The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Pets & Working Animals => Horses, ponies, donkeys & mules => Topic started by: XxhoofprintsxX on November 15, 2010, 09:46:28 pm
-
Hi everyone.
I'm 17, been around horses & been riding for nearly 10 years now. I've had horses to share & loan before.
I'm looking next year to buy a young horse. I have had some experience with young horses and I was asked to school a young pony who kept bucking & bolting with the owners. I really built a bond of trust with her as i was the only person that could successfully ride her without chaos...unfortunately they arent selling her so this isnt possible.I understand that it will be a lot of time & effort and that it's hard work! and I am up for this...I really want the rewards of having a young horse grow up with you & bond.I have a huge support base, with many experienced friends on hand if needed!
I would just love some advice in buying young horses and their training. & also does any one know if a 5 stage vetting is worth having? and how much it is?
Many thanks! Looking forward to hearing from you :D
-
Well done you for taking the huge step forward.
What do you hope to do with a young horse, competition etc.,
Personally - had horses all my life, - I have only once had a horse 5 stage vetted and that turned out to be a disaster in more ways than one !! Since then, yes I have had a 2 stage for eyes, wind & heart, but unless the horse is over £5K value, I would not consider it.
But having said all of that, until you have gained real experience, perhaps the first time it would be a good idea.
BUT always, without question, get blood samples taken at the vetting.
Many horses have appeared quiet at that stage only to turn into raving lunatics.
If you have a blood sample that shows drugs, the horse can be returned. This can apply to a private sale, because the animal will have been misrepresented as to its character. Obviously at that stage you would be using a solicitor. There are many crooked people out there.
I would always buy direct from a breeder - perhaps an unspoilt 3 yr old, - that can start its education slowly.
-
Not only drugs can make a horse seem quite, withdrawing water is often used. Buying any horse is a mine field, has it had the proper worming throughout its life, they can look ok and drop dead after a few years from worm damaged that started as foals. A well reared youngster can give lots of joy though if you know what you are doing. Its very easy to get it wrong, I always used to tell people to think of a 2/3 year old as a blank canvas. It will turn out either good or bad depending on what you do as the new owner. Still very much a baby. I hope you find the right animal and you enjoy the experience. As for the vetting, that is only as good as the day the animal gets vetted. I have always had eyes, heart and wind checked for the simple reason my horses did cross country and show jumping and the last thing i wanted was one to have a heart attack. Saying that insurance companys can get out of anything. :)
-
Thankyou both for your feedback, it's much appreciated!
In terms of what I want to do with the youngster, I'm not really fussed about competing...possibly local shows :) I would want to jump & do XC but probably only for fun or small local shows :)
Sounds good about your tips for vetting- blood tests sound like a very good idea. Do you know roughly how much the 2 stage vetting plus bloods cost? (So I can add onto budget :) )
Also, throwing in another question if that's okay...
I used to share an Arab and she was amazing to ride...but a right handful to handle! To the suprise and interest of my yard, I was able to control her and ride her well and formed a real bond until the owners sold her because she became dangerous... Is this typical behaviour of Arabs?
Because I don't mind the breed of youngster I buy but an Arab is a possibility (as I LOVE riding them, their beauty, paces) but I wanted to ask your advice as I know that the Arab I shared was very highly strung and high maintainence...I wondered if this is always the case (and if this can be helped with the upbringing?) Many thanks x
-
Why don't you try Project Horse or one of the rescue societies? :)
-
Very good idea! But have tried and many branches are out of the catchment area & also, have been trying a local one but very slow/ no progress :/
Also, as I've had horses on loan adn to share, I would love one of my own as I've never truly felt like I can say i'm the owner... Hope you get where I'm coming from :)
-
Hi everyone.
I'm 17, been around horses & been riding for nearly 10 years now. I've had horses to share & loan before.
I'm looking next year to buy a young horse. I have had some experience with young horses and I was asked to school a young pony who kept bucking & bolting with the owners. I really built a bond of trust with her as i was the only person that could successfully ride her without chaos...unfortunately they arent selling her so this isnt possible.I understand that it will be a lot of time & effort and that it's hard work! and I am up for this...I really want the rewards of having a young horse grow up with you & bond.I have a huge support base, with many experienced friends on hand if needed!
I would just love some advice in buying young horses and their training. & also does any one know if a 5 stage vetting is worth having? and how much it is?
Many thanks! Looking forward to hearing from you :D
its an incredible journey bringing a youngster on, i wanted to bring a youngster on just like you, one to bond with and we would grow together,i bred my youngster, it has been an absolute pleasure, she is amazing, she is now six, i broke her to ride, did the basics of breaking her to harness, i have learnt so much from her and our journey together, she is my best friend.
