Do you think this is a good idea or not (horse-related)?

Question

I'm interested in buying this horse( http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad165306 ) but she is green and I'm a beginner.
Would it be wise for me to pay for training while i tkae more lessons.
Or should I just buy a more experienced horse?

*take
Sorry.

I meant that I would pay for a trainer for the horse while I took more lessons.

Answer 1

If you like her- go with her. She is only green broke for riding- since she has driven and been on trails she is used to moving around and seeing changing scenery- that is the important thing. She does have experience, just with a cart and not a rider on her back. If she is heavy on your hands or doesn't steer that great, you can fix with lessons. Spookiness and temperment are the two main things to look for when buying a beginner horse.
I think if you got her and took lessons on her regularly you would be fine, as long as she is your normal calm and steady draft horse.
Percherons are also pretty good at english type events- that mare seems to have a good forward trot in that one picture, though I see she is ridden in a western saddle.
I own a full draft myself, 17.2h Gypsy Drum, and I compete First level dressage on her. I went the green rider (12 yrs) and young horse way and trained her since she was 3 months. I had a lot of groundwork experience on training, but never really rode. She was my first to canter on. I am now 21 and no one else can figure out the cues I give her, but she preforms well for me.
Any questions on owning or training drafts, give me an email.

Answer 2

I would look for a smaller and more experienced horse. 17Hands is BIG! Your a beginner I would get a horse with a lot of training and about 15-16 Hands. Also look through rescue groups. There are a lot of horses that need to be adopted. I rescued one of mine and she is awesome. I would also take lessons while your looking for the perfect horse. Do not get frustrated it takes a while to find the right one. You want to make sure you get a vet check and ride the horse a few times before you buy. Also bring some one with you who has a lot of experience.

Rescue Horses on http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?action=1&pet.Animal=Horse&pet.Breed=&pet.Age=Adult&pet.Size=&pet.Sex=&location=80524&preview=1&scope=2&x=13&y=10

Answer 3

Most people would advise against buying a green horse....BUT I am not most people. My first horse was a 2 year old stud colt....but his temperament was so gentle, calm and willing, no one ever knew he was a stud. I was not a beginner to horses, I had taken lessons for years before I bought him and worked at a horse farm for 2 years before buying him, so even though I wasn't inexperienced, he was still my first horse. There is NOTHING more satisfying than growing with your horse and learning new things together. Today he is my number one trail horse. He's totally unflappable and I take pride knowing that I am the one who trained him and formed such a great bond with him. I take care of him and in turn he takes care of me. I always had a trainer supervise me and help me, but if you are comfortable, confident and have help from experienced people, I say GO FOR IT! After all, everyone has to start somewhere. The horse isn't completely green anyways. She's been trained in driving, and shes been under saddle. I think it would be a great project. Just be sure you have enough time to devote to her training before you buy her. She will need lots of time, consistency and patience. Good luck! I know you will have fun!

Answer 4

I would never suggest for even the best beginner rider to buy a green horse- or you'll find yourself spending more time icing your sores than riding.

I would definitely suggest you take more lessons and look for a well seasoned horse who is trained in many disciplines. You may even want to ask the place you take lessons if any of their school horses are for sale.

And I know it sounds tempting to buy the greener "cheaper" horse. But a horse is an investment- so you should invest in a equine partner who knows the ropes...no matter the cost or what the horse looks like. I would get together with your vet and trainer and tell them your riding goals- also it may cost some money but have them go with you to look at potential horses and have them voice their honest opinions on whether that's a reasonable horse for your equine dreams.

The most important thing I can tell you is TAKE YOUR TIME. Don't rush to buy the first horse that fits your price range and horsemanship goals. Instead find many that would be great for you. And then take your time deciding. Wouldn't you rather end up with a healthy, loving, and safe equine that you always look forward to go riding- rather than one who you don't?

Answer 5

NO, NO, NO don't buy a green horse if you're a beginner!!! Big mistake! Green horses are not only not trained, they are still very immature mentally. They spook (startle and/or jump) much easier than old ones that have seen it all. No amount of training will cover what years of experience will. I would recommend an older (15-20 yo) with lots of 4-H or similar experience under his belt. They are usually less expensive, and are very patient with new riders. You can "trade up" as you become a better rider. Our first horse was 24 when we were beginners. As our confidence grew, so did our herd, up to 5 horses and two daughters that now show competitive jumping. This never would have happened if their confidence didn't grow with older horses. Think with your head instead of emotions (hard with horses)
Best to you, thank you for asking before you bought him!

In memory of Poco, 1975-2006

Answer 6

If you can afford it i would do it. If you know of someone with more experience have them check the horse out for you. If your unsure of the horse you might want to look for one that is well broke. Green horses take alot of work and time. A trainer will put 30 days or more on the horse and then you might not be ready for the horse. He might be more than you can handle. Just depends on the horse and his disposition. If he's a sweetheart you might not have any problems. But i would definetly have someone with experience look at him. Hope it helps.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, I don't think a green horse is good for a beginner, even if you did choose to get a trainer. To get the horse to settle enough for a beginner to ride it, would cost you an arm and a leg for training.

Answer 8

I would advise spending your hard earned dollar on a more experienced horse, especially if you're going at it alone!! The ONLY way I would attempt an untrained horse is if I had plenty of assistance from experienced trainers on my team with time to spend with me and my project horse.

Answer 9

actually that is a huge horse and if your a beginner I don't think it's a good ideal. not that the horse is mean or anything but honestly it's really hard for a beginner to start out on a horse that big. even for me. . . i love horses and when i first started i thought it would be no big deal. . . but they put me on a big horse and i was totally nervous. i mean, it was a good horse but because their bigger they may be hard to control (when riding) and it's intimidating to be on one of those. also the horse is green so it's not a good ideal. i say keep your options open and keep looking, trust me it will pay off in the long run. i don't know where you live but here are some links to some horses that I have think would be good for a beginner that is still taking lessons:
http://www.equine.com/Horses/ad_details.aspx?lid=387541&search_id=4751ca12-5937-4085-ada9-39c1cd9429c7&p=6

http://www.equine.com/Horses/ad_details.aspx?lid=387481&search_id=4751ca12-5937-4085-ada9-39c1cd9429c7&p=6

Now I don't know how tall you are so I don't know how tall your horse would have to be but these horses look good.

Answer 10

Id stongly advise against it i have seen inexperienced riders buying green horses because they are less expensive and having to sell them on. have more lessons and buy a horse that suits your experience. Even try loaning a horse first so you know if you can cope with your own.