i would never say i was a novice at that time but new to the bigger stride...All depends on you and what you feel happy with!
EarlGrey
Well-Known Member
I agree with Kat and Beaneyowner.
I would normally say no way to putting a green rider and horse together, but in some circumstances it can work.
I'm 26, hadn't ridden for years and was nervous and I suppose fairly novice because of the nerves. I then got my cob in April. He is 4 and not a plod BUT he has a very sweet nature and is as safe as you could imagine a 4 year old to be. Yes he'll squeal and have a little buck when he's feeling well, yes he'll shy and scuttle off when he sees something new he's not sure of, but I trust him so much and he trusts me right back. I know the worst he'll do. He's always been strong, but we got fitter together so by the time he was squealing fit, it didn't bother me. In fact I laugh at him and he listens to me and I'm convinced he thinks it's funny too! (They're not particularly big bucks)
My main issue at the moment is getting an outline in trot, but I do have help schooling him, so I'm sure it will come eventually.
However, put me on one of mums thoroughbreds (even an older one) and it would have been a completely different story. I can imagine my confidence would be completely lost by now.
I would say putting a novice 12 year old and 5 year old ISH together would be a bad idea. I suppose it depends how novice he is and how bombproof and schooled the horse is.
I would normally say no way to putting a green rider and horse together, but in some circumstances it can work.
I'm 26, hadn't ridden for years and was nervous and I suppose fairly novice because of the nerves. I then got my cob in April. He is 4 and not a plod BUT he has a very sweet nature and is as safe as you could imagine a 4 year old to be. Yes he'll squeal and have a little buck when he's feeling well, yes he'll shy and scuttle off when he sees something new he's not sure of, but I trust him so much and he trusts me right back. I know the worst he'll do. He's always been strong, but we got fitter together so by the time he was squealing fit, it didn't bother me. In fact I laugh at him and he listens to me and I'm convinced he thinks it's funny too! (They're not particularly big bucks)
However, put me on one of mums thoroughbreds (even an older one) and it would have been a completely different story. I can imagine my confidence would be completely lost by now.
I would say putting a novice 12 year old and 5 year old ISH together would be a bad idea. I suppose it depends how novice he is and how bombproof and schooled the horse is.
jellyshake
Well-Known Member
confidence can often overcome inadequacies in riding, so a confident novice on an honest youngster can work, I know because that was me many years ago lol,
But nervous person on a youngster is not a good idea for all the reasons everyone has already mentioned.
tabithakat64
Well-Known Member
Yes, a lady at my yard brought ayearling after a handful of lessons and a couple of months sharing a plod. Then brought her 14 year old a newly backed horse.
username223
Well-Known Member
i think buying a young or difficult horse can really teach someone to ride. my first horse, when i was about 12 was a 14.3h 4 yr old who had been backed and only ridden for a few weeks since he'd been turned away. i was very nervous and definately not a "real" rider as the only riding i did was on a 13hh plod in a riding school. We had been to look at many horses, all of which i didnt think were suitable, then we went to look at Rocky, he was VERY headshy, and very sharp, he couldnt even trot in a straight line without shooting forwards, but it was his loving temperament, natural jumping ability and his willing to learn that made us buy him. We bought him and with the help of an experienced instructor, brought him on leaps and bounds. When we started to jump, he was obliging and tried his best, although I as a rider didnt always get it right. But as i was still quite nervous he started to pick up on this and completely take the piss and refuse to jump anything, knowing that i wouldnt do anything about it. i was to the point that i wanted to give up and many lessons often resulted in tears. I realised that unless i get my act together and RIDE this pony, i wouldnt get anywhere. He taught me to be a real rider, confident, positive and bossy when he was a pig, so i suppose its all about the will power of the rider. I am now 15 and he is now 7 and we are jumping 1m10 tracks and i cant remember the last time i felt nervous! Everybody comments on what a nice, calm, talented horse he is, and the best thing is knowing that i made him like that, I cant stress how much more rewarding it is riding him, than sitting on a schoolmaster that knows his job inside out, I wouldnt sell him for the world!
Swift08
Well-Known Member
My first pony was a 3yo unbroken NFxTB my mum and i traveled all over the south looking at ponies and they were usualy not as advertised, we got so fed up we went to the dealers yard at the bottom or our road and we had a choice of 38 ponies to choose from and my pony came and grabbed my coat and would not let go. We went back for a second viewing and also visited him everyday through the fence. 3 years on he is a little angel.
I was willing to learn and took in as much as i could which really helped.
I would not reccomend it to many people though as it took alot of time and patience to get him working properly although he has always had a good nature.
I was willing to learn and took in as much as i could which really helped.
I would not reccomend it to many people though as it took alot of time and patience to get him working properly although he has always had a good nature.
Sarah1
Well-Known Member
Novice rider - yes, it can work & I'm living proof! I'd had a long break from riding when I bought Bailey at 4yrs old - he's been fab & I don't regret it for 1 second! He's the most sensible, bravest horse to hack out, not spooky or silly but we still have great fun & he likes to throw the odd buck or 3 in which I can live with! I was told if I ever wanted to sell him I should contact the police as they're always on the look out for horses like my boy!
I have a professional trainer now who schools Bailey sometimes as well as teaching me - when he 1st sat on him he actually commented on how fab Bailey's canter is so I must have done something right!
He is challenging sometimes - he's a big lad & doesn't think twice somedays about trying to throw his weight around but I'm 100% confident with him - not to mention used to him by now! - that I don't mind sticking him back in his place!
Nervous riders - probably not if I'm 100% honest - I was novicey but not nervous when I bought Bailey & I think it helped that I was confident, I don't think he'd have progressed as well with someone who was very nervous as he really did take his confidence from his rider in his younger years.
I have a professional trainer now who schools Bailey sometimes as well as teaching me - when he 1st sat on him he actually commented on how fab Bailey's canter is so I must have done something right!
He is challenging sometimes - he's a big lad & doesn't think twice somedays about trying to throw his weight around but I'm 100% confident with him - not to mention used to him by now! - that I don't mind sticking him back in his place!
Nervous riders - probably not if I'm 100% honest - I was novicey but not nervous when I bought Bailey & I think it helped that I was confident, I don't think he'd have progressed as well with someone who was very nervous as he really did take his confidence from his rider in his younger years.