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Gaits of Gold Gaited Horse Community Messageboard > Please Partcipate in our Gaited Horse Polls & Surveys! Start your own! > Gaited horse polls and surveys > On a Quest for the right horse |
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Gaits of Gold Gaited Horse Community Messageboard > Please Partcipate in our Gaited Horse Polls & Surveys! Start your own! > Gaited horse polls and surveys > On a Quest for the right horse |
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| On a Quest for the right horse | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Tue Feb 13th, 2007 10:45 pm |
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1st Post |
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Mistiblue G.O.G Community Member 
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I am starting my search for a horse (my first all mine horse) and most people have been telling me that I should get a horse that is at least 10 years old. I've been thinking of getting either a Spotted Saddle Horse or a Mountain Horse but most of the ones I see for sale are much younger than 10. Also I'm concerned about getting an older one that might already have established some bad habits that are hard to break. I really want one that is more like 4 or 5 years old. Am I being foolish? I'm curious about everyones first horse that seemed to be that perfect fit. Was it an older or a younger horse? Thanks, 
____________________ "The Greatness of a Nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way that its' animals are treated " - Gandhi |
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| Posted: Tue Feb 13th, 2007 11:19 pm |
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2nd Post |
Hurleycane
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To me good temperment = the horse's reactivity. Are they a fast twitch muscle type? Flighty? or are they trusting, slow out of the starting gait kinda horse. I like them not too reactive. If the temperment is fine - 5 is a good age, 4 is a little green. Too young and even a good temperment will get in trouble. By 5 they should have had enough ride time to know a rider is no predetor. My 15 year old is the greenest horse I know (sp k-a-dk (spookadook) WHatta has one of those too)! Just my opinion - but remember I am a backyard enthusiast (30 +years) - but no trainer.
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 12:01 am |
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3rd Post |
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Mistiblue G.O.G Community Member
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I have been lucky with a nack for being able to judge a horses temperment by looking at it. I've been able to do that even just by looking at a picture. I can generally see in their eyes if we would be a match or not. That's not to say I can't make a mistake or be proven wrong. Only that the majority of the time it works for me. I know some 5 year olds would be too much for me, but then so could some 15 year olds. I am trying to go on my intuition rather than the age of the horse. But that goes against most of the advise I've gotten from seasoned horse folks. I guess that's why I wanted to know of other experiances people have had and if it is a hardend rule that older horses make more suitable trail horses or if it's an individual thing. t2
____________________ "The Greatness of a Nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way that its' animals are treated " - Gandhi |
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 12:03 am |
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4th Post |
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TessieB Ranch Hand 
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Very, Very good question! If you want a horse to take care of you get one that has been used extensively for your purpose for several years. A green horse (young or old) can and will come up with some strange behaviors, and an experienced rider must know how to handle those strange behaviors before they become bad habits. I highly recommend a green rider ride with a trainer to learn the ropes, and if you chose a green horse continue to use the trainer to help you through those rough spots. You'll have to do alot of riding to make a green horse a good horse and if you are prepared for that-do it! But if you are wanting a horse that you can ride once a week and have a safe ride it is best to get an older horse that has actually been used regularly for several years by a good rider. These horses are a rare find and can be expensive or may have soundness issues. My second horse was green broke. She broke my left arm, a few ribs, and dislocated my left hip. I was 12 years old and riding her again with a cast on my arm. Her colt was the best little horse I've ever had. I started him and kept him for a few years. I was too big for him so I sold him to a smaller rider who turned him into a fine pony jumper. A green horse needs a good teacher. So, after a few years of solid horsemanship the horse with the right temperament will be a teacher for a new rider. Good luck with your search!
____________________ I scream, you scream, we all scream for a gaiting machine! |
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 01:54 am |
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5th Post |
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twhstone G.O.G Community Member 
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You posted that you are looking for your first horse, but not what your knowledge level was. The first horse I ever bought for myself was a twh gelding that was turning ten. He was pretty energetic but safe and experienced on the trail. After getting used to each other we did just fine and I kept him for 6 years. I eventually out grew him and wanted something different. I should state that I was not really a beginner per se. I have ridden off and on my whole life. I also took quite a few lessons on this horse and sent him to a trainer for a couple of months when I decided to polish him up for show. There is something to be said for a good temperment and it will help a younger horse be more forgiving. A younger horse will still need further training or finishing to really be rock steady on the trail even if they are calm. My filly just turned three and is VERY calm, has done well when I've ridden her on the trail, but I still don't think she would continue to do well with a green rider. She still needs someone confident to rely on. I would try to find the horse that most closely matches what you want to do with it right now.
