Question for Mare Share Members

[northerngreeneye]

I was wondering how many member who own horses, started out without knowing anything about horses. The reason why I'm asking is my husband and I are buying a farm and thinking about getting a couple of horses, but I'm wondering if that is a good idea since I do not have any experience with horses. I have been watching Mare Share for about a year now, and have seen and learned a lot, but to do it , on my own is kind of scary.

Where I live we do not have any farms around here, where I can talk to the owner and ask to help out, so I'm pretty much on my own. Is there a site or books that can help me out?

Thanks for your help.

[leonanc]

This is just an opinion, but as far as I am concerned the best way to learn is by getting hands on. You can read all the books, watch videos, and get lots of great ideas, thoughts and help from here.(LOT'S & LOT'S) But nothing beats getting your hands dirty (so to speek), it's trying at times, and you want to be the best horsey mom you can be, but always remember nobody is perfect, I don't care how long you have had horses. What I did first is lined myself up with a vet first, and a farrier, Then got my horse. That way they new I was new at it, and was ready for any questions and/or concerns. And by all means, don't be scared to ask questions on here, there are lot's and lot's of poeple on here that have delt with all kinds of trials and errors that would be more than happy to help. We are one big happy family, and love to help.

[cheri]

Yep leonanc, put it well. I knew nothing about horses as far as hands on when I got my mare(filly then) But I read, and read and read and watched countless videos and stuff. But when I got her, instinct kicked in and I couldn't be happier with the way I've raised her....well she could be with me now but I'm not set up for it where I am.

[northerngreeneye]

Thanks you so much for your word of encourgment, its really great to have people that I can turn to that have been there like me. It makes me feel so much better.

[Kelly's Draft Horse Wishes]

Hi! What an exciting time for you and your husband...my husband and I are currently horse-less but I have had Morgans and Saddlbreds my whole life - Lots of people are going to have lots of opinions, and for what it's worth, here's mine:

Go for it!

But in the mean time, why not volunteer your time with some horse related program (ASPCA, handicapped riding program, horse "retirement" home, etc) You cannot beat the experience of KNOWLEDGEABLE horse people - there is so much to learn, and it's FUN to learn it!

I recommend a quiet horse for your first horse - so many breeds to choose from - some quieter than others, and even among the breeds there is a tremendous amount of individuality. For example, you can't say all Saddlbreds are hyper (something I heard all the time!) and all Morgans are calm (just drawing from the two breeds I've been involved in) But in my practical experience, often my Morgans were calmer than my Saddlebreds...but to be fair, you still have to get to know the individual.

Do your research and visit lots of barns or shows (walk the stall areas - you'll find a friendly, smiling face willing to talk - usually not someone on the way in to the ring :-) )

I prefer geldings - I am in the minority on Mare-Stare!!! ;-) I can't tell you why - I like to think they are steady and predictable, but just like stereo-typing breeds, you can't stereo-type the genders: there are steady, non-tempermental mares in this world.

Like Bracadosmom (post below me)...I would consider a horse with miles under their belt. I have never owned a horse younger than 7...I just don't have the patience for all the young horse antics - and they deserve patience and experience. You just can hardly beat a 10 year old gelding (in my book). And I never had one ounce of trouble "bonding" with my horses because they weren't young. My favorite horse EVER was a 15 year old Morgan gelding (Barn name Pogo for his bone jarring trot). I had the gift of owning this gem of a horse for 12 years. I could brag on him for hours, but I'll spare everyone! Anyway, there is a saying we have around horses: "A green rider plus a green horse = evergreen." But, as always, there is so much to the individual. Find out what your preference is...

Please remember that these are my opinions...they are not facts...I don't want to offend ANYONE!

What an exciting time for you and your husband! How lucky you are!!! Keep everyone posted!

Warm regards,
Kelly

[brocadosmom]

Very exciting...stepping out on a new adventure...Horses are great...they are good for the mind and the soul.

Kelly is right, there are many individuals in every breed that would suit a beginner...I have been involved mostly in Arabians and National Show Horses, but have worked with Q.H.'s, thoroughbreds, POA's, Clydesdales...

The volunteering is great advice...you will meet some horsey people that way and can decide who you feel might best direct you in the right direction. Also, find somewhere to take riding lessons...get the basics down before you get your horses so you don't kill yourselves out of ignorance.

