posted 12-19-2003 01:44 AM           

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Hey all,
I am a beginner rider, been riding for about 3 weeks, and I am seriously considering buying my first horse. I am 5'6 with long legs, what size horse should I aim to get?
thanku
tyson

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From:Oakton, VA USA
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posted 12-19-2003 07:17 AM         

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If I were you, I'd go for something around 16 hands, give or take. Then again, if I were you, I'd wait to get a horse. I'm not sure you need the lecture, but owning a horse is a huge responsibility, and you should spend more than 3 weeks in the saddle before making a decision. Take the time to learn as much as you can about horses and riding in general. Learn what you can about basic horse care. What to do in emergencies. You can't always rely on barn staff where you board to take care of your horse for you. Seriously, if I were you, I would wait at LEAST 6 months before beginning a search to find a horse. Just because you love them now, doesnt mean you'll love them a few months down the road. And if that were to happen, you'd be stuck with a horse you don't want. Just take things slowly. You still have a lot to learn before you're ready go go out and buy.

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posted 12-22-2003 08:01 PM         

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Ditto what Barriano said-wait-learn all you can, when you get ready to buy-the right horse will be there. Be sure you get advice from your instructor-he/she may help you find a suitable mount. It's fair to you and to the horse!

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From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
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posted 12-24-2003 09:34 AM         

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Definately wait if you just started. It is a HUGE resposiblility, and I know, you don't want to hear it, but you really have a lot to learn.

A horse isn't a puppy. It costs roughly atleast $150 a month to properly take care of a horse, that is with out bording it at a stable.

Try your lessons for a while longer before jumping off and getting one, you may find out the hard way that is harder than you thought, and thats how most horses get sent to auctions, slaughter houses, and even worse abused and neglected.
I'm not saying thats what you'd do, but definately learn more and take some time to think about it!

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posted 12-31-2003 08:27 AM         

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You should probably wait to buy a horse once you have been riding for at least a year. Caring for a horse is a HUGE responsibility and is also expensive. My parents made me wait for 4 years of riding before we thought about it. But if you think you can handle a horse, I am 5'3" and have a 15.3 Quarter Horse named Rose. I would suggest you get a horse around 16.3hh so the horse is a good size now, but big enough that you can keep for a long time.

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posted 12-31-2003 08:34 AM         

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I also suggest taking lessons for a while and think if you still enjoy riding horses. Or try a lease, that gives you the benefits and responsibilities of owning a horse but you don't have to go through with all of the prices of fully owning a horse. Another problem you don't come upon is having to sell the horse when you are done with it. Buying is easier that selling and when you can't sell a horse it turns into a financial hole. With a lease horse you can also go to shows as you would if you owned a horse. Try it and then see if you think ownership is too hard.

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posted 01-05-2004 12:56 PM         

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I totally agree with everyone! Dont buy a horse until you are a confident rider, theres nothing worse than someone buying a horse when they cant ride and the horse gets wasted or if theyre 2 scared to get on it!
I got my first horse when i was 3 but i have been around them from day 1 so it was in my blood lol! A horse is for life not just for when you feel like owning one!

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posted 01-05-2004 12:59 PM         

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forgot to say.. dont go for something too big either, get something on half/full loan to see if u can deal with a horse 24/7!

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posted 02-07-2004 03:19 PM         

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You probably want to get a horse that is no shorter than 14.3 hands. I have a mare who's 15 hands and I'm 5'7". 16.3 is pretty tall, and might be hard for a person of your height to get on. The ideal height of a horse for me would be 15.2 to 16, but it's really up to you. Any horse bigger than 14.3 could handle your weight easily. Good luck! Horses are a lot of work but much more fun!

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posted 02-08-2004 10:18 PM         

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Hey! Just because my SN in Guppy girl its just because i thought when i signed in that it was just a fish forum Anyway. Yeah I think about no lower than 15.0 hands. Thats awesome that you moght get a horse!! You are gunna love it!!
Hope my advice helped!!

*Farmgirl*

[This message has been edited by guppygirl* (edited 02-09-2004).]

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posted 02-09-2004 05:54 AM         

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I think that we should answer the question asked and not preach about wait-and-seeing...that's her choice.

Depends on what you want to do with it. A big horse 17 h + won't be a brilliant jumper as it can be too big and not as agile as a smaller horse. 16.2 16.3 sounds right. Also anything bigger and you'll look like a pea on a shovel!

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posted 02-09-2004 09:55 AM         

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My advise and its MY advise, is to try out the individual horses of any size to see what your comfortable with.

I personally am 5'2" and my mare is 14.9 and the other is 15....

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posted 02-09-2004 07:28 PM         

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Hi again! SORRY(not sarcastically) if it sounded like I was preaching to her! I guess I got a little carried away but I have edited it so its much better!! Do you forgive me? I don't want to make anyone mad and I truly am sorry!!

*farmgirl*

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From:Oakton, VA USA
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posted 02-09-2004 08:50 PM         

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I disagree with you, microman. "A big horse 17 h + won't be a brilliant jumper.." True, a 17+hand Draft may not be ideal for jumping, but the larger sized Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods (17+hands) can be extremely good jumpers. And often the TB's are agile enough as well, and are more than capable of turning on a dime.

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posted 02-11-2004 07:28 AM         

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Feeling a little hurt Berriano from the preaching....never mind at least you managed to try to get one-up.Well I'd put a 16 against yours any day and I bet the smaller horse is much more agile. ...Bye-the-way....it's called turning on a penny.

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posted 02-11-2004 08:39 AM         

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didn't mean to preach, sorry microman just stating what ive noticed to hold water. i've known 13h ponies who can jump 3'6, where the 17h horses can barely put themselves over a cross rail. but i've also known 17 and 18h horses to be some of the best jumpers around. a big part of that was based on bone mass. and maybe its 'turn on a penny' to you, but here, we say turn on a dime. ill forgive yu, yur british :P~ (jk!!)

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