Please help--I can't decide:(

[eventerwannabe]

I know I should feel lucky to have this problem, but I have found two horses that I love and I just can't decide between them.

A little background on me. I've done a few mini events and I'm looking for a horse that could go at least Novice and maybe Training level. My last horse who I recently lost was a dirty stopper at the beginning. We finally worked it out, but I lost some confidence along the way.

If you were me which would you go with:

4 year old TB gelding. Extrememly quiet and sane. Very smart and trainable. Not much experience but has been to a H/J show. This horse doesn't stop at a fence. I gave him a few bad spots yesterday and he found a way out of everything and then corrected it on the next go around.

9 year old TB gelding. Has evented through Novice. Again quiet and sane. Could show me the ropes, but may have some maitenace issues. I'm riding this one again on Sunday, but the last time I rode he was great on the flat and over fences.

So would you go with experience and deal with the maintence or would you go younger with great potential.

Not much cost difference and i would be working with a trainer.

Have at it!!:D

[Sudi's Girl]

Well, not knowing either horses or you, I will give you my first reaction (albeit limited):

This is just MY opinion, and fwiw, I like going with the babies. At least then I know more of how/why he ticks the way he does. And I can control more of his future training. So your baby option sounds like a good place to start to me.

But again - that is just my opinion. It can definitely be the riskier one.
Best of luck - and update us on the one you decide!

[talkofthetown]

I think it greatly depends on how much, and what, maintenance is required. How much are you willing to do? How much are you willing to spend? If it's just a sensitive digestive system, so he has to eat X feed, then that's not as big of a deal as severe joint issues that need to be injected every 6 weeks. (This is a gross exaggeration, and hypothetical, but I'm trying to make a point.) From what you described, both horses sound great. Try evaluating the not-so-great aspects, and see if there's anything with either horse that makes you uncomfortable. Basically, make a pro/con list. If you really think that both are equal, and you really click with both, then start narrowing it down even more. Which is a better size? Which one would be an easier keeper in your pasture and/or stall set up? Ask your trainer's opinion.
Good luck!

[Coneleganta]

I wouldn't call novice "experience". Most horses come out at novice. And 9 years old with maintenance... is it arthritic? That seems like a young age for joint or physical problems, especially for having only gone novice. around 11 or 12 is the time you should start seeing this, but not if they really haven't done a whole lot yet. If I were you I would go with the younger horse, but do you really have time for a young horse? Patience? What would happen if the horse turned out to be a dud. Keep that in mind.

[Hilary]

What maintenance issues? At 9 he shouldn't have any - are you thinking just because he's 9 he will have more than the 4 year old? That's really not always the case- in fact, the 9 year old doing the job you want, soundly, is the better gamble than the untried prospect.

While greenies can be fun, if you want to learn to event, I would go with the horse who already does. Not that you can't learn alongside a young horse if you have good instruction, but it will take longer.

Has the youngster seen a ditch or water? The Novice horse already has.

[talkofthetown]

What would happen if the horse turned out to be a dud. Keep that in mind.

While I agree that's always a good consideration, isn't that the case with any horse? Going on what you said, if Novice doesn't mean experience, then you could say either horse might turn out to be a dud. I wouldn't not buy a youngster just because of that.

[eventerwannabe]

Ok, the maintanence is just a joint supplement. He is a little stiff right out of the stall but seems to be fine after a brief warm up period. Who knows if I would find anything else at the prepurchase, but as of now just a supplement.

[Janet]

Reading between the lines, I expect that YOU have never gone Novice or higher (Mini-event isn't well defined enough for me to be sure- there are mini-events that go up to Training).

If that is the case, then I would DEFINITELY recommend going with a horse that HAS already done Novice.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

What maintenance issues? At 9 he shouldn't have any - are you thinking just because he's 9 he will have more than the 4 year old? That's really not always the case- in fact, the 9 year old doing the job you want, soundly, is the better gamble than the untried prospect.

While greenies can be fun, if you want to learn to event, I would go with the horse who already does. Not that you can't learn alongside a young horse if you have good instruction, but it will take longer.

Has the youngster seen a ditch or water? The Novice horse already has.


That is sort of my reaction. You don't even know if the 4 year old will event. I enjoy bringing along young horses.....but I'm not new to the sport. You have already had confidence issues....a young green horse will need you to give them confidence. While he might not stop now....all horses will eventually if not ridden right. At least the other horse knows more than you at the moment.

But what are your goals? If it is to go beyond Novice.....I might keep looking.

