Going to be getting a horse soon; need advise on how to pick right...

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I had a Morgan that I loved as a teen/ young adult. I used to ride him 50-60 miles a week and was training to do endurance riding. I eventually had to sell him (out of my control) but he went to a great home.

Fast forward 13 years; I was fortunate enough to find a riding buddy who has taken me out for the last year and a half roughly two times a week, I have also got to take some lessons at her place. Fast forward another year and we are now living on the same property as said horse friend! She has 4 horses but they are older and hers.

I think I am finally ready to get another horse! I have been dreaming about the day when I could get another one. So, I have been looking on craigslist and on some local ads and also the equine rescues. I want to be very particular about the horse I acquire as I really want it to be the right one for me. I plan on keeping this horse until it dies of old age!

I am a very confident intermediate+ rider and I REALLY want to do some of the local endurance races. There are quite a few 15 and 20 milers around here. So I am POSITIVE that I want an arab or arab cross. But I am running across a couple problems (maybe you folks could help me out)... 1. I am a big girl, 5'9 and 180 pounds (trying to lose), which is pretty big for an arab, and especially because they say the weight with you and tack should not exceed 20% of the horses weight, so I would need at least a 1000 pound arab? 2. I have inquired about a lot of arab ads, but EVERY single one has said "yes it's an arab, it'll be good for endurance"... I get it, but how do I REALLY know that that one is a good one and not just another arab...

I would love any help/ suggestions/ advise or anything else! Thanks in advance!

 

[res]

I've had Arabs for 26 years... The two I currently have both have Bask in their bloodlines. Here's Khenny's: http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/khindled+fire BUT... Bask was born in 1956, so it has been quite a while since he directly affected any bloodlines. His line is pretty diluted now, so it is hard to say that ALL Bask horses are hot, because he's so far back in their blood.

Arabs can be jumpy-spooky-flighty-freaky-hot or whatever term you want to use. But, they can also be extremely trusting, loyal and bonded. So while they may go "HOLY SH*T!" when they see something unfamiliar, or something they feel is worthy of a spook, they don't always bust in half and head for the barn. They'll just stand at alert, tail, head, ears up, snort, maybe pace/prance a bit, but then they get over it and go on. The ones you see in a show ring, especially in any saddleseat/park classes, are *made* to be that way - the hotter and showier the better. But some of them completely turn off that juice when they get back to the barn. Others, not so much...

Another good resource for looking for endurance horses is: http://www.endurance.net/classifieds/

 

[hotrodflash]

Just my opinion but you really can't beat a Quarter horse for most riding needs. They are steady and solid most of the time. And usually readily available.

 

[cafarmgirl]

The only thing I could suggest is if you have contacts or know others who are involved in endurance to talk to them, put the word out that you are looking for an endurance horse and at what level you want to do. Your probably better off looking for one from somebody already in the sport rather then just trying to find one in the paper or on Craigslist. People will tell you whatever you want to hear if they think they can sell you that horse!

 

[res]

How competitive do you want to be in endurance? Are you wanting to compete at Tevis Cup level, or more just something fun to do on the weekends?

Barring any lamenesses or severe conformational faults, just about *any* Arab can compete at a lower level of endurance. If you want to compete with the big guys, you'll need to be a little more choosey, and have a bigger budget.

Often, if you are just starting into something, it is better to begin cheaply, at a starter level, rather than sink a ton of money into it. Later, when you are more experienced, and are sure this is what you want to pursue, you can "upgrade" and getting a better horse.

As far as size, yes a larger Arab will be able to more efficiently carry you through an endurance race. But proper conditioning is the key - so even smaller horses with bigger riders are sometimes the winner... There are larger Arabs to be found - not all of them are under 15H.

 

[apowell]

I completed two 25 mile endurance rides last year on a Paso Fino. We were top 10 at our second ride, which was over an extreamly tough course with a 4000ft elevation change. Years ago I competed on an Appaloosa/Quarter Horse. I am also 180# and said Paso was under 15h.

You do *NOT* need an arab to be successful, and competitive, at the lower-mid levels. Any sound, well conditioned horse will be able to complete a 25mile ride. Buy the horse you love.

 

[animals1981]

wow res that arab you have in your avatar is stunning

 

[res]

wow res that arab you have in your avatar is stunning

Thanks. That's Khenny (Khindled Fire)... My youngster... He's just now getting broke at almost 8 yrs old. Hope to do some dressage with him, but we'll see, he's gotta calm down a lot before he's ready for that. Meanwhile, we may dabble in some endurance... I won't lose points if he spooks there.

 

[naturalfeddogs]

I say maybe look into a Quarter Horse. You can find them in just about all sizes and athletic abilities.

 

[donrae]

I completed two 25 mile endurance rides last year on a Paso Fino. We were top 10 at our second ride, which was over an extreamly tough course with a 4000ft elevation change. Years ago I competed on an Appaloosa/Quarter Horse. I am also 180# and said Paso was under 15h.

You do *NOT* need an arab to be successful, and competitive, at the lower-mid levels. Any sound, well conditioned horse will be able to complete a 25mile ride. Buy the horse you love.

That's what I was thinking. My little "range horse" could do that many miles easily, and we weren't training or anything, just hard trail riding.

Go for temperment first, that's the most important thing. If you're spending that much time with an animal you might as well like it! Then feet and soundness, etc.