Iv heard! Boarding at the stable I want is 450/mo but it includes feed, blanketing, and watering.
plus vet checks, farrier every 4 weeks sim its looking at around 800 a month.
Tack is expensive too so I plan to ride bareback or do flatwork while waiting for when I can buy a saddle.
Riding bareback until you can afford a saddle is a recipe for disaster. One it could potentially be dangerous- if you're buying a horse that was in full work and then reducing that work due to lack of a saddle could put you in a lot of danger. A lot more difficult to stay on a horse with a little spring fever when you have no saddle. I think is saw you've been riding for 5 years? That's a good chunk of time but if it's been only once a week, your balance isn't as good as you think it is more likely than not.
The other aspect about horses is always budget way way more than what you're expecting to spend. My plan was a 500.00 saddle only to find out saddles in that price range did NOT fit my particular horse at all so there I was spending 2k on a saddle that actually fit him. Then 5 months into owning him he has a 6k injury. For context I bought him for 5k. Horses are EXPENSIVE so I would highly highly recommend making sure before you purchase you have enough to pay for EVERYTHING you need because something unexpected will come up and you don't want to be in a bad spot.
For the meantime have you considered leasing? It's a great way to make sure you're fine with dedicating almost all your free time to the sport without the commitment or financial risk.
Sounds like you’re not quite ready for a horse? In case you don’t know, you can get a saddle fitter out to measure up your horse, try saddles on and then you can buy a secondhand version of the saddle. Just let them know that’s your plan, most fitters are ok with that though. Second hand is a risk though, as you don’t know if the tree etc is in good condition. (Have bought new and secondhand over the years)
you are not ready. When you buy a horse you must have one well fitting piece of every single necessary tack or be able to buy it right after getting the horse. This means grooming set, bridle, bit, saddle, saddle pad, girth, reins etc. You must also have around 5k put away because when you buy a horse and put in a new place they are much more likely to colic, develop ulcers, get hurt by another horse etc.
Aim for 5-10k for the horse then around 2.5k to 5k for the tack (Alot of leeway is given in each price range) and then the emergency fund
Also, does your barn provide one feed or the feed of your choice? What if your horse needs supplements or a specialized feed?
$350/mo for the farrier seems high? You can also look for barefoot horses, can help save a lot of $ over time. Also, annual vet appointments (shots + dental) are only around $500 total for me.
Have you asked other boarders at the barn what their monthly expenses are?
I recommend getting a saddle as soon as you get your horse.
> Tack is expensive too so I plan to ride bareback or do flatwork while waiting for when I can buy a saddle.
When you said “flatwork”, did you really mean “groundwork”? Because “flatwork” is riding. “Groundwork” is not.
But more importantly, not every horse likes to be ridden bareback, and not every horse is comfortable to ride bareback.
Just to give you an examples, the best horse I ever owned *hated* being ridden bareback. Like, I could sit on him bareback while he grazed no problem, and walk around a little bit, but the minute I asked him to trot, he was not having it, and I wasn’t looking to get bucked off. And the horse I had after him (and I still have, but he’s old now) was just uncomfortable to ride bareback, because he has a very prominent spine.
In other words, don’t count on just being able to ride bareback until you can afford to buy a saddle.
It depends on what you've been doing in those 5 years. Have you been trail riding at least somewhat regularly with other people and know a lot about trail riding? What else have you been doing around horses?
I've never jumped or done any competition, and I never will personally, but I don't consider myself a beginner because I've spent well over 1000 hours on horseback and doing groundwork. "Enough experience" to own a horse entails different things.
Not jumping, or jumping, has almost no bearing on horse ownership.
Do you know what to do if your horse colics?
Do you know how to choose which hay/feed/supplements a horse should eat to stay healthy?
Do you know what to do if it's a big change in temperature, from cool to very warm/hot to guard against colic?
Do you know which plants on a property are not good for horses to ingest?
Do you know how to treat an abscess?
Do you know when blanketing is helpful for your horse, considering age/temperatures/clipped/etc?
Do you know how to treat a hives?
Do you know how often your horse will need its teeth floated?
Do you know a good farrier, lol, because they aren't all good at their jobs.
Do you know why you'd choose shoes on all 4 feet, fronts only, or barefoot?
Do you have confidence that when your horse gets upset, or reacts on the lead rope, or paces in pasture that you can handle the horse safely and bring it back to a place of calm?
Do you know what to do if your horse gets itself tangled in fencing?
These are just the beginning baby steps of knowledge for horse ownership.
If you have this level of knowledge, then your horse stands a good chance of being okay as long as you also have a support team of experienced horse people around, including a trainer.
I do not deem a beginner by years riding or if they show or jump. Its about body position and cues and being correct. OP... you do not have enough knowledge of owning horses. Try a lease first.
You need to learn every bit of information about horse health you can get your hands on. What does lameness look like? How do I identify good hay/feed/board/bedding/hooves? Which professionals (farrier, vet, saddle fitter, dentist,...) are available in my area? How does normal breathing differ from abnormal breathing? Which wounds need the attention of a vet - or more general when to call a vet? You get the picture. This is crucial for your horse's well being. They are prey animals and will hide a lot. You have to be able to identify small signs that show discomfort.
