Thinking about getting horses, need advice?

[thinkyesi]

So I've always grown up and been raised around many different types of animals. Birds are my favorite. But I would really love to get horses. I used to go trail riding in groups. But nothing other than that. I just want to know if anyone has any tips on what breed of horses to look into for beginners. Also about supplements and feeding? Any tips or advice is helpful!
We'd only use them for riding on the weekends on trails. And during the week just loving up on them haha. They are such beautiful animals.

 

[cassie]

Your best bet is to get an older (but not ancient) well trained bomb proof horse to start with. Be sure to have it checked out by the vet for basic soundness. You want to make sure it doesn't have heart problems, breathing issues, and has good eyes, and sound feet and legs. Have the teeth checked too.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

X2
Think long and hard about your goals for a horse or horses.
These days, horses can be a very costly enterprise.
In the old days we had free ranging horses that didn't need much attention. We never had a vet attend them and only had hooves trimmed one time. Those two attendees can be quite pricey.

 

[Folly's place]

Before buying, take riding lessons for at least six months, or a year, and consider leasing a horse at the stable where you ride.
If that's not affordable, neither is horse ownership!!!
Riding a couple of livery stable horses is not enough experience, in any way to prepare you for actual ownership. Horses are wonderful, true, but they are at least half ton critters who can kill you without ever meaning to do it.
And, it's easy to buy, and hard to sell. And, a horse can live easily to 25 years, if not 30+ years of age. It's a long term commitment.
Mary

 

[sorce]

I'd be a tad worried about only riding weekends too.
More time at home than out makes for wanting to go home an even stronger urge on the way home.
Which can mean an uncontrollable horse and bad accidents.

Research through it!

Good Skill!

Sorce

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Good points from the previous 2 posters.
They really need daily contact at least if not daily riding.
Most of the time our free range horses were only handled on weekends and they were always wild. I rode a friend's mother's retired racing thoroughbred a couple times. It was rarely ridden and extremely difficult to control.
I was told all my life that if you spend enough time with horses, you'll eventually be injured - badly.

 

[Folly's place]

Injuries happen.
I have sweet and gentle horses, and have still had some very close calls, on the ground.
Riding is fun, but things happen, and folks who ride without a helmet are CRAZY!
Even a sweet old plug can trip and fall, with you underneath. Horse sports are even more fun, but added danger.
For the ultimate, watch high level three day eventing!
Mary

 

[thinkyesi]

Lessons and horse leasing is a pretty good suggestion, I'll have to look into that!

 

[thinkyesi]

I have the time to give them daily contact, but riding wise would be done more on the weekend's. Where I could ride for longer. I would still like to ride during the week? How often do most people ride their horses?

Again I'm not getting any soon. I just want opinions, advice and thoughts. Cause I know it's a big deal to prepare for if I do go for it. Which I'm takin my time. I'm not gonna rush into it.

 

[Folly's place]

Some people ride daily, some less often. It depends on time, what the horse needs, training, and especially if there's not an indoor arena, on the weather.
Horses never forget anything!
They need to live outside, on pasture, not locked in a stall going stir crazy. 'Pasture board' is usually best for everyone.
Mary