buying your first horse

lester76

hiya guys&girls i have decided to realise a dream of mine & buy myself something what?? im not so sure yet im in need of some sound advice off people in the know. i have just got back riding so im a novice ,im in a great yard which i am very happy with ,staff & surroundings are great. i am paying 35 bucks an hr private lesson sharing the hr with my sis who also pays 35 bucks. now i want to really get going on my riding as much as poss so if i was to go 4 times awk which will be 140 bucks. now livery is 100 awk or 80 if they can use my horse:eek: but i just couldnt do that ta save 20 awk. now this seems like the going rate around the waterford area , which im ok with. im about to sell my nice car to allow myself this purchase im thinking about spending 3000g - 5000g . a good hack, safe jumper, etc standing 15h-16.5h. now the price will include bridles,saddle,rugs am i dreaming with a 5grand purse??? any help advice comments please feel free. plus this horse share how do u go about that??

fits

Have you ever looked after a horse before?

I really recommend doing the BHS stage one exam before ever getting a horse as it will train you on the basics and give you confidence when you become a horse owner.

It is a huge leap going from lessons to owning a horse, and I think doing something like this would really help.

Mod hat on: paragraphs and good grammar really aid readability, and you would be more likely to get responses if your posts are readable..

lester76

That course sounds like it would be a great help fits. how would i go about getting more info ?? i really dont intend on rushing in trust me i just have to feel it out b4 i do. i know its a huge responsability but its something i want u know:)

kerrysgold

I agree, you need to be really "well-up" on horse care, feeding, grooming, recognising signs of sickness etc.

fits

Info on the stage one
http://www.bhs.org.uk/content/Ods-More.asp?id=1800&pg=Education&spg=Information&area=2

And exam centres and dates
http://www.bhsireland.com/examinations.asp

Jen Pigs Fly

Do what I did and do some volunteering (sps?) work in your yard. I did that for two years and it gives you a sense of if you're really ready to look after a horse, I'm getting my first one as well hopefully around may for my 18th birthday, but I feel like I can actually take care of a pony now because of the work that I've done. I'm act not taking lessons at the moment .. which is a bad thing, but that's because of my leaving cert, but with 9 years under my belt I hope it'll be alright.

But from what I've seen looking around at horses a few come with tack, rugs etc, while others don't. Although you'll find it's easy enough to find a horse in the height requirements you're looking for!

So happy hunting!