what do i need (tack, equipment) for my first horse? I live in NW Indiana?

Question

I am adopting a 24 yo mare. 14.3 hh morgan/QH. she swims, trails, rides western & eastern. how do i size a saddle? is western better? hubby is a large guy, 6ft 2, 260 lbs. will an 18" western work for him? I have never owned a horse so i am not sure what i will need right away. any suggestions?

Answer 1

it english not eastern just too tell u
i ride so i can help. if you never riden before u might take lesson or try western. im guees i already have a place for it to stay and feed
if u a re doing western u need a saddle , pad, cinch, bridle , english: saddle bridle pad girth
the people u r adpoting her from can help u more aslo the local tack shop or riding school

Answer 2

A 14.3 Morgan is probably quite chunky, but is really not suitable for your husband, unless you don't care. You must buy a saddle to fit the horse and also the rider, so there is no set size for one. If you've never ridden English, you'd be better off riding Western. English riding, done correctly is all work, and takes experience to ride well. You will need a bridle, bit (that she's accustomed to), such as snaffle, etc. Ask the previous owner about the bit. Along with a saddle, bridle, halter, bit and blanket, you can get started. Do you have a stall and fenced in paddock for her? If not, this comes before getting the horse. You'll need something for her water, feed and hay. Do not put hay on the ground, as this can cause her to become sandy, and possibly colic, especially in an older horse. The previous owner should be willing to share all this information with you. One other thing, make sure she has had a Coggins pulled and the results are negative. And, make sure she is current on all shots.

One other thing. When you put the mare in pasture, make sure you remove her halter. Leaving it on could be disastrous. There have been many horses get it caught on a fence post, or around a branch and has ended up with a broken neck. I'm not trying to scare you, but you mentioned you have never owned a horse, and I'm trying to be as helpful as possible. Good Luck. Horses are so much fun.

Answer 3

I would take lessons before you buy a horse. And it's english not eastern. Honest mistake. A lot of people make it. For your hubby. A 14.3 morgan that is 24 yrs. old isn't large enough to carry him. More like a 16 hand QH. You will need a stable for her to stay at, a farrier, and vet. 24 is a very old age. Horses usually live to be about 27 or 28. Sometime older sometime younger. If you are just planning to go on short trails and nothing challenging or long she will be fine if she is in good health. Make sure a vet checks and passes her before you buy her. If you are planning on doing trails with her I would suggest western. It is a lot more comfortible. Go to statelinetack.com or horse.com. I like state line tack. It is good leather and high quility. If you take lessons first they will provide a horse, tack, brushes, and everything you need you ride them with. It will teach you how to take care of horses the right way. Just a warning if your buying a older horse, they have been around for a long time and know how to fool you. Be ready for some tricks.

Answer 4

18" is quite a large western saddle, so it would probably fit your husband. The more important thing is to make sure it fits the horse. It shouldn't pinch her shoulders, or be so wide it touches her withers in front. The bars should lay against her back the whole length of the saddle.
For english saddles, add about two inches to the western size to fit the rider. For instance, I ride in a 16" english and a 14" western.

In addition to a saddle, you'll need a saddle pad, girth or cinch, bridle, bit and reins, and a halter and lead rope.

If you are keeping this horse a boading facility, there will probably be plenty of people to give you advice. You could also talk to the barn owner or manager about what else you would need to provide for your horse.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

First, you don't mention if you're planning to keep your horse on your own property. If you are, I would strongly suggest that you board your horse for several months first at a facility where you can learn about horses. They are not just big dogs :) and can hurt you or themselves without you even realizing that there's danger in the works. On top of that, an injury caused by a 1000# animal can be fatal without the animal ever meaning any harm at all. Seriously, I can't emphasize that enough. Find a good teacher.

As for buying equipment, I can tell you that I've spent (literally) thousands over the years on saddles, bridles, all the stuff in my grooming/supplies trunk, vet bills, farrier bills, dentistry bills...whew! And that doesn't even include board payments! Be prepared to (1) spend a lot more than you expected, (2) buy a few things that don't work out in the end and (3) ask tons of questions to anyone who knows about horses.

Finally, if you really, truly want to learn about the mind inside of that living, feeling, thinking creature that you're bringing into your life, instead of just having something to sit on that can take you places, check out www.parelli.com (no, I don't work for them). You might be utterly amazed at what you can learn from them. (After 30 years with horses, I still was!)

Best of luck and stay SAFE!

~DancesWithHorses~

Answer 6

You will need
Saddle and saddle pad
Bridle and reins
Halter and lead rope
Grooming supplys and fly spray
An 18" western saddle will fit your husband.
If you have never owned a horse and are keeping it at hime you might want to talk with a trainer ans see if you can not get some help with dager signs and things to watch out for in case of illness and such. Read everything you can about horse care and grooming and the like .
Horses are great but they take alot of time and work.

Answer 7

i could ask my coach what i will might desire to bounce into horsemanship is a severe element. until you realize plenty approximately horses what length tree do you like interior the saddle? What length bit do you like? What length seat do you like is the pony english experienced or western how approximately dressage? do you realize what length head the pony has regular horse length does not extra healthful all of them? Are you making plans on boarding or conserving the pony at domicile?? in case you board the owner of the barn might desire to have the potential that can assist you you interior the vast issues. For now purchase brushes and treats and take a inspect to be certain the dimensions of its modern-day halter and get a variety of additionally grab a lead rope. leaping into procuring a blanket isn't a stable thought do you realize which you fairly want one the place you reside?? there are self help books and rather some great running shoes accessible that can assist you you i will help all i will and powerful good fortune!!

Answer 8

The best thing for you and the horse would be to befriend some horse knowledgeable people and or take a few lessons in horse care/riding to make sure you are ready to fully take care of this horse.

Answer 9

Hey I am from NW Indiana too! :) Small horsey world!!
http://www.indianahorsenetwork.com
There is a place in Valparaiso called Tony's Saddle Shop > http://www.tonyssaddleshop.com
and Linda can help you out with sizing your horse to a saddle and all that good stuff. (Tell her Melinda sent you!) If you need anymore help email me > [e-mail] I will help anyway I can! :)

Answer 10

call a farrier. he will tell you everything he knows about horses..to me western is better because you have something to hold on to if your horse gets spooked and takes off. but when you mount your horse,make sure that the cinch is tightened. i got in trouble w/ my dad because i was going on a ride down our dirt road and forgot to check the cinch. if your a first time buyer you need to wear a helmet just in case. i used to wear a helmet but i don't anymore. ive gotten used to my horse and i trust her more than anything