I want to thank everyone for answering my questions. I am definitely a beginner with horses, but have always had a fondness for all animals espec horses and dogs. The last thing I want is a horse that is skittish, I want one that will be very tuned into me, and someone asked what I wanted the horse well just for pleasure altho I'd be interested in learning dressage, have seen some events on TV , and its very beautiful, and I would think in order to succeed ther's have to be a very strong bond between horse and rider, and I like that. I'll be spending LOTS of time with my horse. Another question that Iponder over is I am better to purchase a yearling as opposed to an older horse.
Thank you muchly in advance
2006-12-02 11:40:38 · 10 answers · asked by lorrie m 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Unless you are experienced with working young horses do not buy a yearling. Best to buy a well schooled older horse, 10 to 15 years perhaps. This way you can get straight to riding and taking lessons. (It will be 2 to 3 years before you get on the back of the yearling if you go that route). Many breeds/types of horses bond with their owners and form great working relationships. If you are serious about dressage consider also some of the warm blood breeds available.
http://wwwarmbloods.com/index.html
2006-12-02 12:58:54 · answer #1 · answered by digitsis 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have the money... I would not buy a baby. An 9 year old or older Warmblood would be perfect for Dressage. It is going to be on the expensive side but if you are going into Dressage and you buy a yearling then you be putting that money into it anyway.
You need to get into the saddle now and start making your dreams come true.
If you by a yearling WB then you will be waiting 3-4 years to ride.
I am not too familiar with the breeds you have listed. I only deal with Thoroughbreds, Hanoverians and Dutch Warmbloods. My TBs are extremely sweet but that is not the norm... I just happen to have a sire that put outs well temper foals. The Hanoverians are sweet and mellow and are wonderful 3 day eventers. So That a nice breed to get into if you may want to jump also.
Now the Dutchs... I had mellow and I have had spirited. Then excell at jumping and can go dressage. The only ones I had roll through were jumpers.
You should have fun with whatever breed you decide to go with... Just take lessons on different types of horses and find a trainer you can trust. Be careful tho... There are a lot of snake oil salesmen out there. Never let anyone tell you you need to buy a stallion for an investment. (That just happen to a beginning jumper friend of mine.)
Good Luck and have fun. Freestyle Dressage Rocks!
2006-12-03 01:21:50 · answer #2 · answered by jumpthattb 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Young horses present issues that an experienced rider will be much more equipped to handle. Young horses are more skittish frequently as well. Dressage has it's fads like any other sports, so if you wish to compete, you may find in some parts of the country that those breeds of spanish or portugese descent, such as the Lusitano or Andalusian, have a difficult time winning at shows. Right now, the lightweight warmblood is in it's heyday, whereas the heavier stock warmblood was most popular in the 80's. Baroque horses are becoming popular to own, but judges are more inclined to rate the warmblood higher at smaller shows. Spanish and Portugese horses have a natural elasticity to their gates which creates a elegant movement, and a propensity for collection, but their extensions are often inclinded to appear wonderfully fluid but soft. Judges like to see more snap in the actions right now and the warmbloods build accentuates the snap in the extended trot, and it's that same build that creates a big trot that to a beginner can be tougher to ride.
Aesthetics aside, don't favor a breed, but rather have an instructor help you chose based on a horses body type and yours, plus ridability, and of course, temperment. A long or short legged rider on the wrong horse can make less of a refined picture and even make proper riding form a challenge. Have an experience rider rider or instructor help you chose, forget the breed descriptions foud in books, there are always exceptions to every rule, and someone looking at you from the ground while your on a prespective horse's back will help you find a mount best suited to your body as well a personality.
2006-12-04 03:40:29 · answer #3 · answered by Not You 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do NOT get a yearling, if you are inexperienced with horses you do not want a yearling, they are far to advanced for you and including all the things that horses need I would suggest taking riding lessons and learning from someone who knows about horses. Get a horse that is at least 10 years of age and is well trained and mannered. Lusitano and Andulsians are used for showing and competition, they are used also because of they're charming looks. All horses can learn just as well as they can, dressage takes allot of balance and discipline, also allot of patience. You need to think over what you are doing before you get a horse, they need care from somebody who knows what they are doing. You don't have to rush into getting a horse right away.
2006-12-02 11:53:40 · answer #4 · answered by sogullablegurly 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you are a beginner with horses do not get a yearling as you will not have the required skill needed to train the horse.
Dressage horses take YEARS of training and the person who is riding has taken YEARS of lessons to get to that level.
If you are going to d odressage get a horse who already knows the basics and that way you can start riding right now and learn new things right along. Get a trainer who you like and can work with and take lessons. They can really help to improve your riding skills and it helps to have someone who can look at reset your position if it is off or show you how to do something better.
Good luck in your horse search.
2006-12-02 11:56:23 · answer #5 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Young horses are very skittish & require years of training. First time horse people are advised to get one that is about 14 years old and passes the skittesh tests. Ones that pass at this age have adjusted well but if you are determined to get a younger horse be prepared for a longggggg break in or if you are wealthy, you can hire a skilled trainer to expide the process.
2006-12-02 11:51:24 · answer #6 · answered by kate 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Id say, that since you're still a beginner you should rather go fro an older horse that way you can learn and not worry to much about teaching the horse, you'll find things less frustrating this way.
When i first started learning to ride i had older horses. my first was a OTTB called Fair Dandy and he taught me so much, and i also found that the more i learned the better he performed. he really looked after me and was a really good introduction to competing.
a couple years later i got another horse also a TB called Coral Express and he was totally different to dandy - much more firey and forward going and waht a CHALLENGE!!! it was brilliant.
once you're more secure with yourself as a horseman then you'll find it alot easier and ALOT more rewarding to start training your own youngsters.
2006-12-02 14:39:27 · answer #7 · answered by Kismet 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
personally myself, i would prefer a yearling or 2 yr old that i could train on mine own, this is where the trust is going to come from. buying an olde horse means u can get started right away but u have no idea of the habits and hardships an older horse has .aquired. good luck
2006-12-02 11:49:53 · answer #8 · answered by Nora G 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
NO young horses! If you want something for begginers and about 11.2 hands try a connamara about 4,000.00 for a good one. Go to equine.com to look for some. If you want something big try a calm paso fino I have some they are friendly and very lovable they are around 13.2-14.3 hands and for a good one around 3,000.00. If you want something really big try a draft mix the price range is 700.00-3,000.00 for a calm one. Hope I helped!
2006-12-02 13:23:25 · answer #9 · answered by Kally 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
only very experienced riders should consider buying yearlings.
2006-12-02 13:23:01 · answer #10 · answered by CF_ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