Who has horses?

[ShrekDawg]

Being a wet blanket here! Get back to lessons, and lease a nice calm older horse at the barn. Any of these might put you off even more than you are now! While 'bomb proof' is relative, and uncertain, none of these, cute as they are, are advertised that way. There's too young, too inexperienced or trained, and fearful. Don't even look at craigslist!!!
Remember "easy to buy, and hard to sell"!
Mary

Oh sorry for the confusion, I wasn't planning on buying any of them; I'm just having fun looking at horses and thought they were gorgeous is all haha I don't think I'm ready for a horse anyway and they're too far away cause I'm in MA but I'm specifically choosing states/areas I think might have lots of horses so I can look at them all haha

For instance, found these two on the Wyoming Craigslist. Now these two I think really would be so perfect and truly bomb proof. But again, not ready, too far away, and probably already sold cause I think they were consigned last month.

https://wyoming.craigslist.org/grd/d/kid-safe-handy-and-gentle/6594672494.html

https://wyoming.craigslist.org/grd/d/fancy-gentle-ranch-trail/6594624211.html

My Mom had 18 last year, she managed to sell a few so we have 13 now.

Wow that's a lot of horses!

 

[strawberricatt]

Oh sorry for the confusion, I wasn't planning on buying any of them; I'm just having fun looking at horses and thought they were gorgeous is all haha I don't think I'm ready for a horse anyway and they're too far away cause I'm in MA but I'm specifically choosing states/areas I think might have lots of horses so I can look at them all haha

For instance, found these two on the Wyoming Craigslist. Now these two I think really would be so perfect and truly bomb proof. But again, not ready, too far away, and probably already sold cause I think they were consigned last month.

https://wyoming.craigslist.org/grd/d/kid-safe-handy-and-gentle/6594672494.html

https://wyoming.craigslist.org/grd/d/fancy-gentle-ranch-trail/6594624211.html



Wow that's a lot of horses!

It really is, Mum used to take in rescues to rehab and rehome. I think the most she ever got up to was thirty.

 

[ShrekDawg]

It really is, Mum used to take in rescues to rehab and rehome. I think the most she ever got up to was thirty.

Ohh that makes sense. That's awesome she rescues them!

 

[Peaches Lee]

Oh sorry for the confusion, I wasn't planning on buying any of them; I'm just having fun looking at horses and thought they were gorgeous is all haha I don't think I'm ready for a horse anyway and they're too far away cause I'm in MA but I'm specifically choosing states/areas I think might have lots of horses so I can look at them all haha

For instance, found these two on the Wyoming Craigslist. Now these two I think really would be so perfect and truly bomb proof. But again, not ready, too far away, and probably already sold cause I think they were consigned last month.

https://wyoming.craigslist.org/grd/d/kid-safe-handy-and-gentle/6594672494.html

https://wyoming.craigslist.org/grd/d/fancy-gentle-ranch-trail/6594624211.html



Wow that's a lot of horses!

These seem like really nice horses, I wonder though how much, if one was outright selling them, they'd be worth. I'm wondering if around $10,000 seems right (did I miss an asking price?), but I could be completely out of the ballpark as I don't ride western and not at all savvy on the market! I really like the palomino!

 

[ShrekDawg]

These seem like really nice horses, I wonder though how much, if one was outright selling them, they'd be worth. I'm wondering if around $10,000 seems right (did I miss an asking price?), but I could be completely out of the ballpark as I don't ride western and not at all savvy on the market! I really like the palomino!

Good point! I wonder how much they'd be worth too, probably a lot. It doesn't say a price but I wonder if because they're consigned to a horse sale they'd go cheaper? Or do they set a minimum price? Idk how those things work. It might be less because I didn't see mention of papers? But these seem really well trained and well bred so maybe not.

And yeah, I love the palamino. Especially since they set fireworks off around him (seems slightly irresponsible imo though cause what if the sparks hit him or their clothes or that little boy?) Cause that's the kind of horse I need with anxiety LOL

Love the palamino filly too. She's obviously to young but soo pretty.

 

[Peaches Lee]

Good point! I wonder how much they'd be worth too, probably a lot. It doesn't say a price but I wonder if because they're consigned to a horse sale they'd go cheaper? Or do they set a minimum price? Idk how those things work. It might be less because I didn't see mention of papers? But these seem really well trained and well bred so maybe not.

And yeah, I love the palamino. Especially since they set fireworks off around him (seems slightly irresponsible imo though cause what if the sparks hit him or their clothes or that little boy?) Cause that's the kind of horse I need with anxiety LOL

Love the palamino filly too. She's obviously to young but soo pretty.

Not sure if it would be like an auction where the seller's would have a reserve and if not met, the horse wouldn't sell? But I think with that kind of training they would be worth some $$$.

Are you set on breed or would you be more open to other breeds? If you have an equestrian University near you, look into seeing if they offer lessons to non-college people.

The college near me does this and usually the people end up purchasing the horse they lesson on because they develop such a good relationship. This is a win-win situation for all. The college makes some income and opens up a stall for another horse to be donated, the horse gets to become a "one person" horse and taken out of the lesson program, and the new owner has a new, appropriate mount that they have spent a good deal of time with.

Just a thought, usually college-universities have really excellent programs and teach safety first (some even being CHA certified) and you would be dealing with a professional atmosphere.

