What do you think about this horse?

Question

I love horses and have always wanted one... To me it doesn't really matter how big or small they are... I don't care for the type I just want it to be a nice horsie ;) Loel but seriously guys what do you think about him? For a beginner I mean. Like of course it says like good for beginners but who knows with the internet these days... Plus I need professional advise :) Thx guys!

Link: http://agdirect.com/scripts/hrsdetl.exe?1167090044&0

Not just for riding :P

Answer 1

This is not a good horse for a beginner. Aside from not knowing how to handle a horse this big. Even an average size horse is more than a handful. You'll learn how much horse there is to handle when it gets spooked or when you have to force it to walk when it has colic. Do you have a double size stall and barn/stable and enough money to feed the equivalent of a small elephant? I love horses too, but unless you or your family is fairly well off, any horse, but this horse especially, is very expensive to keep. And there is more to it than just feeding it its hay and barley and fruits. You have to have a decent stable, have a shoer come out once a month and re-shoe him. Horses are always getting sick or hurt with something, so you and the vet will become good friends. And good tack is a small fortune. I've lived on a horse farm and horses are a lot of work, time and money. They are a lot of love, but if you don't take care of them properly, that isn't fair to the horse. Horses are so beautiful, it's tempting to want one, but, like a child, they're not just a little babydoll you can throw in the closet when you're done with it. They're a lot of hard work. Work on a horse farm for a while. Learn what it takes to have a horse. Then if you still want one, at least you'll know what is required.

Answer 2

This horse looks great but there's only so much you can tell from a photo and remember it might not be the horse for you. It depends on what you want to do, how big you are and whether you get on with the horse. In my opinion all horses are great but temperment is what matters and there's a horse out there for each person. Maybe go visit the horse and see how you get on and then ask the owner to ride it and after the owners ridden you have a turn riding him. If you click ask the owner if you can just pay a deposit and have a two week trial with him. That way if the horse isn't for you, you can return him and get the deposit back and if he's perfect you can pay the balance and buy him. It would also be advisable to have him checked out by a vet. Good luck and I hope you find the perfect horse.

Answer 3

I agree with Venice girl! but go see the horse, ride, drive etc. see if there is a connection between the two of you! I have been looking for a horses for the past several months and just bought an old mare to do pleasure riding! I must have tried 20 horses before I found her! I felt we connected and she is a sweetheart!
and I am so happy I took my time! she has some issues but with time I'm sure the two of us will work through them!
taking a vet or someone you trust with horse knowledge with you when you think you have found the horse you would like to purchase is a great idea and worth the money, especially if your not sure!
this is by no means a guaranty but its' sure a good way to go!
I learned to ride on a Clyde's and she was a real Sweety but like any other horse no horse is bombproof! there is always a chance that something will scare them and it only takes once!
and you could be hurt! you must always be on your guard, never let it down when your around horses.

There are many search avenues out there use all you can find!
www.equine.com
www.horseotopia.com
two that I found to be a great help in my search!
good luck with your search

Answer 4

First off, you don't need horseback riding lessons. I've never had one in my life, and people tell me I'm a fantastic rider, and horse trainer. As with any horse, you should take him on trial first. See if the owners will let you keep him at your place for about a week to see how well you and him click. He is a giant for a first horse, but the bigger the better (I think it is because they are sooo big they aren't as scared of much as little horses! lol) He seems wonderful, and if you have the land and the money for it, get him! If he doesn't work out, go down a few sizes, say a quarter horse, or a paint or an appaloosa. Your legs are gonna hurt after riding a horse that wide! it's gonna feel like your doin the splits! Any calm horse is good for a beginner. Ask the man to give you a few pointers on how they rode him (gave him cues to turn, back, forward and so on, so he will be a better mount for you) Like I said before, he seems wonderful, but ask if you can take him home on trial for a week or 2, just to make sure.

Answer 5

He sounds wonderful!! Draft horse breeds tend to be very calm and level headed as well which is great for a beginner rider. You need to go and try him out, spend some time with him and riding him to see how well he behaves and if you really do like him. You may have to purchase equipment specially designed for draft horses which may cost you more money than that for the average horse. From my own personal experience there is no more wonderful a temperament than that found in a draft or draft cross breed.

Answer 6

Do you plan to show? That horse is expensive because it is registered and very well trained. You can get a horse, trained for a beginner, at much less than that if you are not hung up on it being registered. Why do you want a draft? They are very large and due to their size could be scary for a beginner. 17HH is a big horse. Each hand if 4 inches. That makes that horse five and half feet at the withers. His head is higher than that. I think y ou need to look for well broke, not necessarily registered, geldings who are 8-15 years old.

Answer 7

read this article:

http://www.parelli.com/info_page.php?page=article&lit_num=13&title=How%20to%20Buy%20a%20Horse&t=lit

My opinion is that you should wait. This is a big, strong, youngster. Although his temprament may be suited to a beginner, his size is not. He may be a sweet heart, but he's a horse and won't think twice about being the leader and intimidating you. I wouldn't doubt he's good for a beginner 250 pound man, but I can gather that you're most likely pretty small. I'll bet his head weighs about as much as you do.

Also, carring for draft horses is a different matter than caring for normal horses. They are wonderful animals, but they are definately a bit more challenging and inconvenient than most horses. You'll have to get a special trailer since he probably won't fit on anyone else's, you're going to need to invest in draft size tack, and you're going to need to find a farrier that's willing to take care of such a big horse's feet. Although some drafts don't really need to be trimmed. Although they are reliable and safe animals, I wouldn't entrust a draft horse to someone who has never owned a horse before. It could be dangerous and bad for the horse.

Just choose wisely. My advice would be to wait for one that's a bit smaller and older.

Answer 8

My daughter loves horses too and she especially loves Clydesdale and Friesian horses. Clydesdales look quite intimidating because of their size but they're supposed to be gentle giants. I have not had the chance of finding out myself yet but you should definitely do some extensive research before buying any horse. If you're ready to buy, go there and spend some time with the horse. Just don't hurry into it unprepared.
Good luck and I hope you'll find the right one for you.

If you need professional advise for Clydesdales, look up the Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A.
I think it's under www.clydesusa.com

Answer 9

that is a great horse but no matter what horse you plan to purchase always get it vet checked before you buy if the owner has a problem with that then do you really want to spend money on that animal it might not be healthy and always use a vet you choose not the owner i have owned draft horses and they are great horses a bit of a rough ride and really big you will have to buy special tack and saddle that most tack stores don't carry but its worth it i wouldn't advise it for a first horses but if this is what you really want then go for it

Answer 10

This looks like a very nice Clydesdale gelding. However I wouldn't recommend it for learning to ride. Cart horses are built for pulling and are not very smooth to ride. Look for a horse that is a suitable height for your size. Big enough to carry you easily but not so big that it is hard to get on. Generally an older horse is quieter and easier to get on with than a young one. No younger than five years. If it is older than 15 years you may not have it for very long, and they can get arthritis and become unrideable. One that has done trail riding and pony club would be ideal. Look for adds that say, bombproof, good for beginner, safe and reliable, friendly and loves people, easy to catch, shoe and float, etc.