Also...get older horses to start with...horses who are broke and know what they are doing...somewhere around 7 or 8 and upward. I have met so many people who want to buy young horses so that they can bond with them...it is almost always a disaster...get horses who can teach you, not horses that you have to teach. There is always time to get something younger.

Geldings do usually work out a bit better for the beginner...they don't have heat cycles etc. I have always liked mares, but they can be a challenge once in a while.

Have fun...keep asking questions...there are a lot of people to help you out.

[northerngreeneye]

Thanks for the information. We are thinking about getting Arabians because I have always loved them. Is there any sites I can go to so I can find out more information about them. I have checked out some sites on them but I find that there is always information on them that are different then the other sites. I find I get confused on the information that is right.

Thanks

[shammy]

I agree with The Hands on... Try to find a farm you can help out at. At The farm I work at and My farm we often have someone there learning\ lease in barn.. There is a lot of people who are "gun ho" then after the learn Cost, work and time involved they change their mines. And I am a Firm Believer that horses are a huge commitment and when you have the right fit a part of the family . But that being said we also have alot of "Gun Ho's" that learn and understand horse ownership and care and welcome a horses in to their life. With the knowledge under their belt they and the horses have much better times. And Finally ASK ASK ASK you don't know if you don't ask no matter what the question ;D

[bndranch]

Now I am trying to be stero-typical either but the majority of Arabs are more sensative (I think that is the word I am looking for). My first horse was an 11yr old untrained purebred Arabian gelding. My mom thought he would be an ideal horse because he was registered and only $500! Mind you I was also VERY green with little to no expirence with horses either. My horse expirence was with my brothers two mules that were in their teens and broke to death!
I LOVE my arab to death in fact I still have him and he is going to be 24 the end of Feb. I don't have the slightest clue what I am going to do when he is gone as he has been my rock. Arabians have the uncanny ability to know when you need them. They seem to bond in a different way then any other breed I have ever seen. My arab knows when I need him and he will stand there for hours and not move while I brush him or just talk to him. But as a beginer horse he was probably the worst choice my mother ever could have found. I got dumped I don't know how many times because of his "the rocks are alive" motto. I had a compound fracture because of both of our stupidity. Like I said I wouldn't change it for the world. I wouldn't be the rider I am today if it wasn't for him. But I urge you to find something that is just dead broke whether its an arab or not.
Arabs will give you everything they have and then some more. They are like I said more sensative to their surroundings. To own an arab you have to be a very patient person. You will NEVER force an arab into doing something they don't want to do or are afraid to do (yes you can do this with some other breeds).
Just do your homework, but have fun while doing it!
Brittany

[brocadosmom]

Hello again...the best way to find someone reputable is to go the the Arabian Horse Assoc. website: www.arabianhorses.org. Under the membership heading is a place for local club information...click on that...Ontario is Region 18...click on that and there is a list of club contacts...they may be able to send you in a direction to find suitable horses from reputable farms and good honest business people. They can also send you a directory of the local farms in your area so you can effectively contact people.

Depending on where you are in Ontario, you may be able to venture into Region 17 or even the states to get educated. Don't be afraid to visit some of the bigger farms in your search too, if for no other reason then to educate yourself on what quality horses are supposed to look like. You do not have to spend mega dollars to get a nicely put together horse. Even the big farms that sell horses for too much money have some horses who just are not going to make it big...they have to find homes for them too.

The bigger barns may also have lesson programs that you could get involved in to learn how to care for, groom, ride, what it is you're going to need when you start building, what you need when you get horses home...they will assist you, and if they don't, move on to someone who will.

There is soooo much to it...you may need someone to help you get the correct bridles, bits, saddles, make sure the saddles fit you and your horse properly, line you up with a GOOD farrier, not just the guy down the road with an anvil...

There are many things to consider that aren't thought of until you get deeper into all of it.

Just take your time before you buy, make sure the horse is right for you...personally, I think if you want an Arabian, go and get one...they are by far the most personable horses I have ever encountered. Brittany is right, they are more sensitive, but that is a good thing too, they are sensitive to you...she probably shouldn't have gotten any 11 yr old unbroke horse of any breed as a first horse...just look for something broke and quiet. You want a horse who is willing to try for you and is willing to let you make mistakes. Horses weigh in at around 900 pounds...there is not a human on this earth who is going to force 900 pounds to do anything they are afraid of, don't understand. So the bottom line is find one who knows and understands what is expected of him/her. There are a lot of great horses out there...there is one for you.