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 06:49 am |
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6th Post |
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Jackie G.O.G Community Member 
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I just got my first horse after a 20+ year layoff. I wanted a Gaited Spanish Mustang mare. There are not many saddle trained Spanish Mustangs around so I purchased a 4 year old ready to start and a supply of training DVD's. I have really enjoyed the training process and have learned so much We have been doing ground work since this past July and in January I had my first ride. It does take time (once a day training session at least), but I wouldn't do it any other way. PS: My understanding is that the Spotted Saddle and Mountain horse and the Spanish Mustangs are all descended from stock that the spanish imported to the Americas in 1400's. The Spanish mustang is an Iberian type, hardy, 14.2 hands, and bonds strongly to their humans, and comes in lots of colors. The registry is a good website to get more information Spanish Mustang Registry Good luck and have fun searching for your horse!
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 11:34 am |
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7th Post |
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gaitingal Ranch Hand 
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My first, all for me, horse (after a 20+ year hiatus) was a 14 y.o. SSH mare. She came through the local sale barn for whatever reason & the owner of the establishment bought her. The next day, I took a friend to pick up a horse he bought. Mary told me she had a horse she thought I may want to look at. I did, I rode her after watching my friend ride her, and I bought her. Still have the ol' gal, she'll be 21 this May. Still my main squeeze. Come to find out she was owned by Southern Cross Dude Ranch here in GA. I don't know why they sold her, but she is the best little horse I have ever had! So, good luck on your search! Take your time & go ride as many as you can, even if they seem to be out of your price range. You will get to experience many differing horses & meet even more people, who may know someone w/ more horses for sale...Kinda like networking. Have fun! --Debbie in GA
____________________ "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." - Mark Twain |
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 06:13 pm |
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8th Post |
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seabreeze G.O.G Community Member 
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I got my first horse a little over a year ago. The only riding I had ever prior to that was at public stables, where the horses, for the most part, just plodded along. I bought a 6 yo twh gelding. The best way I can describe him is like an impish preteen kid. He tries to get away with what he can, but knows that I end up calling the shots. It seems the better we get to know each other, the less he tries to get away with things. It did take a while to build my confidence-longer, I'm sure, than if he were comatose. He's a lot of fun now that I've had time to get to know him (and he to know me). I knew that I did not want a "blah" horse. It would have been easier to learn on, but I know I would have gotten bored. I wanted a little "spice". I knew that I did not want a huge horse. I was also advised to look at the older horses, and I didn't rule any out based on age, but I ended up with a young guy (who I hope to turn into a soccer star-just bought a BIG soccer ball), and have absolutely no regrets. I think it all depends on how comfortable you would be with a horse that tries to test you. I know all horses will test you, but I think the younger ones actually want to win, whereas the older ones are doing it for the fun of it. (I could be wrong on that, but that's my impression). Good luck in your search.
____________________ You know I only talk to you, Wilbur. -Mr. Ed |
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| Posted: Thu Feb 22nd, 2007 08:34 pm |
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9th Post |
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Aethelthryth G.O.G Community Member 
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It depends more on your riding experience. Green/young horse + Green rider = dangerous combination unless you are planning on boarding somewhere with plenty of experienced people (and a good trainer) around to help you and work with you. Badger is my "first" horse. . .I bought him over five years ago, and he was a green-broke 3.5 year old. However, I'd already been riding extensively for several years before that, I majored in Equestrian Studies in college, lots of jumping and dressage, also starting and working with young horses. During that time, I'd also acquired a ton of equipment (saddles, bridles, halters, bits, blankets). Basically, I owned everything BUT the horse. So even though Badger is the first horse I've ever owned, I was prepared for him and everything that goes along with riding a green horse. I purchased him because he has an awesome temperament, he is extremely gentle and trusting, but with enough fire and personality in him to still make him fun to ride. Keep searching, take your time, be patient. If you know someone more experienced with horses, and who knows how YOU ride, ask them if they'll come along with you when you go out to see a potential horse. They may spot some red flags in the horse's conformation or personality that you don't see, or they may know people who have good horses for sale. Good luck!! Audrey
____________________ Audrey "Parelli horsemanship is just like painting by the numbers. You need absolutely no skill. You just put this color here and this color there, and when you're done, you have ... a mess no one wants." mp |
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| Posted: Fri Feb 23rd, 2007 05:51 am |
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10th Post |
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Casper G.O.G Community Member
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Mistiblue, I recently purchased my first horse. I have had him for about 3 months now. When I bought Trooper I knew I wanted a young horse for 2 reasons. 1: being I like the glory of knowign and seeing my efforts of training pay off. But i also know that his faults are my faults. Training takes time and patience and enough questions asked so you fully understand your objectives and how to fullfill them. If you dont know abotu horse training and/or are not willing to seek the help needed than an older horse that is well broke is best for you. 2: being I am in this for the long haul and I didnt want a horse that I couldnt use like i wanted after only a short deration. Price was my bigest factor though. If I could have purchased a well broke older horse for the same as I payed for Troop than I would have gone that root. But living on the west coast if it is a rarity its expensive. If you want a young horse than you need to have a long term objective in mind. Training doesnt happen in 30 days. Maybe for a Proffesional but not an ameture. I have had Troop for 3 months riding when I can and I am just now startign to get gait out of him. He is a 4 yr old. We are both learnign at about the same rate. At the same time He reminds that I still know nothign and he will continue to teach me more in 5 minuets than I can read in 5 hours. Before I bought Troop I asked some questions that I feel made a world of difference in my decisions. You can look those up by clicking on my profile and than clicking on post to look up topics I have started. Horse shopping sucks IMO I hope you have more fun in your search than I did mine. I am happy with what I ended up with. Party on