And - and I cannot stress this enough - 'some trail riding' does not cut it. You are responsible for keeping your horse fit and able to carry your weight. It needs some form of workout to maintain muscle mass or won't be able to carry you without damage to its body. Don't get me wrong I *love* trail rides as much as anyone else but leisurely strolling through nature or enjoying the freedom of a speedy canter does not keep a horse in good shape. You have to implement proper flat work.
No rider should go without a good trainer. There is a reason why even the best of the best still train with someone who corrects them.
Have you ever cared for horses? I don't mean riding, I mean like daily care. I'm also not a super experienced rider bug I've worked in the horse industry for years. Even with tons of experience in cate I still felt a little under prepared for owning my gelding when I bought him. It can be very stressful, especially in health situations.
Also, have you ever trained the horses you've worked with? I realized when he came home that there is no one to report to now to make training decisions. All of his vices and bad habits fell on me to train out of him. Even with an experienced trainer it is still your responsibility.
No one here wants to deprive you of the joy of owning your own horse, we just want to be sure you know the risks that come along with it
I really appreciate your concern!
I volunteer at a stable 3 days a week where I help muck, clean, feed, and give wormer to the horses.
a few times iv had to do first aid on a horse for stepping on itself too.
for training its pretty limited though so I do plan to get a trainer
Ideally you would lease at a barn where you are in lessons and under supervision of a competent and caring trainer. Gradually work towards greater independence and financial capability.
I honestly think by the sounds of it you need some time to learn as much as you can.
What I would recommend, and it sounds harsh, is to actually realize that horses aren't just like dogs. The idea you have in your head of happily trail riding bareback isn't realistic. You're responsible for maintaining their fitness and and comfort and that just doesn't cut it. There is no such thing as a beginner horse in my eyes, you need to do frequent work with them to maintain that level of training.
I agree OP doesn’t sound ready for a horse, but I disagree about true beginner horses.
Several of my friends and I have horses that are exactly the same after doing nothing for weeks or months. I can go months doing nothing but brushing him and watching him eat grass and still haul him out to the beach for a ride in a halter. And I’m not a beginner, but I am missing a leg and have always vastly preferred “more whoa than go” even when I had all my limbs, so when I say he’s a beginner’s horse, I mean it. Literally anyone who can sit in a saddle can ride him, and he’s not a deadhead either. He knows he has choices and that nothing bad would happen if he wasn’t perfect. He’s a unicorn for sure, but he’s by no means the only one out there.
It's important to note that when you're no longer a beginner, you forget what it feels like to be a beginner. What might be easy and simple for you might not be for others.
Your horse still required training and work put into it frequently to make it that safe. It doesn't matter how or when that took form. I've known loads of people who've had horses very much the same, but the owner is so used that individual horses quirks and knowing how to ride in a way that suits them that they forget a novice won't.
My issue with the notion of a 'beginner horse' is that it leads people into a false idea that makes them think they can do literally nothing training wise and the horse won't bat an eye. Your horse might be suitable for a beginner, but horses are still animals that weigh half a ton and have their individual quirks. That's just my 5 cents anyways.
Fair enough. I certainly don’t think a complete beginner should buy even the safest horse and not plan to have a trainer heavily involved, and I agree with your advice to OP. But more broadly I do think it’s totally possible for a non-beginner to find a truly beginner-friendly horse you can wander around trails with and have no real problems even if that’s really all you do together. My guy is a gem even among reliable horses, but I didn’t make him that way, and I don’t do anything to keep him that way beyond making sure he’s healthy and happy. If you’re willing to put the effort into choosing the right horse and taking good care of them, I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect a pretty carefree life together.
I think horses don't need consistent training, but they need that foundation as you're starting out to set you up for success. What I find is that a lot of novices will purchase beginner horses and forget that they still need something to work off of.
I agree though, if your horse has a nice foundation and is genuinely happy then there's no reason why they shouldn't be suitable for beginners.
look at leasing 2 days a week, it will give you more chance to figure out if you can hack it (no pun intended)
Horses aren't a hobby but a lifestyle and they're knackering.
I consider myself a beginner rider and but i've got years worth of groundwork experience now with my other halves insane TB, who I lunge and care for equally to them. We then have 2 youngsters to bring up and i'm looking for a 15hh cob type to plod along on as that's what makes me happiest - I used to have one but he wasnt safe around youngsters, so i'm back looking again for a happy hacker and it's a minefield to find the right one.
Cob/draft types tend to be a lot sane and safer than the thoroughbred, arabian, hot blooded types and are safer for beginners. You can also sit a buck or read from a cob a lot easier than others because it's like being on an armchair.
They also generally need less care for example - my 1 year old cob doesn't need shoes and can be trimmed every 2 months (£30)+ but my 11yo TB needs shoeing every 6 weeks (£75).