[eventerwannabe]

So far I have only competed at the prenovice level (up to 2 ft) and was getting ready to move up to BN before I lost my horse. My aspiration is to go at least Novice and maybe Training level if I get brave enough:lol:

[GotSpots]

Ok, the maintanence is just a joint supplement. He is a little stiff right out of the stall but seems to be fine after a brief warm up period. Who knows if I would find anything else at the prepurchase, but as of now just a supplement. That ain't maintenance, that's just preference. A true "maintenance" horse is one who needs his hocks done twice a year to stay comfortable, or whose feet fall apart if he's not in glue-ons, or who needs to stay on Ulcerguard every day. A feed supplement isn't anything I'd be concerned about as a factor in a potential horse.

I'm with Janet: green plus green rarely equals blue. If your goal is Novice or Training, I think you'll be much happier long term with one that can help show you the ropes, rather than you both figuring it out as you go along. Youngsters are alot of fun, but that doesn't sound like what's in your game plan right now - better to buy the horse that's doing the job you want it to do, when you're building your own skills and confidence.

[talkofthetown]

Just another thought to add to the discussion. I've been riding for almost 11 years. I was started on the sour, dirty-stopping lesson ponies, and I moved on up the line to nicer horses. I've ridden stallions, done 1st level dressage, jumped my old pony 3'3, had countless jumping lessons (including xc schooling), have spectated and volunteered at upper level events...the list goes on and on. I'm currently re-training my first OTTB project, and he's due at his first event in November.
That being said, I've only competed in a few mini-events (not including combined tests/HJ shows/etc). But, that was because there weren't any in my area and I couldn't afford to do recognized events.
That's not meant as a brag; I know I have a long way to go before I've "done it all". But just because you haven't competed very much, or very high, doesn't neccessarily mean you're not experienced enough to do well.

Just my 2 cents. :)

ETA: eventerwannabe and someone else posted while I was still typing. If that's the case- that EW isn't experienced at eventing, and needs a packer type- then yes, I would consider whether or not the 9 y/o could help you out. If you think that you can handle competing and training a 4 y/o, then you really just need to decide which one you think you'd rather have, deep down.

[eventerwannabe]

My overall experience with horses: I've been riding since I was 12 and I'm now 34. I've only been jumping (well with guidance anyway) for about 4 years. Most of the horses I've ridden in the past have been pretty green. I've never had a 'made horse' before.

But on the flip side I'm 34 and I don't bounce as well as I use too:lol:

Thanks for your opinions so far!!!! I really appreciate all the help.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

So far I have only competed at the prenovice level (up to 2 ft) and was getting ready to move up to BN before I lost my horse. My aspiration is to go at least Novice and maybe Training level if I get brave enough:lol:


Hands down....go with the 9 year old who has been eventing novice. Not even a question. He is doing the job you want and will be more than enough horse for you for a little while at least.

That said....I'm assuming that this horse has been doing novice successfully and well for some time. As in, he knows the job well. If he has only done one or two novices....well then, I'd say pass on them both.....or if you go with the 4 year old, have your trainner put a season or two competing on them first for you. I know that this isn't always possible for everyone...and it wasn't what I did....but I do think it is the best way if you can. You want one of the partners (either horse or rider) to know their job.

Good luck!

[CBudFrggy]

When you look out your door in the morning, which one would you rather see looking back at you? I know you say you love them both, but c'mon I loved my collie more than my damnation, er dalmatian, and I loved them both.

[Long Shadow Farm]

Without knowing how much maintaince the older horse will need, I would vote for going with him. Make sure though, that you try him out on banks, ditches and water if possible. You want a horse that will give you confidence as you learn the sport. Then as you gain experience, you can always upgrade to a fancier model that might be green. Maintaince is a small price to pay for the experience and confidence an older, more experienced horse will give you. Take it from someone who has rode babies the entire time. I would have given my eye teeth for something that could have taught me when I started out.

Bobbi

[eventerwannabe]

Honestly, I can't say I have a real preference for either. If I had unlimited time and money I'd take them both.:winkgrin:
That's what's making this decision so hard. I feel that no matter which one I pick I'm always going to wonder if I made the right choice.

[tx3dayeventer]

I am with GotSpots & Janet on going with the 9y.o that has ALREADY done Novice.

What more could you want? A great horse to show you the ropes at BN & Novice and I bet he could go Training in a few years when you are ready.

I moved my palomino successfully up to Prelim at the age of 16, so age is not really an issue.

As far as the 9 y.o's 'maintanence', joint supplements are "not a big deal", heck I keep all my guys on Cosequin whether they are 4 or 24.