____________________ outcome perceived is outcome achieved |
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| Posted: Tue Apr 10th, 2007 10:41 pm |
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11th Post |
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SCspots G.O.G Community Member
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Misti, looking for the "right" horse is very subjective. I don't know how much experience you've had, or what you consider the "right" horse to be! My best advice is don't let the desire for a horse override your judgment! Be picky....very, very picky. If you don't have tons of experience do NOT get a young horse....but remember that young is subjective. I bought a 9 year old thoroughbred once that was a perfect gentleman: sane, safe and non-spooky. I also had an 8 yr. old juvenile delinquent with a mental age of 2. On a good day! He had a great sense of humor, but you couldn't trust him an inch! I still own the thoroughbred, but the JV was passed on to someone who enjoyed being a disciplinarian all the time! LOL There's a 24 year old horse at our farm that I wouldn't get on unless I was had ridden in the Olympics and had excellent health insurance - and a 2 year old that I could put a 5 year old on and take trail riding! He's so placid he's boring! My current horse is now 8 (I've owned him a year) and while fun to ride and challenging, there isn't a speck of mean in him....just lots of brio. Look...especially at the eyes, watch...and don't be in a hurry. Good Luck! tu1
____________________ That is SO a trail...I saw a rabbit use it last year! |
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| Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 04:28 am |
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12th Post |
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gata*gal G.O.G Community Member
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Excellent advice all! A seasoned horse with good temperament should take care of you. Beginner rider and green horse is a wreck waiting to happen. I've had a number of horses in my life and 2 of the very best were 3 years old when I got them. Because they were so willing to please, easily taught and me, with some decent experience under my belt, they were excellent horses. My Thoroughbred neighbors said they would NEVER ride a 4-year-old Thoroughbred along 'our' quiet country road. There are always exceptions. ;) But for safety (and that is what everyone wants for you), it is better to go with an older horse. IF you do purchase one that is younger, be smart and get with someone who will ride and work with you and mentor you. I am friends with a woman who did the unthinkable... she was 60 years-old, a first-time horse owner and she bought a 4 year-old, completely untrained (couldn't even lead) Arabian stallion. BUT she was smart, she networked with experienced horse people, boarded him in a great facility, hired a natural horsemanship trainer (me) to do the ground work, and started taking riding lessons at the facility where he was boarded. After I was done with him, he moved on to an English trainer. A year later the horse is progressing very well, as she is with her riding. 'They' still haven't had their ride 'together' yet. My friend is not ready and she knows it. The stallion has been gelded and still getting 'wet' blankets. Someday soon they will have their ride. Good luck with the search! I wish you happiness and success! gata*gal :cool:
____________________ Have life, and have it abundantly... |
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| Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 04:29 pm |
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13th Post |
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ChampagneTobe G.O.G Community Member 
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Ok, here's my two cents also- if I had it to do over again (and I'm saying that tongue-in-cheek because I believe that everything happens for a reason and that my "trial-by-fire" experiences made me who I am today) but HAD I thought things through more completely I would have tried to find a horse that: 1- is local(or at least within reasonable driving distance) so I could visit/ride several times prior to buying - don't get discouraged about not finding the "perfect" one right away in your area and as a result start to expand your search zone to country-wide. 2- take someone else with you- someone experienced who knows what conformational flaws to look for-someone who knows what questions to ask to ferret out answers that dishonest folks may be trying to avoid answering. 3- don't limit yourself to size, color or breed (with the exception of gaited or non-gaited) TEMPERAMENT should be at or near the top of your list. 4- be careful about buying a horse that has recently been purchased by the seller. Their knowledge about the animal and it's habits are very limited! Personally, I would be leary of buying a horse resold within 6 months, unless it's someone you know and trust. 5- be sure to have the seller ride the horse before you do- take notice of how they interact with each other and spend some time talking about their opinion of the tack they choose and why they use it. You'll find out alot about folks and how they treat their animals when you find out their opinion of training and behavior. 6- have a list of questions- training and health related to ask prior to purchase. Do NOT assume that because a seller hasn't mentioned that the horse has foundered, for example, that it hasn't. If they INTENTIONALLY lie to or mislead you, you would have a better chance of recouping any loss. 7- and don't forget to ask about what feed the horse is on and the quantities it consumes. It can indicate any problems with maintaining weight that could result from health issues. That's all I can think of right now, but I think those are the major points I hit (or should have hit) while I was horse shopping.. Good luck - take your time! Tracey Last edited on Wed Apr 11th, 2007 04:29 pm by ChampagneTobe ____________________ shameless self-promotion: http://www.tbuckalewphotography.com "God forbid I should go to a heaven where there are no horses" R.B. Cunningham Graham |
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| Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 05:53 pm |
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14th Post |
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Mistiblue G.O.G Community Member
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Wow!,.. these are all wonderful points that I would never have thought of. Thanks so much to everyone for the great advise!
