Question about a horse

[TheGoldenGirlz]

I was just curious. She very pretty though I could never take care of her. I have too little of kids and am on my own a lot. I know that when they first got her two years ago she was ridden a couple times but she just sits in the field. I’m sure someone with more experience could probably get use out of her. Hmm. She would give me the horse if I wanted it. I wanted to put my daughter in riding lessons this summer but the chances of her riding that particular horse that doesn’t know us that well is slim to none. I could feed the horse and keep it alive pretty much. I did want a horse in the future but my husband told me it would be better to have a horse from a young age that our kids could grow up with. I just wanted to help her rehome the paint since she is moving and it would probably be up to me to feed it every day. Although my husband said he wouldn’t buy the horse but he would let me take care of it if she gave it to me. I know she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Buying a young horse for young children is a BAD idea. If you want your kids to grow up with a horse I’d suggest a horse in the 8-13 range. Because they live so long there is no need to get a young horse if you want it to be around for a while.

 

[Bunnylady]

My husband grew up with a horse when he was little and it loved him. He’s going off childhood memory so don’t judge him too harshly .

Oh, no judging here - I've known people who have owned horses all their lives who still don't really understand what they are dealing with. There are lots of great horses out there, but most are made, not born. Most young horses are jerks, not because they are mean, but because they don't know any better. Most children simply aren't knowledgeable enough to teach them to be better, so they get worse - and that goes double for ponies.

This is Syd (also known as "Wig Out First, Ask Questions Later Syd." Under that poofy forelock, her blaze makes the shape of devil horns, and there were those that thought that absolutely appropriate! She was a terror as a youngster. My daughter was a huge help in training her, but I can remember saying, "I can tell Syd how to behave, and I can tell her how to behave around you when I'm here, but if you are to be safe, you need to know how to tell her how to behave when I'm not here."

A horse does not have to be rideable to be worthy.

Amen, and amen!

This is Blondie. I knew when I met her as a weanling, this animal comes about as close to a Golden Retriever personality as a horse can. She is roachbacked, cowhocked, and her stifles lock if I don't stay after her feet, but I bought her for her personality (though even she had her jerkish moments as an adolescent). Everybody who meets her falls in love.

 

[ButteCA]

I know what you mean and I think if you want a horse to take care of and give a good home, and she's free, she would be a good option. Would teach your kids responsibility and how to care for a horse. Looks like a nice piece of property to keep her on. I would consider worming her too.

Yes! You have a good point. I know that she doesn’t go without food.

 

[ButteCA]

Buying a young horse for young children is a BAD idea. If you want your kids to grow up with a horse I’d suggest a horse in the 8-13 range. Because they live so long there is no need to get a young horse if you want it to be around for a while.

I don’t think he meant a young horse specifically for the kids to ride just a family horse. It does make sense to me if the kids were going to be riding to get a seasoned horse.

 

[ButteCA]

Oh, no judging here - I've known people who have owned horses all their lives who still don't really understand what they are dealing with. There are lots of great horses out there, but most are made, not born. Most young horses are jerks, not because they are mean, but because they don't know any better. Most children simply aren't knowledgeable enough to teach them to be better, so they get worse - and that goes double for ponies.
View attachment 1348350
This is Syd (also known as "Wig Out First, Ask Questions Later Syd." Under that poofy forelock, her blaze makes the shape of devil horns, and there were those that thought that absolutely appropriate! She was a terror as a youngster. My daughter was a huge help in training her, but I can remember saying, "I can tell Syd how to behave, and I can tell her how to behave around you when I'm here, but if you are to be safe, you need to know how to tell her how to behave when I'm not here."



Amen, and amen!
View attachment 1348352
This is Blondie. I knew when I met her as a weanling, this animal comes about as close to a Golden Retriever personality as a horse can. She is roachbacked, cowhocked, and her stifles lock if I don't stay after her feet, but I bought her for her personality (though even she had her jerkish moments as an adolescent). Everybody who meets her falls in love.

Yeah I’m pretty sure my husbands mom and Dad were good with horses. Unfortunately they weren’t great at making life choices so I’m not able to have them share their wisdom with me. That’s probably why the horse was so nice though.

 

[perchie.girl]

Lessons first horse last.... For both YOU and the kids. Learn to be safe and there are big things to learn about horses even if you never ride them.

How to Clean feet and why
How to check for wounds and how to treat them ( horses can find the silliest ways to get minor scrapes.)
How to brush out those wind knots (and what they are)
How to put a halter on and a lead rope.
How to safely tie a horse to groom them.
How to walk around a horse and be safe incase they kick. Even the most dead calm horse may kick out when a horse fly bites.
HOw to feed your horse. You can kill a horse by giving it too much grain, or feed that has mold in it... You cant just turn them out in the yard and expect them to feed them self.

There are also hidden money considerations in keeping a horse;
Farrier costs
Annual vaccinations
Rotation worming
Feed costs

The paint mare has either back issues or arthritis. at 19 thats when that stuff rears its ugly head... Sigh... Shes standing funny Balance way over her front feet.

What everyone else said... Teeth, Worming, Groceries... A good once over by a Vet will let you know anything else that may be going on.

My draft mare is 24 and now has a doting twelve year old... retirement home Child is well supervised by her grandma... its a win win situation. Once I am clear of cancer I hope to bring her home right now I cant take care of her.

Katee and me at the fair

shes a good girl but her size fives would make a pancake out of a toe.... So I always wear riding shoes around her even though I dont ride any more

deb

 

[ButteCA]

I don’t have it in my head that she could be a horse that anyone would be able to ride and I don’t expect her not to have some health issues. If she can have a home,some attention,and be taken care of properly I think she would be happy. I would think the biggest goal that we could set for her would just be being able to take her on some walks up and down the driveway and I would never just open the gate and let her out unless someone who was experienced with horses was with me. I’ve always kept a fence between me and my neighbors horses because they don’t really know me that well and I don’t expect them to trust a complete stranger. She’s a nice horse but I am a timid person. No death wishes here.

 

[ButteCA]

My only goal at the moment is to clean her up get any existing health problems taken care of and try to find her a nice home. If we learn a little bit about horses along the way I’m happy with that. If she’s too old and too much of a risk or no one wants her she will probably be the one who is stuck with us not the other way around. I’ve talked it over with my husband and the owner that seems like just how it’s going to be for now. She will be a companion not a horse intended for riding.

 

[ButteCA]

Where would be be without the internet? Reading about the possibility of arthritis makes me realize how much this horse needs out of an owner and it’s not happening and I’m not even talking about the money. It makes me kinda sad.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Mature horses are best for kids. We have a 21 year old Arab who is pure gold. He is calm, steady, and trustworthy. But he can run if you ask him, so he's not one of those dead on their feet kind of horses. We paid 500 for him, but I believe he is worth more. He has papers that go back to Polish Arabs starting in the 1800's, and raced endurance. We got a steal! Price depends on a horse's training, skill, temperament, and sometimes age, though that is not very important. Young horses are a pain, and need years of training to be good with kids. My TB is a screwball, at 13. No one but me can ride him, and I still have trouble!