If you find a horse or someone to work with and you have questions, feel free to contact me, I'd be happy to help find good people. We have a pretty good network around here.

You can also get information on seminars, sale horses, show schedules in your area all on the website I mentioned before. You may not want to show, and that is fine, but it might be fun to go and see for an afternoon. The Canadian Nationals are in August in Regina...big event, lots of stuff to see, lots of shopping...don't buy at a big show tho...prices are way too high just because of where you are at.

So, again, enjoy the hunt and good luck.

Rhonda

[horsewoman1965]

Definitely find a place to take lessons. Go to that barn every day, rain, sleet, or snow. Buy you some good waterproof mud boots. Keep a clean pair of shoes in your car. And remember, if you get sick, GO anyways. Vacation??? What vacation? Trust someone else with your horse? Your kidding.
It's not just the picking of a horse, the buying of the horse, caring for the horse, building shelter for the horse, feeding the horse, finding hay (good hay) for the horse, etc. It is a total commitment. Definitely find a vet and farrier, cause you will need them. Matter of fact, find 2 of each so when the other is not available. Do you own a vehicle that can pull a trailer? speaking of trailer, have you priced those? if you plan on getting the vet to come to your place to care for it when needed, find out the charge for the farm call. I know our vets, it's $100 just for them to pull in the driveway. Check on every aspect please. If you still want a horse, beware, they tend to become very habit forming, ya know. Hmmm, got one, maybe we should get another for it to have a buddy. So, good luck with your venture and if you decide to take the plunge, buy the BEST horse (since the purchase price is the cheapest part of owning a horse)you can afford and many happy trails. It can and probably will become a lifestyle change.

[horsewoman1965]

btw...my very first horse was a 8 month old stud colt! boy did he ever teach me a thing or 3. My second horse followed 2 months later. I knew nothing but was very fortunate to have a neighbor who knew a thing or two and had years worth of western horseman she let me borrow plus I read every book the local library had. That was about 20 years ago. Who wants to go on vacation anyways
Gotta love 'em

[twnpnds]

A word about where NOT to buy your first horse. Do not go to an auction. While many horses sold through auctions are good animals many have issues and this is why they are being sold there at cheap prices. The issues may be health related or behavior related. I am not talking about breed auctions often held at major shows. I am talking about the little neighborhood type auctions where anything is sold. And yes some of these horses are sold to meat buyers but don't fall prey to your heartache. Not with just starting out. Also beware of that too good to be true ad in the paper or online. If you want Arabians go to a reputable breeder and tell them exactly what you want and be honest about your experience. If they have the right horse for you ask if you can try it on a trial basis at their farm. You will have to pay board probably but it's worth it if they will help you learn about your new pal. Check with your local 4-H clubs too. Many are horse kids that have horse families. They may be willing to help you get started. You can also check with your county farm bureau or extension service (not sure what it's called there) for horse farms near you. Might even consider placing an ad in the paper about wanting to take riding lessons. I have ridden Arabs that a small child could ride. Treat them right and you will have the best pal for life. Each is an individual and there is one out there for you. But really get to know them before buying. They are often misunderstood. You have good and bad in every breed. Good luck.

[Kelly's Draft Horse Wishes]

AMEN! Skip horse auctions (except ebay for Showsheen etc ) and I also recommend staying away from horse "traders" These places are for selling and not for matching the right horse to the right rider.

I also want to emphasize horsemanship (not just riding) lessons. There's so much more to learn - much more than just how to ride...ie how to groom (and keep an eye on hoof, leg, coat, and general health), how to properly choose and fit bit/bridle and saddle, how much of what to feed and when to feed it, and so much more...but remember - this is FUN to learn!

When I went on vacation - I boarded my horses at a reputable barn (you'll network with horsey-friends) or you Vet/blacksmith can help guide you to other responsible horse people.

Don't be discouraged by all the entries here - feel supported with a network of people who can help. NEVER miss out on the chance to fulfill a dream...horses will fill your heart and life!

Warm regards,
Kelly

[northerngreeneye]

Thanks everyone for your input and experience. My husband and I have read all the information everyone has left and are feeling so much better about owning our own horses.

You guys are the best!

Kim