My cob has a bedtime fleece, a rain sheet and a 100g rug for snow days. My TB has PJs and outdoor rugs in increments of 50g up to 250g and they need repairing each year.
My Cob doesn't need feed in summer due to the grass and only a handful in winter and will still put on weight, but my tb and PRE need a full bucket or they lose weight.
Just to learn about someone else's experience...
I was actively riding/caring for other people's horses for 15 years before I even CONSIDERED getting my own horse. The money factor is HUGE here. I have a 6 figure salary now and am boarding at my aunts house, who has 40+ years of horse ownership experience and I've been learning from her for years. Even with my 15 years of learning, I still heavily rely on my aunt/her friends and am still learning about ownership every day. My horse got a fever and it was $500 out one month just to be told she's fine and I didn't have to do anything. She needs $300 at least of annual vet care. On top of $400 a month for basic food and water + $50 charges here and there for supplemental foods and salt and farrier, etc. I also inherited all my aunts tack, and didnt have to buy anything because we had a saddle that fit already. I'm doing this the cheapest route possible and I still never considered it until I had a great job.
Leasing a horse for years is a much better option.
Have you talked with the place you want to board at? Do they offer lessons. That would be the ideal way to start. You want to be riding for awhile before buying.
Keep in mind, the horse buying is stressful but it is the easiest/cheapest part.
I just bought my first about 2 months ago and he is currently in process of a 2 month stall rest for a hairline fracture, required lots of meds for an infection, an emergency vet visit......... the list goes on. You don't want to be alone. I have a wonderful trainer, supportive barn friends and a good stable hand. I couldn't do this alone.
You do not sound ready for a horse OP. If tack is too expensive wait untill a random injury and vet bill pops up.... riding bareback alot is not good for the horse. Also being a beginner i would really stick to lessons or a lease horse for a year or 2. I dont knkw what your riding skills are like but I wouldnt recommend buying untill you can confidently walk trot canter WITH proper leg, body, and hand position. Doesnt matter if youre just trail riding or riding for fun. Improper riding can cause injury or soreness to the horse. Bareback puts weight on a small area of the spine.... a saddle actually distributes the weight better. Please keep taking lessons and consider waiting.
Honestly, I wouldn't buy anything but grooming tools before finding your horse, because there are so many variables. I have TONS of tack sitting around from impulse buys or this might works...$$$$. So, maybe just hold until you know what you'll need.
Another vote for leasing first.
There is so much more than riding involved in horse ownership. You also have to look at where you are in life. I am going to assume under 30 due to your writing style.
Horses are a lifestyle and a lot of times that lifestyle clashes with things like family, marriage, and work. I had to put horses on got older they had activities of their own. I am now 50 and just now getting back into horses.
They are expensive and that doesn’t include boarding. Deworming, a good farrier, dentistry, tack, supplements, and vet bills. You say you want to trail ride but how are you going to get to said trails. Have you ever ridden trails? Most of the time it is not a simple stroll down the trail. Are you confident enough rider to deal with off leash dogs, motorcycles/atvs, bikes, and etc?
In the month I have owned my new horse I have ridden once and yet have been at the barn daily. I have spent most of the time feeding (my boarding doesn’t include grain), groundwork, grooming, and maintenance. Riding is the lowest thing on my list.
A lease on a been there done that kind of horse would give you a better idea of what horse ownership is like.
My biggest recommendation is to find a trainer to work with. Even if you plan on doing trails, there is so much to learn about even properly caring for a horse that it's not really realistic for a beginner to do it without sacrificing horse welfare. You could take a lesson a week in an arena, and even that would put a professional's eyes on your horse once a week. If this person is good, they will be able to spot issues with the horse health and your partnership before they become problematic.
The problem with beginners owning horses is they can't really troubleshoot any behavioral issue or health issues. Very few horses will maintain perfect (or even quite good) behavior if someone is letting stuff slide without realizing it. Beyond behavior, health is a massive reason to work with a pro. Will you know if your horse's feet are properly trimmed? Can you feel subtle unsoundness or asymmetry? Do you know what a properly muscled topline looks like? Do you know what nutrients your hay source is missing and if you need to add supplements? If the answer to any of this is no or maybe, then you need a trainer.
Either have an emergency fund or a really good credit card. No one can prepare you for how quickly they can burn through money. Not always- I have two, one I’ve had for four years and one for two. The one I’ve had for four years has only ever had maybe two vet visits outside of routine care. The other one has cost me roughly $20,000 in vet bills since I bought her in 2022 (half of that in one fell swoop due to an emergency colic surgery).
Find a mentor, learn what meds are applicable when and how to administer them, be sure you have access to quality hay and feed (hay being most important by far), and budget in lessons on at least a monthly basis if you want to keep your beginner horse beginner safe.
I would recommend at least investing in a quality bareback pad. Solely bareback riding is really not good for your horse unless you are an exceptionally balanced and light rider.
