Thinking about getting my first horse

[Livinzoo]

I have always loved horses. Took English hunt seat lessons for awhile and had a blast. Finally am getting some land so I want to get a horse. I love the looks of a draft horse. But to save on feed and be an easier horse for my husband to get use to I have really thought about a smaller draft like a haflinger.

So the department of agriculture is having an equine auction soon and there is a 3 year old haflinger grade gelding in it. Anyone ever been to these type of auctions. They have to be better than regular auctions, right? Anyone in georgia interested in checking out this horse for me? Any ideas on how to get him home? I guess maybe I could talk to a coworker with a trailer or the rescue group that hangs out at the dept of ag auctions.

 

[CherokeeCowgirl]

Awesome! Hope you get a great match.

I am a QH girl 100%!

There is a Haf at a barn not far from here that I would love to get though!

 

[Cara]

The best first horse is one that you have a great deal of background info on, and usually something older with more life experience. I wouldn't touch a 3yr old from an auction as a first horse, there is just too much potential for problems.

 

[CherokeeCowgirl]

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..and I was just going to edit to add that if you aren't experienced horseman then I would get an well broke/trained one first...

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

There is a saying with horses - Green on Green makes for Black and Blue!

I agree, getting a first horse that is a 3 year old from an auction is a good way to get hurt, have a bad experience that will turn you off having a horse, or just cost you much money in more training and help till you two get it worked out.

Please find someone that will direct you (impartially) to an experienced horse that is suitable to your needs and desired goals for riding.

If you want thrifty stick with the smaller breeds too, the larger the horse the larger the feed bills. Ask yourself what you really need and want to do. Also consider a free lease for a horse that is needing care and riding due to their owner being busy right now. It will get you some experience and maybe from there you will know more about what you want or need.

 

[herfrds]

Do not get a young green horse. Look for an older horse.

When you go to look at the horse is it tied up or out in a pen or a pasture? I like to see the owner catch the horse in a pasture. They may be hard to catch and if the horse is tied and waiting for you there is not much chance seeing how the horse catches.

If you find a horse you like get a vet check done. Get a shoer to check their feet. Don't just take a piece of paper from the owner stating nothing is wrong. Got sold a foundered horse by a dishonest seller so I learned the hard way.

Take the horse for a ride, not just in the corral, but out in a pasture. Does it act barn sour? act up if you do not have it near a "bubby" horse?

 

[Bec]

Definitely get one that you can get a bit of background on and one that is a little older and experienced, especially if your husband is going to be working around him/her.

I have had my oldest TB for 18 years, so of course I know him well and know that he is trustworthy to work with. When we moved here and were given the opportunity to keep my horses here at my house, we got a 2nd TB as a companion/light riding/husband horse. We went to see him several times before deciding to take him. He was great every time, he was older and seemed to be just perfect for us! I rode him, my kids rode him, I had a good friend and her daughter ride him and even my hubby rode him. About 2 days after we got him home, we heard clicking coming from his joints and noticed a slight limp. The vet determined he has arthritis and partially fused ankles. She said he was most likely drugged and on pain meds every time we went to see him, hence him not limping or clicking then. I was not told any of this even though I asked a lot of questions, which I thought were good questions. I really should have had a vet out to look him over first, but since he was free, it seemed like a good idea at the time. I still have him, it's been 5 years, he is 19 or 20 now. He is a handful at times and my hubby will not get on him as planned. Now that I know him and trust him, I know he wouldn't do anything dangerous, but still have to be careful who I choose to ride him.
2 years ago, we got a really nice 14 year old QH for my 5 year old daughter. She is fantastic! She had an old shoulder injury, but is not in any pain, she had given lessons to children for 10 years and my hubby trusts her the most out of everyone out there. Although he has been around horses now for 5 years, he still doesn't fully trust my 2 TB's.

So that's my little story

Not to say that a 3 year old can't be a nice horse, but for a first horse, I would definitely look for one that has the miles and experience to take care of you and your beginner hubby! I hope you find the perfect match!!!! Let us know how everything goes!!!

 

[equine chick]

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I so totally agree. There are alot of really nice horses at reasonable prices out there. Stay away from auctions, you never really know what your are getting til they are home. There are a lot of search engines online you can find a horse such as equine.com, dreamhorse ect. Also check out some riding facilities that might know a horse for sale and definitely have an experienced horseman or woman with you. Most of my horses I got online and then went to check them out a few times before deciding.

 

[equine chick]

If you are set on a draft there are some wonderful draft rescues out there and at least they can give you some information on them. They have them for awhile and are honest on their behavior and quirks and whether it will be a good match for you.

 

[Kelly G]

I have a Norwegian Fjord (another small draftie) - and I just love him. I've had him for just over two years. You can see him here on my byc page.

I agree with others that have said that you should look for a horse with more miles on him or her. You can hardly beat a well-broke gelding with some good years under his belt.

I whole-heartedly agree that if you've always loved horses, you should definitely get one. I have been riding for mor than 30 years - and keeping my own horses on my own property has been such a joy!

Perhaps this will be helpful - but it is not the only way...just ONE way. But here you go:

Get yourself back in lessons with a trainer you trust...someone who can help you find a suitable horse, and the act as your mentor (and teacher) as you keep your horse on your own space.

To keep yourself busy during the "wait time" make a list and start shopping for the things you need! Brushes, hoof picks, shampoos - the list is long!!! And it's so much fun to prepare.

Oh - and you'll be surprised to know that draft horses don't eat as much as you might think! Siggy (my Fjord) eats (and stays fat) on 2 flakes of Timothy in the am and 2 in the pm. Anything more and he would look lik this, again:

Because he eats so little, I have him a couple of supplements to make sure he gets all his nutritional needs met...but he is a very easy keeper.

Good luck - keep us posted!