I went out on hacks from about 5 till I was 12 and then when I was 14 i got lessons, I started off trotting and cantering etc then we started doing jumps and the highest I got was about 4 feet. Everyone said I was doing really well seen as I hadn't been riding that long. The problem was I was often on smaller horses. And they looked too small for me because i'm 5"8 and about 8 and a half stone.( I'm 16 )
I'm getting private lessons now on a 16.3hh horse and I find it harder because he's a hard horse to ride and has a very bouncy trot.
However, i'm doing really well on him and have begun jumping about a foot.
My instructor says i'm doing well and if I can ride this horse I can ride any.
But, the other day I fell off, not badly but it's my first time.
We were going over a jump and the horse jumped it too soon and ended up jumping it as if it was 5 foot as he was over excited and went into the jump in canter really fast.
I got back up and everything was fine.
My seated position is really good and we've worked on it loads because I used to have my legs too far forwards. My left leg is a bit weaker but my right leg is spot on.
I can groom horses, feed them, muck them etc.
And can do my stirrups put the saddle on etc, tighten the girth.
I'm thinking of getting a horse soon and am saving up. I'm definitely committedand have waited a long time.
My grandad is going to buy land so i don't have to pay.
I want a really loving horse so what breed is best & also a big one about 16hh. But I also want a fun horse that I can take to shoes and even do dressage when I learn it.
What i'm really asking is do I need an older horse because my riding isn't good enough, or can I get a young horse?
Thanks ! :) xxx
I'm getting private lessons now on a 16.3hh horse and I find it harder because he's a hard horse to ride and has a very bouncy trot.
However, i'm doing really well on him and have begun jumping about a foot.
My instructor says i'm doing well and if I can ride this horse I can ride any.
But, the other day I fell off, not badly but it's my first time.
We were going over a jump and the horse jumped it too soon and ended up jumping it as if it was 5 foot as he was over excited and went into the jump in canter really fast.
I got back up and everything was fine.
My seated position is really good and we've worked on it loads because I used to have my legs too far forwards. My left leg is a bit weaker but my right leg is spot on.
I can groom horses, feed them, muck them etc.
And can do my stirrups put the saddle on etc, tighten the girth.
I'm thinking of getting a horse soon and am saving up. I'm definitely committedand have waited a long time.
My grandad is going to buy land so i don't have to pay.
I want a really loving horse so what breed is best & also a big one about 16hh. But I also want a fun horse that I can take to shoes and even do dressage when I learn it.
What i'm really asking is do I need an older horse because my riding isn't good enough, or can I get a young horse?
Thanks ! :) xxx
Yours is a great story.
Take a deep breath. Your riding is just fine.
The number one issue that you have with your riding is that smaller horses have a "smaller" movement. When you started riding a bigger horse, with a bigger movement, you didn't have quite the balance and control. This is OK. It'll come with practice.
The age of the horse isn't as important as the size of the movement. It will take you a little time to adjust to the movement of a bigger horse whether it's young or old. You can look for a horse that has a shorter back. This will make it a little easier to ride, but you may have a problem that the horse's back hooves hit the front hooves.
If you've been riding that long, it'll all come together for you pretty quickly. You'll do just fine.
Get the horse that you fall in love with, regardless of the age.
You sound like a great rider and very caring.
Good luck with your new horse.
Take a deep breath. Your riding is just fine.
The number one issue that you have with your riding is that smaller horses have a "smaller" movement. When you started riding a bigger horse, with a bigger movement, you didn't have quite the balance and control. This is OK. It'll come with practice.
The age of the horse isn't as important as the size of the movement. It will take you a little time to adjust to the movement of a bigger horse whether it's young or old. You can look for a horse that has a shorter back. This will make it a little easier to ride, but you may have a problem that the horse's back hooves hit the front hooves.
If you've been riding that long, it'll all come together for you pretty quickly. You'll do just fine.
Get the horse that you fall in love with, regardless of the age.
You sound like a great rider and very caring.
Good luck with your new horse.
Honestly? There is no breed that is associated with their nature. The best type of horse I've ridden is a welsh cob, i wouldn't say they are loving, but definetly laid back
i know a very very nice lady that has a TB that does it all for sale, i litterly mean this horse does everything! i just bought 1 of her horses 3 days ago. she is a very nice lady and is very negotionalable. if you would like her addy and phone #, email me at
cadence.hammond@yahoo.com
cadence.hammond@yahoo.com
dont automatically assume that an older horse will just do whatever you want like a lesson horse. i know an 18 year old TB who still does the jumpers (up to about 3'6"), and hes amazing.
horses are at their prime usually around age 10. my horse is 11 years old, and he has a lot of spunk.
youd need to train the younger horse. thats hard to do, especially if your riding isnt good enough. a green animal needs someone who knows beyond the basics. and younger horses tend to rush to the jumps and leap over them awkwardly, and you need to know not only how to jump to it, but to teach them how to approach the jump, where to take off, and how to get over it nicely.
i know young horses sound more fun, but you want something you can learn on that you know is safe. you're probably ready for a true horse, not a lesson horse who will carry you without complaints. but i wouldnt suggest getting a young horse.
also, 16hh isnt that big to be honest. most thoroughbreds are 16hh. thoroughbreds can be hot-headed and a little cocky, but theyre great athletes. quarter horses are nice and they have a lot of talent, but can be kind of stubborn at times. but i think a quarter horse or a quarter horse/thoroughbred cross makes the perfect first horse. thats what my first horse, marko, was and he was an angel. i learned a lot with him.
horses are at their prime usually around age 10. my horse is 11 years old, and he has a lot of spunk.
youd need to train the younger horse. thats hard to do, especially if your riding isnt good enough. a green animal needs someone who knows beyond the basics. and younger horses tend to rush to the jumps and leap over them awkwardly, and you need to know not only how to jump to it, but to teach them how to approach the jump, where to take off, and how to get over it nicely.
i know young horses sound more fun, but you want something you can learn on that you know is safe. you're probably ready for a true horse, not a lesson horse who will carry you without complaints. but i wouldnt suggest getting a young horse.
also, 16hh isnt that big to be honest. most thoroughbreds are 16hh. thoroughbreds can be hot-headed and a little cocky, but theyre great athletes. quarter horses are nice and they have a lot of talent, but can be kind of stubborn at times. but i think a quarter horse or a quarter horse/thoroughbred cross makes the perfect first horse. thats what my first horse, marko, was and he was an angel. i learned a lot with him.
I agree with the first poster - you should probably look for something that is between the ages of 8 and 15. That way you can have the benefit of having a horse who has "been there" without the lesson horse "whatever" attitude. At 5'8 and only 16 I'd suggest finding something that is at least 15.3 to 16.2 hands (since you'll probably gain another inch!) so your legs don't dangle :-). As for breed, thoroughbreds are a personal favorite of mine because of their attitude and athleticism, but look at some others as well. Someone mentioned quarterhorses, and appaloosas will always keep you on your toes. Try not to fall in love with the first horse you look at - it's harder than you think to shop around.
Good luck, and have fun!
Good luck, and have fun!