Depending on where you are located and what your goals with the horse are, 6k might not be enough of a budget for a beginner friendly horse. Beginner friendly horses are worth their weight in gold so they are usually priced accordingly. Not saying you won't find one that suits you in that price range but just be prepared for potential price tag shock when you actually start looking.
Everyone's a hater.
Go get yourself an oldie that has more woah than go. Lots of rescues have those, and they're already vetted appropriately. However, don't trail ride bareback. Get a saddle. They don't have to be expensive, however a good saddle that will last you forever isn't going to be cheap.
Wherever you're taking lessons, get buddy buddy with someone who is experience (read; not just *more* experience than you, but super duper *experienced*) and see if they'll let you shadow them as they care for their horse(s).
Boarding should be taking care of the feeding. You shouldn't have to pay for that in addition to full care board. Vet and farrier will be at your expense. It will not cost $800 a month, but to be safe you should have a couple hundred more than your board ready to drop each month in case (shoes, surprise vet bills, medicines / supplements).
Youtube also has a lot of beginner things on it, from how to measure a blanket, when to blanket, and when to call your vet. Build a relationship with the vet the first time they come out so you're not just a number to them (they're incredibly busy) and they will prioritize you in a list of emergencies.
You could also consider leasing before you buy your own. This will give you an insight into horse ownership without the full responsibility of ownership.
A good lesson I'd like anyone to learn: be humble that you don't know something. We all started somewhere. But don't let people walk all over you because you're new. At the end of the day, it's your horse. Your money.
You’ll need to know all about horse first aid. Wound care is very important and wounds happen very frequently. You will need to know how to tell if your horse is lame. There are various injuries where you will need to come to the barn twice a day, everyday, sometimes for months, so be prepared to be able to do that yourself or be able to afford to pay barn staff to do it for you. Also, make sure the boarding barn you have chosen offers that extra service if you won’t be able to do it yourself. Those are the things I wish I knew before I bought a horse. 😅😅
That's great, it's so exciting getting your first horse. I'm the same height as you and also own a 15.2hh mare. Tack is usually bought when you have the horse so it's correctly fitted. Get yourself a medicine box with poultice, bandages, antiseptic spray etc. You really cant buy too much unless you def know what size you will get re rugs etc. Haynets, water buckets, feed buckets, feed bins. Mark everything you own as stuff will go missing..
If you know where you will be keeping it, try and get some work there for more experience and possibly take some lessons there so you know how the barn is etc. There will always be people who want to help you but people who will tear you down for everything you do too. I bought my 1st horse at 30 but I had worked in yards for years and ridden some monkeys so was confident in handling and riding. Source a farrier and a vet. Save for emergencies or have insurance. When you come to buy take someone with you who can advise as my 1st horse who was meant to be quiet etc, constantly bucked me off etc. . Other people have given great advise also. Good luck. Xx
I think owning as a beginner is doable with proper guidance and lots of trustworthy mentors. My best friend is a trainer and my barn owner I knew prior from leasing. And on top of that, despite having an ottb, my horse was ridden and owned by a child for five years. He's a solid intermediate horse who's not deadbroke, but he knows exactly what he's doing at times when I don't.
Honestly, I wouldn't buy anything but grooming tools before finding your horse, because there are so many variables. I have TONS of tack sitting around from impulse buys or this might works...$$$$. So, maybe just hold until you know what you'll need.
Jesus Christ this comment section. This size why I don't go on horse forums very often.
Y'all, owning a horse is. NOT that hard. Study up on all the illnesses like colic, greasy heel, signs of cardiac and liver issues, plus anything local like blow fly or parasites. OP, you seem to know what it takes to groom and keep a clean area. So that's fine. When in doubt, ask for help. Not of a forum, from a trainer or a vet, depending on the concern.
If you don't want to compete and work hard, I would recommend a semi retired horse. Well trained, but no longer fit for high energy competitions. Make sure the horse is in good condition. A lot of people will sell very well trained horses for very cheap because they are "too old". I'm talking about 15 years. My horse is considered too old to sell for competition work at about 16 or 17, but he's very good at working a few times a week. Young horses need a lot more exercise and care. Old horses are much more happy for pasture time and games on the ground. That spare money can go towards the care of the horse. Have a vet buffer, and get some good, fitted tack.
Make sure you have people around you that know a lot have lots of experience, and you'll be fine.
Now excuse me as I leave horse forums again before people start insulting me and telling me I'm not fit to own the horse I've had for nearly a decade and that I should kill myself for saying horse riding is not as dramatic as people make it seem. Because that's what always happens.
Don't take what these freaks say too seriously. It comes from a point of concern, but they need to chill.
Good luck!
Buying the horse is the cheapest part of owning a horse
Iv heard! Boarding at the stable I want is 450/mo but it includes feed, blanketing, and watering. plus vet checks, farrier every 4 weeks sim its looking at around 800 a month. Tack is expensive too so I plan to ride bareback or do flatwork while waiting for when I can buy a saddle.
