Opinions on Possible Youth Horse???

[CamdenLab]

We're starting to look for a horse for my intermediate beginner 14 year old daughter. She is really talented -- on a good horse. She isn't the most brave rider, but her equitation, dedication and drive are amazing. Oh, and she has the horse bug like you wouldn't believe and for the past year, she hasn't waivered. She has saved every penny to go toward a horse. If we give her $10 when she goes to the mall with a friend, she'll skip lunch, buy nothing and keep the $10 for her horsey fund!

Originally we were going to get an older horse that could retire with us when she goes to college and be used for trails and occasional summer weekend riding. It's been difficult to find an older horse (15 - 18) in our price range that isn't trail broke only -- meaning it doesn't canter, just walks down the trail, maybe trots with a lot of kicking. Now, I'm looking at horses that are younger, but really quiet, that have the basics (walk/trot/canter/whoa). I can put the finishing touches on it myself. And, if she didn't want to sell the horse after high school, we could lease it out to a youth, too.

My daughter would like to do 4H, high school team and open shows. She has an interest in dressage and jumping, but it would only be at the 4H/high school level. Trail riding and having an equine best friend are on the top of her list, too. She would not do well with a sensitive or hot horse. She doesn't want to do gaming. It's important that she has a horse that is willing and friendly, likes their job and attention. We want an easy keeper (especially with what I just went through with my TB -- who is now retired), all around horse.

I came across this little mare and she seems nearly perfect! Conformationally, her neck is short, but that's all I can see. She is fat right now (pasture shape) but she looks like a nice little all-around mare.

Thoughts?

Maggie (http://www.merrillcreekranch.com/Maggie%20page.htm)

[JanWeber]

You need to enlist the help of a local knowledgeable friend or trainer to find the right horse for your daughter. Conformation and advertisements aren't the whole story - temperment and soundness are really what's most important based on your description. For what you are looking for - shop locally.
Also, when horse shopping, generally a good idea to let your daughter talk to the seller about what she wants in a horse and what she plans to do with it. Most sellers hearing "talented intermediate beginner" will shut down then and there...

[FlashGordon]

The mare is cute, but.... there are a few things that bother me. #1, she has not been ridden much, and she is 8. Older greenies ca be a wee bit tougher. #2, the "trained with Parelli methods" scares me. #3 the wording "sensitive and responsive." I've known a lot of hot QHs that could be described that way and would not be suitable for a beginner.

All that aside, my concern with a greenie would be the fact that they do greenie things from time to time, regardless of how good their brain is. If your daughter is a bit timid and not used to green horses, she is liable to get real scared, real quick.

Put the word out... maybe there is a horse out there someone has outgrown, or who needs to be retired from lessons, or something of that nature. Check with other 4-H families, the local pony club, lesson barns, camps. Tell your farrier, your vet and all your friends. The best horses are found through networking and get sold or leased without any advertising.

[FindersKeepers]

I personally think that little mare could be exactly what you're looking for. Go try her. Ride her yourself and have your daughter get on. Go back again a second time. See if they'd be willing to do a trial. Make sure you spring for the PPE... even if you just x-ray feet and pull blood to test for drugs, if the owner will consent. (If they won't, that says a lot right there).

My first horse was a little QH mare that had done western pleasure only. I wanted a hunter. I worked with her to put the finishing touches on (get her off her forehand, and over fences) It was the best experience of my life. The mare was quiet and sane, but still a challenge in her own way. She taught me to ride, but I had a blast learning.

Best of luck!

[JohnDeere]

Also, when horse shopping, generally a good idea to let your daughter talk to the seller about what she wants in a horse and what she plans to do with it. Most sellers hearing "talented intermediate beginner" will shut down then and there...

OR else lye like a cheap rug. (Oh Killer here would be PERFECT for a beginer rider esp a young one. He already ready for you to hop on. Yeah hes a little wet--we though he might get a lil hot so we sponge him before we ride here. Let me just throw away that needle before someine gets hurt on it... :rolleyes:)

Present company excluded of course. ;)

[betsyk]

I second the idea of looking for a horse whose owner is going off to college. I think families need to plan for a couple different horses for kids who are truly horsey and are likely to stay that way. The horse that's suitable for her now should be boring in a couple years if she's making progress with her riding -- that's why you look for a horse that some other girl has shown and outgrown for her first horse, then plan to pass it along to another beginner and find a more advanced horse when she's ready for more challenge. By then she should also know what discipline really interests her; the horse you buy for a serious 4H/open show rider is very different from the one you buy for someone who wants to focus on dressage or eventing.

[busterwells]

I agree with not buying a green horse for your daughter. I have seen alot of confident riders get "spooked' when they have a bad experience on a green horse and it takes a long time to build back the confidence. We have horses at our stable that are for sale all the time that someone either cannot afford any more or have outgrown. In fact we have a 14 year old mare right now that is for sale (quarter horse/paint cross) that a boy is selling because he is graduating from high school and will not have the time for any more and boy is she sweet. I am sure if you take your time and trust your instincts you will come across the right horse for her.