____________________ "The Greatness of a Nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way that its' animals are treated " - Gandhi |
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| Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 07:56 pm |
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15th Post |
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gata*gal G.O.G Community Member
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ChampagneTobe's advice is excellent! Patience sister, patience... go in with a critical eye, ALWAYS. gata*gal :cool:
____________________ Have life, and have it abundantly... |
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12th, 2007 02:42 am |
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16th Post |
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HopeMissouri G.O.G Community Member 
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Excellent suggestions, Tracey! Additionally, we videotaped the owner riding the horse followed by me riding the horse. Often, as I was riding, my husband would be visiting with the owner as he videoed. It was interesting to listen to a conversation about the horse between my husband, the seller and sometimes the knowledgeable friend that went with us that I hadn't heard because I was riding. So much was going on, it was good to have the tape to help remember each horse/ride. Those are such fun tapes to watch. Horses that I liked but didn't purchase. The horses I purchased and how far we've come! Hope you find your perfect partner!
____________________  My horses give me as much respect as THEY THINK I DESERVE. Their opinion matters. |
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12th, 2007 04:36 pm |
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17th Post |
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ChampagneTobe G.O.G Community Member
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Hope - I had the seller videotape my first ride on the horse also - it was so cool! I think I nearly wore that video out looking at it over and over. With the quality of video phones now, that's an added bonus to be able to transmit a video or picture your prospective purchase to someone for evaluation... tracey
____________________ shameless self-promotion: http://www.tbuckalewphotography.com "God forbid I should go to a heaven where there are no horses" R.B. Cunningham Graham |
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| Posted: Mon Apr 16th, 2007 03:27 am |
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18th Post |
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Vickie Thompson G.O.G Community Member
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Hello, You are right about a younger horse. The younger you get one the less the horse has been messed up. A young horse will get to know you and you him. I also find that getting a horse from some one who has taken very good and loving care is the best. (like hasn't been hit or whipped or scared). Letting them grow up with you and being with you makes a great horse. If you need help in breaking and training then have a trainer come to you so you can control whats going on and be apart of it. Just love that horse to death. We have had foals that we did this with and when one of them was laying down my 2 year old brother climbed on her back and we were looking for him. He was on her while she was eating up on the hill. She had never had a saddle on her at that time. I could tell you more but I think you understand. Happy horse hunting. I recommend a Tenneese Walker
____________________ Remenber that the Lord will return on a Horse! |
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| Posted: Mon Apr 16th, 2007 01:06 pm |
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19th Post |
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ChampagneTobe G.O.G Community Member
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Vickie- that is unbelievable! I bet that nearly gave you a heart attack at first!
____________________ shameless self-promotion: http://www.tbuckalewphotography.com "God forbid I should go to a heaven where there are no horses" R.B. Cunningham Graham |
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| Posted: Wed Apr 18th, 2007 07:32 pm |
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20th Post |
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Karen A G.O.G Community Member
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I just bought my first gaited horse last summer. I wanted a well broke 8-10 year old horse. All of the older horses that I tried had issues of one kind or another, either health or behavior. People would flat out lie and tell me that a horse was quiet and well broke when they were anything but that. I finally saw a posting on a message board about G & G Flatshod Farms and what great gaited horses they had. You can view their horses on line and they will e-mail clips and pictures to you. I ended up going down there and after trying several horses aged 3 to 10, I purchased a 3 year old Racking horse. I almost didn't try him because I thought that no 3 year old would be a quiet safe riding horse but I have to say that I was wrong. My young horse leads other horses on trail rides without spooking. I can ride him away from a group and he goes without a fuss. He stands quietly for the shoer, loads in a trailer. Nobody at my barn can believe that he is so young. I think it is a mistake to judge a horse only on their age. There are good younger horses out there and there is certainly more selection. Good luck with your search.
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