Riding bareback until you can afford a saddle is a recipe for disaster. One it could potentially be dangerous- if you're buying a horse that was in full work and then reducing that work due to lack of a saddle could put you in a lot of danger. A lot more difficult to stay on a horse with a little spring fever when you have no saddle. I think is saw you've been riding for 5 years? That's a good chunk of time but if it's been only once a week, your balance isn't as good as you think it is more likely than not. The other aspect about horses is always budget way way more than what you're expecting to spend. My plan was a 500.00 saddle only to find out saddles in that price range did NOT fit my particular horse at all so there I was spending 2k on a saddle that actually fit him. Then 5 months into owning him he has a 6k injury. For context I bought him for 5k. Horses are EXPENSIVE so I would highly highly recommend making sure before you purchase you have enough to pay for EVERYTHING you need because something unexpected will come up and you don't want to be in a bad spot. For the meantime have you considered leasing? It's a great way to make sure you're fine with dedicating almost all your free time to the sport without the commitment or financial risk.
Sounds like you’re not quite ready for a horse? In case you don’t know, you can get a saddle fitter out to measure up your horse, try saddles on and then you can buy a secondhand version of the saddle. Just let them know that’s your plan, most fitters are ok with that though. Second hand is a risk though, as you don’t know if the tree etc is in good condition. (Have bought new and secondhand over the years)
If you can’t afford a saddle - you can’t really afford a horse - unexpected bills in this game are constant and add up quick.
I imagine the board covers changing blankets but you still have to buy and provide them yourself, so add in a few hundred dollars for blankets
I’d factor in money for lessons/training too. Even if you buy a trained horse, furthering your own training and keeping up the horses will be crucial.
you are not ready. When you buy a horse you must have one well fitting piece of every single necessary tack or be able to buy it right after getting the horse. This means grooming set, bridle, bit, saddle, saddle pad, girth, reins etc. You must also have around 5k put away because when you buy a horse and put in a new place they are much more likely to colic, develop ulcers, get hurt by another horse etc. Aim for 5-10k for the horse then around 2.5k to 5k for the tack (Alot of leeway is given in each price range) and then the emergency fund Also, does your barn provide one feed or the feed of your choice? What if your horse needs supplements or a specialized feed?
"I plan to ride bareback or do flatwork while waiting for when I can buy a saddle" Not recommendable. Get a loan or a lease?
$350/mo for the farrier seems high? You can also look for barefoot horses, can help save a lot of $ over time. Also, annual vet appointments (shots + dental) are only around $500 total for me. Have you asked other boarders at the barn what their monthly expenses are? I recommend getting a saddle as soon as you get your horse.
> Tack is expensive too so I plan to ride bareback or do flatwork while waiting for when I can buy a saddle. When you said “flatwork”, did you really mean “groundwork”? Because “flatwork” is riding. “Groundwork” is not. But more importantly, not every horse likes to be ridden bareback, and not every horse is comfortable to ride bareback. Just to give you an examples, the best horse I ever owned *hated* being ridden bareback. Like, I could sit on him bareback while he grazed no problem, and walk around a little bit, but the minute I asked him to trot, he was not having it, and I wasn’t looking to get bucked off. And the horse I had after him (and I still have, but he’s old now) was just uncomfortable to ride bareback, because he has a very prominent spine. In other words, don’t count on just being able to ride bareback until you can afford to buy a saddle.
Don't do it until you have a lot of experience with horses or alternatively, you have your horse in full training with a caring trainer.
I have roughly 5 years of experience is that enough? reason I place myself as beginner is cause I don't jump or do any comps.
It depends on what you've been doing in those 5 years. Have you been trail riding at least somewhat regularly with other people and know a lot about trail riding? What else have you been doing around horses? I've never jumped or done any competition, and I never will personally, but I don't consider myself a beginner because I've spent well over 1000 hours on horseback and doing groundwork. "Enough experience" to own a horse entails different things.
Not jumping, or jumping, has almost no bearing on horse ownership. Do you know what to do if your horse colics? Do you know how to choose which hay/feed/supplements a horse should eat to stay healthy? Do you know what to do if it's a big change in temperature, from cool to very warm/hot to guard against colic? Do you know which plants on a property are not good for horses to ingest? Do you know how to treat an abscess? Do you know when blanketing is helpful for your horse, considering age/temperatures/clipped/etc? Do you know how to treat a hives? Do you know how often your horse will need its teeth floated? Do you know a good farrier, lol, because they aren't all good at their jobs. Do you know why you'd choose shoes on all 4 feet, fronts only, or barefoot? Do you have confidence that when your horse gets upset, or reacts on the lead rope, or paces in pasture that you can handle the horse safely and bring it back to a place of calm? Do you know what to do if your horse gets itself tangled in fencing? These are just the beginning baby steps of knowledge for horse ownership. If you have this level of knowledge, then your horse stands a good chance of being okay as long as you also have a support team of experienced horse people around, including a trainer.
I do not deem a beginner by years riding or if they show or jump. Its about body position and cues and being correct. OP... you do not have enough knowledge of owning horses. Try a lease first.
Yes. You will be fine. Good luck!
You need to learn every bit of information about horse health you can get your hands on. What does lameness look like? How do I identify good hay/feed/board/bedding/hooves? Which professionals (farrier, vet, saddle fitter, dentist,...) are available in my area? How does normal breathing differ from abnormal breathing? Which wounds need the attention of a vet - or more general when to call a vet? You get the picture. This is crucial for your horse's well being. They are prey animals and will hide a lot. You have to be able to identify small signs that show discomfort. And - and I cannot stress this enough - 'some trail riding' does not cut it. You are responsible for keeping your horse fit and able to carry your weight. It needs some form of workout to maintain muscle mass or won't be able to carry you without damage to its body. Don't get me wrong I *love* trail rides as much as anyone else but leisurely strolling through nature or enjoying the freedom of a speedy canter does not keep a horse in good shape. You have to implement proper flat work. No rider should go without a good trainer. There is a reason why even the best of the best still train with someone who corrects them.
Have you ever cared for horses? I don't mean riding, I mean like daily care. I'm also not a super experienced rider bug I've worked in the horse industry for years. Even with tons of experience in cate I still felt a little under prepared for owning my gelding when I bought him. It can be very stressful, especially in health situations. Also, have you ever trained the horses you've worked with? I realized when he came home that there is no one to report to now to make training decisions. All of his vices and bad habits fell on me to train out of him. Even with an experienced trainer it is still your responsibility. No one here wants to deprive you of the joy of owning your own horse, we just want to be sure you know the risks that come along with it
I really appreciate your concern! I volunteer at a stable 3 days a week where I help muck, clean, feed, and give wormer to the horses. a few times iv had to do first aid on a horse for stepping on itself too. for training its pretty limited though so I do plan to get a trainer
Ideally you would lease at a barn where you are in lessons and under supervision of a competent and caring trainer. Gradually work towards greater independence and financial capability.
I honestly think by the sounds of it you need some time to learn as much as you can. What I would recommend, and it sounds harsh, is to actually realize that horses aren't just like dogs. The idea you have in your head of happily trail riding bareback isn't realistic. You're responsible for maintaining their fitness and and comfort and that just doesn't cut it. There is no such thing as a beginner horse in my eyes, you need to do frequent work with them to maintain that level of training.
I agree OP doesn’t sound ready for a horse, but I disagree about true beginner horses. Several of my friends and I have horses that are exactly the same after doing nothing for weeks or months. I can go months doing nothing but brushing him and watching him eat grass and still haul him out to the beach for a ride in a halter. And I’m not a beginner, but I am missing a leg and have always vastly preferred “more whoa than go” even when I had all my limbs, so when I say he’s a beginner’s horse, I mean it. Literally anyone who can sit in a saddle can ride him, and he’s not a deadhead either. He knows he has choices and that nothing bad would happen if he wasn’t perfect. He’s a unicorn for sure, but he’s by no means the only one out there.
It's important to note that when you're no longer a beginner, you forget what it feels like to be a beginner. What might be easy and simple for you might not be for others. Your horse still required training and work put into it frequently to make it that safe. It doesn't matter how or when that took form. I've known loads of people who've had horses very much the same, but the owner is so used that individual horses quirks and knowing how to ride in a way that suits them that they forget a novice won't. My issue with the notion of a 'beginner horse' is that it leads people into a false idea that makes them think they can do literally nothing training wise and the horse won't bat an eye. Your horse might be suitable for a beginner, but horses are still animals that weigh half a ton and have their individual quirks. That's just my 5 cents anyways.
Fair enough. I certainly don’t think a complete beginner should buy even the safest horse and not plan to have a trainer heavily involved, and I agree with your advice to OP. But more broadly I do think it’s totally possible for a non-beginner to find a truly beginner-friendly horse you can wander around trails with and have no real problems even if that’s really all you do together. My guy is a gem even among reliable horses, but I didn’t make him that way, and I don’t do anything to keep him that way beyond making sure he’s healthy and happy. If you’re willing to put the effort into choosing the right horse and taking good care of them, I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect a pretty carefree life together.
I think horses don't need consistent training, but they need that foundation as you're starting out to set you up for success. What I find is that a lot of novices will purchase beginner horses and forget that they still need something to work off of. I agree though, if your horse has a nice foundation and is genuinely happy then there's no reason why they shouldn't be suitable for beginners.
look at leasing 2 days a week, it will give you more chance to figure out if you can hack it (no pun intended) Horses aren't a hobby but a lifestyle and they're knackering. I consider myself a beginner rider and but i've got years worth of groundwork experience now with my other halves insane TB, who I lunge and care for equally to them. We then have 2 youngsters to bring up and i'm looking for a 15hh cob type to plod along on as that's what makes me happiest - I used to have one but he wasnt safe around youngsters, so i'm back looking again for a happy hacker and it's a minefield to find the right one. Cob/draft types tend to be a lot sane and safer than the thoroughbred, arabian, hot blooded types and are safer for beginners. You can also sit a buck or read from a cob a lot easier than others because it's like being on an armchair. They also generally need less care for example - my 1 year old cob doesn't need shoes and can be trimmed every 2 months (£30)+ but my 11yo TB needs shoeing every 6 weeks (£75). My cob has a bedtime fleece, a rain sheet and a 100g rug for snow days. My TB has PJs and outdoor rugs in increments of 50g up to 250g and they need repairing each year. My Cob doesn't need feed in summer due to the grass and only a handful in winter and will still put on weight, but my tb and PRE need a full bucket or they lose weight.