Its not been easy, but no major disasters and she is a well adjusted horse, i know what she is thinking and vice versa.
I wish you all the look in the world, and hope you forfill your dream, its incredible.
its everything i thought it would be and more
-
Thankyou so much :)
Sounds amazing :)
What breed is he/she?
-
it is
she is a friesian/dales/welsh/thoroughbred mum was the friesian/dales.
i saw her be conceived, saw two scans of her, saw her born, and we have spent every day together since :wave:
-
Oh wow, sounds like you have had an amazing experience!
I would love that, but unfortunately I think that wouldn't be possible for me...but a youngster is probably second best :) growing and learning together :D
My parents wanted me to wait until I was older, But life is too short is it not? and I figured I only get one shot at life and I am completely horse obsessed :D It's my dream to own instead of loan so fingers crossed it will be successful :D
-
dont rush into anything take your time, get loads of advice, it will happen when the time is right.
and enjoy, off to tuck my big girl up for the night now, give her supper and our nightly kiss and horse hug
Good luck :horse: :wave:
-
Thanks :D
Will do :)
Wow, she lives on your land?! How lucky !! :wave: :horse:
-
For what you want - a real friend - consider the Irish Draught or cross. This is a breed that would get you out of trouble where there is complete trust. Not for nothing is this breed reckoned to have a fifth leg !! They are the finest hunters in the world.
Go onto the Irish Draught Breed Society website (UK one ) and on the stallion listings page you will find a lady called Janet George. She has a large stud of pure and crossbreds from weaned babies to part broken etc.
Janet is a mine of information and will only sell the right horse to the right person.
Her stud name is Indigo Irish Draughts. You simply cannot go wrong here.
Arabs are hot bloods the same as Thoroughbreds and in my opinion are not for inexperienced people - I mean this in the nicest way !
The Irish Draught was evolved to be the answer to all situations - a function it still fulfils. There are a lot showjumping at top level, they do dressage, XC, hunt, harness work, and anything else inbetween. But their biggest attribute is the temperament.
-
its took years and years to be able to afford our own place with land, its been a dream of mine since i was a kid to have my horses at home, and 8 weeks ago that dream came true.
Sure yours will to, just be patient :horse: :wave:
-
When you say you want a youngster, do you mean a young novice of 4-6 that hasn't done much schooling but is backed, or a complete baby/weanling, or youngstock of 2-3?
If you are getting a ridden animal I'd consider a vetting, but a young one won't be fit enough to complete a 5 stage vetting that will accurately show problems as opposed to lack of fitness or developmentally incomplete processes - my opinion only, I'm not a vet but a breeder.
A 5 stage vetting on an unbacked horse/pony is impossible as far as I can tell. A 2 stage would be worthwhile if the pony is sufficiently handled and there is a means of raising the heartrate sufficiently (and without stress to the pony) to measure the output. So for a novice backed horse/pony or one ready to be backed that can be exercised by repeated trotting up, loose schooling etc. Also worthwhile if you aren't sure what you are looking at in terms of conformation, want to take bloods because you're uncertain of the sellers' reputation/tactics etc.
I've never bothered with a vetting as far as I can recall, I know what I'm looking for and follow my heart and gut instinct. A vetting will tell you a few things that might rule the animal out for certain levels of ridden activity or make it unsuitable for some particular activity altogether, but for general riding at local level I'm not sure it's worthwhile except that if you want insurance against vet bills the insurers might require it as an initial way of ruling out certain conditions. I don't insure on that basis, only 3rd party liability, so don't need to prove anything except that I am looking at something I want to take home and enjoy a relationship with.
-
I bought an unbacked 3yo haflinger filly and backed and brought her on with the help of my instructor and she is truly my horse of a lifetime.
With some breeds (like most welshies and haflingers), ones that can be opinionated! I think it is actually better to get them unspoilt from the breeder so they can have the consistency of handling and firm but kind treatment which means they turn out like a charming character rather than a bit of a challenge!
Mine was still with her mum when I saw her, and her mum was a fab temperament.
Dont be tempted to think of it as a cheaper option tho. I could have bought 3 continental import Haffies with dutch papers for the price of buying and bringing on my proper Austrian breedlines GB registered Haffie but it was worth every penny to have that confidence in her breeding and temperament.