Go with the 9yo and go out there and have a blast, no worries about whether he will be freaky about water or ditches, you already know he is a rockstar about them.

[NMK]

Ride them both again and buy the one that's the most fun to ride. That's what counts the most to me.

[asterix]

Don't buy the 4 y.o. without trying him outside the ring. You have no idea if he'll be bold out there or not -- being willing in the ring is not a good barometer.

I'd vote for the 9 yo, too. Learning how to be an effective xc rider is tough, even for someone who is an experienced rider -- best not to try to learn while teaching a greenie the ropes. If he's stiff coming out of his stall...simple solution...don't keep him in one. My horse with arthritic hocks got dramatically better when I was able to transition him from a stall to full time out. It's cheaper, and they are happier, for the most part.

[evntr06]

I would say get whichever passes PPE ;)

[eventerwannabe]

evntr06 - that's what i was thinking!! However I don't want to spend $1200 on 2 PPE's!!

[talkofthetown]

Eventerwannabe, are either of them off the track?

[eventerwannabe]

talkofthetown - The 4 year old is not off the track. The 9 year old was race trained but never raced.

[Coneleganta]

As i've read this topic further, it makes me scream "look for a packer!!!" If you have never had a made horse, and have been riding greenies since the beginning... dear god, please go get a nice safe horse that will be fun and will take you around. There is nothing like that first time around a novice on a horse that you know is going to go and be a blast. AFTER two years on that, THEN think about a greenie.

Please do not think that you will teach a greenie how to event, when you have never evented. And no, a mini pre-novice does not count as an event... :lol:

[CookiePony]

How well did the 9 yo do at Novice? Yes, he has "done" it, but is he honest and confidence-building?

If he has done Novice well, then he would be my choice.

I, too am 34, with years of Pony Club, riding everything, etc. behind me, and my last horse was a greenie that I started at BN. That was sort of fun, but he did not inspire confidence in me. I am now mounted on an experienced horse who does give me confidence and rewards me when I ride well-- this equals lots of fun!

[Rienzi]

What does your trainer say? Has he/she seen/ridden the horses?

I would say to go see them again, if they aren't too far away. If you can, ride them in different conditions than the first time, to see how they handle different situations, even if it's just hacking around. If possible, bring someone with you who knows you and horses well.

Make lists of both horses, and honestly write down your observations of each in negative/positive columns.

Good luck!

[eventerwannabe]

My trainer is leaning toward the 4 year old. She is very good at bringing along young ones and would be able to help me a lot.

I've ridden the 4 yo twice and I did try to vary it. She didn't get on him this time. We rode outside instead of inside. I jumped him a lot more than the first time. The 9 yo I'm going to ride again on Sunday and I'm planning on doing the same things with him.

[Coneleganta]

Have you looked at any other horses than these two?

[eventerwannabe]

I've looked at 7 horses total to date. The first 4 were definite no's. Then I saw these two about a week apart and liked them both. I rode one after that didn't work out either.

[ss3777]

Great problem :)

Two things:

1. Do you like the journey more than the result? If so the 4 year old might give you more satisfaction.

2. Four year olds wake up!!

Good luck!!

[Coneleganta]

2. Four year olds wake up!!



Sometimes takes a year or two, but that brain clicks and they can really bounce out into little monsters :lol:

[Whisper]

9 seems awfully young to have arthritis, but if he's done well, and gives you confidence, it's worth dealing with maintenance. If you haven't evented above Novice yourself, especially not recently, I don't think a greenie would be a good idea.

[luise]

Well, a joint supplement doesn't mean the horse has arthritis. I personally don't think joint supplements do anything anyway. I would go with the 9 y/o if you want to event. Get a horse that can teach you. What if the 4 y/o becomes a freak out on XC? I know someone who bought a green 8 y/o last year to event. Don't know if he'll make it as an eventer though as he isn't the bravest. That's the risk you take with a green horse. I would ride the 9 y/o some more. If you like him, do the PPE on him with x-rays.

[Bobthehorse]

I think that a mind like that 4 year old is precious, and no amount of age and experience can give a horse a natural mind like that.

9 is very young to have maintenance issues. And Novice is not that much experience. You could probably have that 4 year old going novice before he is 9.

[eventerwannabe]

I know a lot of people have been wondering how much experience the 9 year old has. He has been pony clubbed through C2 has done 1 recognized BN event placing 5th and 1 recognized Novice event placing 7th. So it's experience but not a ton of competing.

Again thanks for all the opinions. It's good to think about angles I never thought to look at!!

[bornfreenowexpensive]

I know a lot of people have been wondering how much experience the 9 year old has. He has been pony clubbed through C2 has done 1 recognized BN event placing 5th and 1 recognized Novice event placing 7th. So it's experience but not a ton of competing.

Again thanks for all the opinions. It's good to think about angles I never thought to look at!!

If that is all....I might lean more toward the 4 year old as well. But if you can, let a more experienced xc rider put some eventing experience on him for you. Neither is really ideal for a rider at your level but one of the advantages of the 4 year old is the potential of re-sale if he doesn' work for you. Just be ready...the quiet easy mind of the 4 year may go away next year...but it does usually come back.

[eventerwannabe]

Believe me, I wish I had $10-15k to spend on a packer, but it's just not in the cards at this time. I really do need a rich uncle!!:p

bornfreenowexpensive - don't worry, which ever one I get...if there is something I'm not comfortable with there will be someone more experienced doing it first. That was part of the problem with my last horse and I'm not going to make that mistake again.:no:

[deltawave]

I would go with the older horse, assuming that "has gone Novice" means "has seen it all at Novice and is a packer". Otherwise, I'd keep looking. Many people assume that "I jumped this horse over a Novice coop a couple of times at a clinic" is the same thing as "successful at Novice level", especially when advertising! :lol:

ETA now I've seen the post where the 9yo has done TWO events. Keep looking, keep looking, keep looking is my instinct.

[eventamy]

I have to agree with Deltawave. Can't hurt to keep looking!

[laurabug]

If you are a rather inexperienced rider than I would go with the horse with more educated. I personally think you would learn more in the long run if you have the 9 year old, when both of you are trying to learn something new at the same time it is very frustrating. But defiantly get a pre-purchase exam first; you never know what really might be going on with that horse. And as for the supplement, I have a 6 year old TB off the track and I give him a joint supplement more as a preventative thing. I have had people say that it doesn’t do anything for him when he is that young, but I can tell the difference in him if I skip on giving it for a few days, call me crazy. I vote for the 9 year old. Good luck!

[Jazzy Lady]

I'd keep looking. It's the end of the season, kids are away at University, horses will start popping up.

My reaction - green and green is not a good combination. YOU need to be confident to make the horse confident. You mentioned that he got himself out of some bad distances that you put him too which is great. Every horse needs to learn that and everybody misses distances. It's great they learn how to get themselves out at a young age however, if he gets wrong too often, it may make him quit... just some food for thought...

The 9 year old sounds okay. He can have only a bit of experience at competitions, but if he was a pony club horse, then he's probably done a whole lot more that don't include events and has seen quite a bit. His brain could be worth gold. Plus, it was obviously an amateur who brought him doing the C2, BN and novice which is also an asset. Sometimes you need to be weary of pro ridden horses.

Anyway, orals at 9 is nothing, but it wouldn't hurt to keep looking. If you aren't "omg I have to have him, he's PERFECT" then keep looking. :)

[eventinghopeful]

I would continue to explore other options, i.e. other horses, if neither of these horses screamed "must-have" to me. Personally, I've never had a "made" horse and my current horse is no where near because I like a project. I'd say go with the more seasoned horse because it will be more fun. You can start competing right away instead of having to train, train, train a baby all the time.

[equestrianerd]

I agree with eventinghopeful. 7 horses is not many to look at, judging by my most recent horse shopping experience. I contacted people about probably 50 horses, and went to see 20 or so.

On the green vs. not-green issue, I'd vote for not-green, unless you like the projects. I like projects myself, but the boy I ended up with is a lot more of a project than I thought he'd be...he's got a good brain and is a lot of fun, but our progress is a lot slower, and a lot more 2-steps-forward-1-step-back than I anticipated. I'm now considering leasing him out for a bit while I work with a more seasoned horse, just so that I know the ropes better before I try to teach them to him.

Good luck shopping!

[yellowbritches]

I don't think we'd even looked at the 4 yr. old if you were in our barn. A 4 yr. old for an inexperienced rider aspiring for novice just doesn't seem like a good idea to me...it needs to be a really, really special 4 yr. old, in my book, and even then I'd be weary.

I lean towards the older one, and I don't consider a little stiff out of his stall an issue, and, frankly, I'd probably not consider routine joint injections an issue, either, but that is MY personal feeling. I know others disagree. If the horse truly was a PC mount, he has probably seen and done more than his couple of real outings speak of.

However, I think my gut instinct would be to keep looking. The market sucks right now...you might be surprised with what you find in your price range. 7 horses isn't that many, in the long run.