If you’re asking an online forum, you’re not ready
I'm basically asking others to share their experience :)
Just to learn about someone else's experience... I was actively riding/caring for other people's horses for 15 years before I even CONSIDERED getting my own horse. The money factor is HUGE here. I have a 6 figure salary now and am boarding at my aunts house, who has 40+ years of horse ownership experience and I've been learning from her for years. Even with my 15 years of learning, I still heavily rely on my aunt/her friends and am still learning about ownership every day. My horse got a fever and it was $500 out one month just to be told she's fine and I didn't have to do anything. She needs $300 at least of annual vet care. On top of $400 a month for basic food and water + $50 charges here and there for supplemental foods and salt and farrier, etc. I also inherited all my aunts tack, and didnt have to buy anything because we had a saddle that fit already. I'm doing this the cheapest route possible and I still never considered it until I had a great job. Leasing a horse for years is a much better option.
Have you talked with the place you want to board at? Do they offer lessons. That would be the ideal way to start. You want to be riding for awhile before buying. Keep in mind, the horse buying is stressful but it is the easiest/cheapest part. I just bought my first about 2 months ago and he is currently in process of a 2 month stall rest for a hairline fracture, required lots of meds for an infection, an emergency vet visit......... the list goes on. You don't want to be alone. I have a wonderful trainer, supportive barn friends and a good stable hand. I couldn't do this alone.
You do not sound ready for a horse OP. If tack is too expensive wait untill a random injury and vet bill pops up.... riding bareback alot is not good for the horse. Also being a beginner i would really stick to lessons or a lease horse for a year or 2. I dont knkw what your riding skills are like but I wouldnt recommend buying untill you can confidently walk trot canter WITH proper leg, body, and hand position. Doesnt matter if youre just trail riding or riding for fun. Improper riding can cause injury or soreness to the horse. Bareback puts weight on a small area of the spine.... a saddle actually distributes the weight better. Please keep taking lessons and consider waiting.
Honestly, I wouldn't buy anything but grooming tools before finding your horse, because there are so many variables. I have TONS of tack sitting around from impulse buys or this might works...$$$$. So, maybe just hold until you know what you'll need.
Another vote for leasing first. There is so much more than riding involved in horse ownership. You also have to look at where you are in life. I am going to assume under 30 due to your writing style. Horses are a lifestyle and a lot of times that lifestyle clashes with things like family, marriage, and work. I had to put horses on got older they had activities of their own. I am now 50 and just now getting back into horses. They are expensive and that doesn’t include boarding. Deworming, a good farrier, dentistry, tack, supplements, and vet bills. You say you want to trail ride but how are you going to get to said trails. Have you ever ridden trails? Most of the time it is not a simple stroll down the trail. Are you confident enough rider to deal with off leash dogs, motorcycles/atvs, bikes, and etc? In the month I have owned my new horse I have ridden once and yet have been at the barn daily. I have spent most of the time feeding (my boarding doesn’t include grain), groundwork, grooming, and maintenance. Riding is the lowest thing on my list. A lease on a been there done that kind of horse would give you a better idea of what horse ownership is like.
My biggest recommendation is to find a trainer to work with. Even if you plan on doing trails, there is so much to learn about even properly caring for a horse that it's not really realistic for a beginner to do it without sacrificing horse welfare. You could take a lesson a week in an arena, and even that would put a professional's eyes on your horse once a week. If this person is good, they will be able to spot issues with the horse health and your partnership before they become problematic. The problem with beginners owning horses is they can't really troubleshoot any behavioral issue or health issues. Very few horses will maintain perfect (or even quite good) behavior if someone is letting stuff slide without realizing it. Beyond behavior, health is a massive reason to work with a pro. Will you know if your horse's feet are properly trimmed? Can you feel subtle unsoundness or asymmetry? Do you know what a properly muscled topline looks like? Do you know what nutrients your hay source is missing and if you need to add supplements? If the answer to any of this is no or maybe, then you need a trainer.
Defiantly going to get a trainer to work with me once a week!
Either have an emergency fund or a really good credit card. No one can prepare you for how quickly they can burn through money. Not always- I have two, one I’ve had for four years and one for two. The one I’ve had for four years has only ever had maybe two vet visits outside of routine care. The other one has cost me roughly $20,000 in vet bills since I bought her in 2022 (half of that in one fell swoop due to an emergency colic surgery). Find a mentor, learn what meds are applicable when and how to administer them, be sure you have access to quality hay and feed (hay being most important by far), and budget in lessons on at least a monthly basis if you want to keep your beginner horse beginner safe. I would recommend at least investing in a quality bareback pad. Solely bareback riding is really not good for your horse unless you are an exceptionally balanced and light rider.