Im not a very confident rider but the knowledge that she relied on me to be brave for her when we were doing all the scary things for the first time really helped oddly!Haffies are originally ArabxTyrolean native ponies so they have a bit of the Arab character. I wouldnt recommend a pure Arab for afirst time breaking and bringing on project TBH unless it's one that you already know well, just because they are highly intelligent and will quickly take advantage! later on they would be great!
I also
-
Not all Arabs are hot headed, there are 2 next door to me that are ridden by children. Both are older horses but behave in the field and out on the road. I myself had an Arab cross, he was a lovely horse but did need to be stabled most of the year as he was very thin skinned. I think you either love the breed or hate them, I think they are very loyal to their owner. Have you thought of a native, most of the larger breeds can turn a foot to anything and stay in good health plus are easier to keep. You will know when you find the horse for you but bare in mind it can take up to a year for both horse and rider to click together. :)
-
Will definately bear in mind the Irish Draught, I had one on loan and was a sweetie! Definately know what you mean abwout the Arabs, I guess i will always have a soft spot for them & I think i managed well with the mad arab I had before but i totally agree that they are hot blooded and probably not a good option in this situation!!
Sounds amazing that you now have land for your horses :D!
Yep 2 stage vetting & bloods sounds good....does anyone know how much that will cost??
Otherwise I may take experienced friends with me if it isn't beneficial for youngsters?
It will probably be between 1-4years- depending what i can find that's suitable, special :D
Many thanks to all x
-
Oooh sorry didnt see the above two posts!! Will read now and reply :) x
-
I love haflingers! My bestfriend has the most amazing haflinger who i could jump bareback, jump XC, he is amazing :D He unfortunately got a windgall which has limited his jumping ability now :( but he is a star !
Ah that is interesting & good to know about the arabs. :)
I was also considering cobs or cob x because i used to loveeee riding a 13.2 cob who jumped amazingly & a 15hh cob that was also great. :D And i do agree, they are hardier & maintain health :)
Many thanks :)
-
As long as you have an Instructor or someone very expeirenced with youngsters to be with you at all crucial stages you'll be okay.
It may just be me but by the time I was 17 I was working backing and breaking TB's at a racing yard. I was fearless with them and felt like I developed that special bond with many of them. When I was 20 I bought an unbroken but very well handled 3 year old Irish Draft x mare ... I had been backing horses for years but once I got her to the livery yard and was on my own I fell apart. I had a wonderful instructor to help me but at £30 an hour I couldn't have her with me all the time. The mare was very brave and generally very sweet but we still had problems along the way ... I suffered a huge confidence crisis and ended up paying a fortune to have her professionally backed and schooled ... I'm not saying that my experience is common or that it will happen to you, I'm not even sure why it happened to me!
I ended up selling the mare to a lovely home and still see her every now and then.
I bought a 6 year old after that - he had been broken but was green and needed schooling on ... I had several years of successful competing with him, he's still with me and is still ridden 5 times a week but we don't compete anymore.
Over a year ago now, I bought a 5 year old unbroken shire mare. Despite their reputation for being laid back and quiet, she is anything but ... every horse has their own personailty! She was a super star to back, she was turned away and bought back at the beginning of this year. It's taken 9 months to iron out her issues, she's tried on every trick in the book and I've felt like giving up more than once! I'm glad I persevered as the sense of achievement is undeniable!
If you decide against something unbroken, a recently backed youngster would still give you that sense of achievement.
A two stage vetting in my area 18 months ago was £130 and bloods were £48 extra.
HTH
Loosey
-
Hi XxhoofprintsxX ,don't know where you are but I am in the Scottish borders with a very nice sec d cross who will be 3 in june. He is a very sensible lad who's sire produces good eventers, standing at 15hh at the moment but a bit higher behind so hoping he will make 15.2hh. Open to sensible offer.
-
Thank you all for your imput!
Great advice Loosey, great to hear your experiences too.
Oooh please could you post some pictures 'Daisys mum' ?? :)
-
HI,
I think when it boils down to it that every horse is an individual in their own right! ive had a cob that was a loony!! a TB cross that was as soft as muck,and an Irish Draught that put me off the breed for life(unfortunatly)as i was in love with the breed as a teenager!
As far as arabs go i nearly bought a black filly some years back,even as a foal she struck out and pranced around..so i put a deposit on her straight away!!lol she was fab,stunning full of character but fiery hot!she would of been fun..but sadly that sale fell through but i still wish to this day that i had her!
I now just have shetlands.....its like owning a herd of multi coloured sheep!!they are escapologists and have great temperments..i have 9 and counting as my new colt comes tomorrow!
good luck finding your sole mate im sure you'll find what your looking for.x.x.x :horse: ;) :horse: