What level of riding and horse care should I be at before I lease/own a horse?

Answer 1

I think its more monetary than anything- any person can be very horse smart and know how to ride and properly care for an equine but still not have the money to do so.
If you know how to properly care for an equine and have the money to do so- then I would suggest looking for an equine partner that meets your riding level and is a compatible partner for you.

If you have the money start doing research on how to properly care for an equine. This includes feed, vet care, farrier, tack, grooming supplies, where you will stable or board your horse, and what everyday life is with an equine. Most US house hold that own 1 horse spend an average of $4,000 on their horse a year- this does not include the cost of the horse. Cost may go up or down depending on your area of the country.
If you find a great horse that meets your riding level for lease- go ahead and try it out and determine whether or not your finances are in order to be able to keep a horse long term. Start taking more lessons if you are a beginner or even if you are just a first time horse owner.

Either way, determine if you are ready to take care of an equine before you buy a horse you will not be able to give the proper care for.

Answer 2

I have never owned a horse but I know the basics. I have talked to may about getting a horse and the truth is it depends on what breed and how broke the horse is on how much experience it would take to own it. Having never owned an equine many people have told me to get a fully broke quarter horse or a thouroughbred. If you really want a horse pick up a few books on horse care and maybe read one or two entirely. Also when buying your new pet it is important VERY imortant to have a vet with you or a horse expert. This will ensure a safe buy, trust me don't go to auctions for your first buy make sure you can ride the horse and have a vet look at it.

~Hope this Helps~ =)

Answer 3

Another question you should evaluate is your financial health. Many people have no idea how expensive owning and caring for a horse is. ( Easily well over $100 a month for food and vet alone). Horses are very expensive "pets" to maintain properly. Caring for them is also time consuming. Horses live much longer than a dog or cat so make sure you are prepared to commit to being a horse owner for several years. So -make sure you know what you are getting into with time and money invested before you make the leap. Don't make the mistake of getting an animal you might not be able to care for properly. If you can afford the horse - I say go for it. They are lovely animals.

Answer 4

you need to know the basics of horse care, (feeding, stabling, etc.), & for riding, you need a horse that you can handle at your skill level.

If you are green, then you need a reliable horse that will allow you to learn & progress your skills.

If you are intermediate, then a horse that knows the basics but maybe needs some more training, or a horse that will progress along with you.

ask your trainer for advice on what kind of horse to look for. If you are green, leasing might be a better option until you feel you are ready to own your own horse.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

You should have some basic experience in both riding and care.... Just so you know if your horse is ill or something like that. Even if you hire someone to care for the horse.
Horseback riding not so much, but you should know correct posture and how to make the horse go into different speeds.
You don't need to be a pro you just need to know roughly what your doing.

Answer 6

I really frown upon beginners owning horses for the main reason that they often choose horses unsuitable for their needs/abilities and find themselves overwhelmed. I like to see riders that are at least solid intermediates as the ones who start to think about taking the next step into ownership or leasing. These riders should be familiar with all aspects of horsemanship, as well. They should have at least a basic knowledge of horse care, wrapping, nutrition, exercise, maintenance, etc. Even if your horse is in a full care facility, it helps to know how to clean a stall because you never know when you may have to. You should also be familiar with basic first aid: linaments, ointments, how to wrap a leg, etc.

I really like to see my riders explore leasing before the purchase a horse. This is a great introduction into the sort of commitment and time a horse requires, not to mention money. Many riders, particularly beginners and intermediates, find themselves overwhelmed by ownership. It costs too much, it requires too much additional equipment, they can't handle being at the barn on a daily basis, etc. Leasing allows them to give the horse back after a predetermined length of time, so if it really is too much for them to handle, they know at least they don't have to face the prospect of selling the horse and losing that much money for nothing.

Answer 7

you should be atleast on the verge of being advanced in riding. as far as horse care goes ask a friend or family member, or e-mail me,about what to do. i've had a horse for almost a year-more like a family horse- and once i learned how to take care of him it's really easy. don't try to make everything like all the books say, it's boring and hard. i'm not saying be lazy with your horse's care but don't stress out over the small things like having a separate room for tack and another for food.

Answer 8

you should definately either be an expert or hire an expert for horse care but riding i would say if you want your horse to trust you forever you should have experience and be intermediate-ish