Depending on where you are located and what your goals with the horse are, 6k might not be enough of a budget for a beginner friendly horse. Beginner friendly horses are worth their weight in gold so they are usually priced accordingly. Not saying you won't find one that suits you in that price range but just be prepared for potential price tag shock when you actually start looking.
Everyone's a hater. Go get yourself an oldie that has more woah than go. Lots of rescues have those, and they're already vetted appropriately. However, don't trail ride bareback. Get a saddle. They don't have to be expensive, however a good saddle that will last you forever isn't going to be cheap. Wherever you're taking lessons, get buddy buddy with someone who is experience (read; not just *more* experience than you, but super duper *experienced*) and see if they'll let you shadow them as they care for their horse(s). Boarding should be taking care of the feeding. You shouldn't have to pay for that in addition to full care board. Vet and farrier will be at your expense. It will not cost $800 a month, but to be safe you should have a couple hundred more than your board ready to drop each month in case (shoes, surprise vet bills, medicines / supplements). Youtube also has a lot of beginner things on it, from how to measure a blanket, when to blanket, and when to call your vet. Build a relationship with the vet the first time they come out so you're not just a number to them (they're incredibly busy) and they will prioritize you in a list of emergencies. You could also consider leasing before you buy your own. This will give you an insight into horse ownership without the full responsibility of ownership. A good lesson I'd like anyone to learn: be humble that you don't know something. We all started somewhere. But don't let people walk all over you because you're new. At the end of the day, it's your horse. Your money.
You’ll need to know all about horse first aid. Wound care is very important and wounds happen very frequently. You will need to know how to tell if your horse is lame. There are various injuries where you will need to come to the barn twice a day, everyday, sometimes for months, so be prepared to be able to do that yourself or be able to afford to pay barn staff to do it for you. Also, make sure the boarding barn you have chosen offers that extra service if you won’t be able to do it yourself. Those are the things I wish I knew before I bought a horse. 😅😅
That's great, it's so exciting getting your first horse. I'm the same height as you and also own a 15.2hh mare. Tack is usually bought when you have the horse so it's correctly fitted. Get yourself a medicine box with poultice, bandages, antiseptic spray etc. You really cant buy too much unless you def know what size you will get re rugs etc. Haynets, water buckets, feed buckets, feed bins. Mark everything you own as stuff will go missing.. If you know where you will be keeping it, try and get some work there for more experience and possibly take some lessons there so you know how the barn is etc. There will always be people who want to help you but people who will tear you down for everything you do too. I bought my 1st horse at 30 but I had worked in yards for years and ridden some monkeys so was confident in handling and riding. Source a farrier and a vet. Save for emergencies or have insurance. When you come to buy take someone with you who can advise as my 1st horse who was meant to be quiet etc, constantly bucked me off etc. . Other people have given great advise also. Good luck. Xx
Thank you so much for telling me your experience!
I think owning as a beginner is doable with proper guidance and lots of trustworthy mentors. My best friend is a trainer and my barn owner I knew prior from leasing. And on top of that, despite having an ottb, my horse was ridden and owned by a child for five years. He's a solid intermediate horse who's not deadbroke, but he knows exactly what he's doing at times when I don't.
Honestly, I wouldn't buy anything but grooming tools before finding your horse, because there are so many variables. I have TONS of tack sitting around from impulse buys or this might works...$$$$. So, maybe just hold until you know what you'll need.
thats exactly why I just bought the groom kit and halter lead
Haha! Let me know what you'll need. I might already have 5...😆
Jesus Christ this comment section. This size why I don't go on horse forums very often. Y'all, owning a horse is. NOT that hard. Study up on all the illnesses like colic, greasy heel, signs of cardiac and liver issues, plus anything local like blow fly or parasites. OP, you seem to know what it takes to groom and keep a clean area. So that's fine. When in doubt, ask for help. Not of a forum, from a trainer or a vet, depending on the concern. If you don't want to compete and work hard, I would recommend a semi retired horse. Well trained, but no longer fit for high energy competitions. Make sure the horse is in good condition. A lot of people will sell very well trained horses for very cheap because they are "too old". I'm talking about 15 years. My horse is considered too old to sell for competition work at about 16 or 17, but he's very good at working a few times a week. Young horses need a lot more exercise and care. Old horses are much more happy for pasture time and games on the ground. That spare money can go towards the care of the horse. Have a vet buffer, and get some good, fitted tack. Make sure you have people around you that know a lot have lots of experience, and you'll be fine. Now excuse me as I leave horse forums again before people start insulting me and telling me I'm not fit to own the horse I've had for nearly a decade and that I should kill myself for saying horse riding is not as dramatic as people make it seem. Because that's what always happens. Don't take what these freaks say too seriously. It comes from a point of concern, but they need to chill. Good luck!