What is the best type horse for a young person?
By applsofgld
@applsofgld (2506)
United States
March 18, 2007 4:49pm CST
I know almost nothing about horses, except that they are pretty and take a lot of responsibility to keep. But I see them everywhere, and keep thinking if those people can have them and afford them, then why can't we? My little one wants a horse so bad and she is 10 now and I keep promising her that one day we'll have one or two. But I don't really know anyone to ask about what types of horses are best to start with, especially with a young girl. So any advice is appreciated.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@horsesrule (1957)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Have you checked into the stables near you? If you can find a reputable stable where they give lessons, it might be the best way to go in the beginning. Then your daughter can get lessons and learn what she needs to know about riding and how to take care of a horse. Just buying a horse without knowing a little something about them could be potentially dangerous for both you and your daughter. An auction isn't a good idea either for the same reason. It can help if your daughter is reading books about how to take care of horses, feeding, grooming, and everything else that a horse needs. Having horses is a gigantic responsibility and isn't something to be entered into without a great deal of preparation and learning. Hopefully you can find someone that gives lessons and can help you and your daughter find out if buying a horse is something you really want to do but who won't take advantage of you.
1 person likes this
@horsesrule (1957)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Thank you. I hope everything works out for you and your daughter. Having a horse can be a super exciting experience but wow, it can be overwhelmingly hard [and expensive] too.
1 person likes this
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
19 Mar 07
You have given me a lot to think about and consider. Great information and I thank you. I did buy her a book called the Everything Horse book, but she hasn't read all of it yet, I told her that that would be her summer reader for sure, it's a big book and looks like it's full of information. I should read it as well. Thank you so much again for sharing with me, this has been so helpful.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
21 Mar 07
Thank you so very much for your detailed comments. This is what I was hoping to receive when I posted this discussion. What valuable information. It is better coming from someone with experience than from someone who is trying to sell me something, so I thank you. I am going to print out the information so I can have it for a future reference and to go over with my husband as well.
@classy56 (2880)
• United States
18 Mar 07
i always wanted to get my kids a shetlon pony.they are so cute an would make a nice gift if you didnt want her to have a big horse.i would get her a small one to start out with to see if she really wants to take care of it.before you invest alot of money into a stallion.you can get great deals at a horse auction.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
19 Mar 07
See I don't know what kind of breeds are more gentle or if the age of the horse is a major factor here. Is it better to buy from an auction or from an individual who maybe knows the horse better? I have heard that Sheltland Ponies are tempermental and not good for kids, but see I just heard that I don't know anyone who knows for a fact if that is true or not.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
21 Mar 07
Thank you for the advice, from what you describe,it sounds as if the responsibility and work are worth the effort. I can tell you really love horses from your response.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
23 Mar 07
You have been so helpful to me, I appreciate your taking the time to explain all this to me. I never realized how much was involved in horse care. One would truly have to love horses to spend so much time/money for their care. Thank you again :)
@prettylykedrugs (430)
• United States
18 Mar 07
Well what does she want it for? Is she going to ride it or just brush it, etc.
How tall is she? How much does she weigh? If she is small...would she like a miniture pony?
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
19 Mar 07
I'm so sorry, I should have clarified with more info. But she is a little chubby for a 10 yr. old, so she is petite in height, she definitely wants to ride it and brush it, and grow up with it. I mean she wants to have it "forever" as she puts it. She is just in awe of all horses, to her there is no other animal that is so beautiful. I don't think a miniature would be good, because she will outgrow it.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
31 Mar 07
Thank you for sharing with me. She loves horses so much, I know they are a lot of responsibility and we have a friend who was hurt badly from a fall, so I appreciate you letting me know about the gelding having patience and being calm. I don't want her to get on a horse that is nervous or restless.
1 person likes this
@dustinthewind (68)
• Philippines
21 Mar 07
Try a rocking horse or a carousel if she wants a moving one
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
21 Mar 07
She is not a baby anymore and she has had those already. She loves the horse for the beautiful animal that it is and wants one, a real one. Thanks for sharing.
