When to buy dd her first horse.

[NotSoYumMum01]

Hi all,

My dd loves horse riding and has lessons which she really enjoys . She's had loans and shares and now she just rides her favourite horse at the stable . When do I buy her ,her first horse? The stables she rides at has one that she loves riding for sale and they still want him to work in the school. Dd is 14,am I rushing into buying her a horse ? Im not horsey at all , I am willing to pay for everything but is this a stupid idea because dd is the only one in the family with horse knowledge xx

How much is the one they're selling? How often would they want him to work in the school? How long had she been riding for and how many loans and shares has she had?

Perhaps have a quick read of this thread here regarding costs etc

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_tack_room/2580102-confused-which-is-best-for-her

I am also not horsey, and dd got her first horse two years ago, when she was 12. It was a disaster. She got one last year and it's really good.

BUT I have to be much more involved than I thought I would have to, and have had to be very brave (with horsey mums as well as the horse!) and spend hours and hours on horsey stuff.
If is great in some ways, bit be aware of this, and trust no one!

Thank you all ,she's been riding since she was 3 and hasn't stopped ,she's 14 now . She's had 4 shares and 6 loans. I'm not worried about the cost ,I'm more worried about of somethings wrong or the horse needs something I'm not horsey so I would rely on dd and the people at the stables to tell me .

As long as you can keep it at livery at a good yard where the yard owner knows you are not horsey, you'll be fine. 14 is fine if she's keen already, but don't buy one just because it's there - take time to find the right horse and get her instructor to come to viewings with you.

The horse we were looking at is one she rides open and is her favourite,her instructor thinks they are a great match and if we were to buy him they want to keep him working at the stables a couple days a week x

How long has it been a riding school horse?
Why are they selling it?
How old is it?
How much are they asking?
And how much reduction in livery will you get for them still using it?

Working livery (when your horse is kept at livery) CAN be a good arrangement - but it can also be a good way for the riding school to have their cake and eat it.
They get paid for the horse, paid weekly to keep the horse, AND get to use the horse as before. You may well find that they want to use it at the busy times, ie weekends and school holidays, and your daughter loses out.

So IF you went ahead with this, you'd not only need a hefty discount on livery, but also a watertight contract stipulating the days and times the horse would be used.

He's been a riding school horse for 3 years. I think I'll find out more form the riding school because don't want to be buying a horse and dd not having much time with it ,thank you

The other thing is, if he's been in the school for a long time then he may be quite institutionalised, and could become difficult if you were ever to move him.

I know your daughter probably has a bond with this horse but I wouldn't generally recommend doing this. You'd be better finding something completely new.
I'm a qualified instructor by the way with many years experience

Thank you WellErr maybe staring new wouldn't be a bad idea because last thing I want is dd to have a horse that she can't ride often. She wants one she can ride all through the holidays and after school . They use him quite a lot in the school so maybe they'll take advantage and use him just as much . The owner of the stables said that their dealer has a 16hh horse for sale but I think riding instructor would have to come and view this one with us,dd is only just 5ft so don't want anything too tall .

16hh is big for a 14year old. Mines same height and on a 14.1. Can be fine but it's a lot of horse if something does happen. Have a look on your local pony club web sites and see what's up for sale. You can then ring their dc or chief instructor to get a reference. Whatever you decide make sure you get it vetted and have bloods done. 14 is such a good age with ponies but be prepared to get heavily envolved

16 hands is far too big for a 5' 14 year old.

Your instructor sounds a bit.....after her own interests IYSWIM. Don't buy her horse, and don't buy 'her dealers' horse. She will absolutely be getting a backhander from the sale, and anyone recommending a horse that size for a young 5' girl's first horse cannot possibly have her best interests at heart.

What county are you in and what's your budget? I've been sourcing horses for children for 20 years now, and I'd be happy to give you a bit of impartial help

We are looking for a horse in the warlingham area . It was the owner of the stables recommending all these horses for dd,her riding instructor is being a lot more helpful. Riding instructor said nothing over 15.2hh for dd. Budget is £5,500

Listen to your riding instructor!

£5500 is a big budget for a child's pony. You should get something good. I'll have an ask about when I can.

Thank you , all of you are fab . Don't want to waste all that money on something not suitable for dd especially since I don't have much knowledge.

Last month you were posting how you couldn't get your dd the mental health help she needs due to money but now you can spend £5.5k on a horse plus the ongoing expenses?

Don't want to be rude but thinking you may underestimate how expensive it can be

Things have started to change for us financially,don't want to go into details but we have been very lucky,dd is able to get the therapy she needs and money is no longer an issue for us.

Agree with WellErr. Don't touch the 16hh dealer's horse. Go for a nice, reliable Pony Club type of around 15 hands. And keep quiet about your budget. A lot of people in business with horses can sniff money out and unfortunately take advantage.

Thank you ,I'll keep looking around ,don't want to rush into it. Might even end up getting another share if I can't find anything suitable for now .

I got my first horse at 14 and loved it, I still have him now 18 years on!

First things, you'll probably need to learn how to look after a horse. My parents had to help me a lot. Personally I'd steer clear of a riding school set up as they'll want the horse when your daughter will want it most.

As you aren't horsey the best set up would be to have the horse on full livery (cared for 7 days a week) approx £120-150 per week or possibly part livery where you do the weekends, but this will mean 2x a day and no lie ins ever! This way the yard owner will have a lot more input into the care of your horse and will be able to advise on feeding and help when the horse gets injured (I say when because with horses this is an inevitability!)

You've got a good budget for a horse, but the key thing will be to get a good natured horse that doesn't over face your daughter. Often the flashy looking ones, whilst pretty, require constant work and can easily become unmanageable if not looked after properly. Ideally I'd buy something over 7 years old so it's got a bit of experience behind it. Be very careful buying from dealers in that area, there are a number around there who are very dodgy.

Ideally you should take an experienced person with you to check the horses temperament and conformation. A bad conformation can cause lots of problems down the line. Without doubt you must get the horse vetted, by your own vet (don't use theirs) and bloods checked prior to purchase.

You may do well to start a thread on the horse and hound forum, there will be lots of people there who will be able to help.

I know the Warlingham area pretty well and most of the yards. I might be able to help with dodgy dealers etc if you want to PM.

Oh god, I was put on 16+h when I was 4'11"", 11 rising 12, because I had a good seat and was strong. I was terrified, thrown and seriously went off riding, never ridden again. I know she's older, but really get one that is the right size and she bonds with. I've regretted giving up riding so much, but it was traumatic.

Thank you all ... We will definitely stay clear of the 16hh horse.. minijoeyjojo thanks for all your advice ,I'll start a thread on horse and hound.
snowpo I'll pm you. Thanks x and orlanda that's terrible ,don't want dd to go off riding,well will take our time to find one the right size and one suitable for dd.

Also find out from your daughter what she wants to do with this horse. If she wants to show jump, event, dressage, Pony Club, show, hunt or whatever this may steer you in the right direction. Having your own horse really opens up opportunities to compete but this means some degree of specialisation.

she is part of pony club and does jumping . She's looking to start competing in dressage too so I'm after a horse suitable for this .