 

[BantyChooks]

Definitely find a place where you can ride and get your confidence up before you purchase a horse of your own. I have no taste for crazy horses, and I think they can ruin the experience for people. A few years of lessons on a good horse will help give you confidence. I happened to learn to ride on the trails, and did fine, but finding someplace with an arena to ride in might help you if you are worried about spooking and falling off.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Not sure if it would be like an auction where the seller's would have a reserve and if not met, the horse wouldn't sell? But I think with that kind of training they would be worth some $$$.

Are you set on breed or would you be more open to other breeds? If you have an equestrian University near you, look into seeing if they offer lessons to non-college people.

The college near me does this and usually the people end up purchasing the horse they lesson on because they develop such a good relationship. This is a win-win situation for all. The college makes some income and opens up a stall for another horse to be donated, the horse gets to become a "one person" horse and taken out of the lesson program, and the new owner has a new, appropriate mount that they have spent a good deal of time with.

Just a thought, usually college-universities have really excellent programs and teach safety first (some even being CHA certified) and you would be dealing with a professional atmosphere.

I'm not sure, that's probably how it works. They're definitely worth something though I'm sure.

And nah, I'm not set on any specific breed, love all horses, just so happens that it seems to be mostly QHs available lol

Unfortunately though, we don't really have a university or anything though. UMass Amherst and University of Maine both have great agricultural programs I think but UMass Amherst is 3 hours away and Maine is further. So not really an option because I don't want to drive 3 hours for a lesson.

BUT.

Luckily there are tons of little farms and stuff all around here that do lessons. Some pretty tiny or private and more laidback and some bigger, more professional ones.

Definitely find a place where you can ride and get your confidence up before you purchase a horse of your own. I have no taste for crazy horses, and I think they can ruin the experience for people. A few years of lessons on a good horse will help give you confidence. I happened to learn to ride on the trails, and did fine, but finding someplace with an arena to ride in might help you if you are worried about spooking and falling off.

Thanks, I'm definitely going to. And yeah, crazy horses are no fun lol

 

[BreanneRN]

Horses are possibly the most expensive animal that people can own legally... If you have enough land that is zoned correctly you can keep them at home, but that means if you have just one, it will be lonely. They are a herd animal. They do not think or act like dogs, do not necessarily want to please you or be ridden. You will have to earn their respect by proving you are dominant. This mostly means NEVER let them think they are getting their way about anything. And most will subtly test you, trying you in just about every instance of contact. The best ones are the ones that have grown up with experienced people and never been allowed to go wrong, and constantly used. Expect to pay more for that, but also, keep in mind that you will have to maintain that training or it will be "gone with the wind". Expenses are endless. Even if you don't shoe your horse, the farrier will charge $50 every 8 wks to trim the feet. For an average sized horse, a bale of hay will last 3 or 4 days, at 10 to 15 dollars a bale, it adds up in a hurry. Expensive equipment! Eventually, you will want a horse trailer and a truck to pull it. Saddles, pads, bridles, bits, hoof picks, hay hooks, mounting block, endless expenses. Stable maintenance! Horses eat wood and destroy fences. You will need a good job to go with that horse, so stay in school... Of course that good job will take time and energy too, and you may not have enough left to ride the horse at the end of the day (after you feed, clean the stall etc.). The horse not ridden at least 3 times a week (and more often is better) will "go sour" and not want to leave the stable. A horse that is well taken care of and that comes from healthy stock will need less veterinary care, but still, the day may come. Some always seem to get into trouble, tangling themselves in fences, eating wood, or other things they shouldn't. You can't feed cheap or moldy hay as they will colic and sometimes twist a gut. In short, horses are time consuming, expensive, and the work load is tremendous. I was a horse crazy kid too, so I know what that is like. My best recommendation is find another similarly minded person to co-own a horse with, and share the expenses, riding time, and chores. This person should be compatable and knowledgeable. No one these days with a full time job really has enough time to give to properly maintaining a horse in good riding condition unless they cut everything else out of their life, or are wealthy enough to pay to have help to care for them (or possibly have a big family that is supportive and will help).

 

[EquiSally]

I’m horse crazy too! I started taking lessons when I was 6 & am now 33. I’ve learned things from dressage to barrels to reining to play day events to trail riding... then to my favorite... endurance riding. Yay!
We currently own 3 horses, (2 Arabians and an Apendix (TB/QH)) but I have had more than a few, over the years.
As for the cost, yes, they are expensive, but the level of cost involved is greatly dependent on your situation. Also, emergencies do happen with horses and you need to be prepared to make decisions with your veterinarian that may be based on what you can or cannot afford.
My horses are cheaper to care for now, as we have our own barn and hay pasture, but they still cost money for upkeep. Boarding can be extremely costly in some places while being perfectly reasonable in others. It is generally dependent on what perks are available: training arenas, round pens, ponds to swim in, obstical courses, trails to ride on, etc., and like minded friends or trainers that you can be in contact with every day.
However, if calm confidence & a good steady seat are issues, you can improve your skills quickly at the right facility or if you have access to another skilled horse-person that can take you under their wing.
Horses can be dangerous but with the right amount of learning, you can do things in a fun, much safer, manner. All horses are different. I have one that I constantly have to tinker with to keep him the way I want, and I have another that I can pull out of the pasture after a year and in 5 minutes he is back to being a bomb proof kids horse. Take lessons in different disciplines and see what you like best. You never stop learning with horses.