i dont know how 2 ride and dont know much bout horses

[kels_luvs_hoses]

im 12 years old and i have allways wanted a horse but the problem is i dont know much bout horses and i dont know how to ride them. if anyone has a tip of what i can do please help me!!

[T-bred]

Hi,

Well to begin with you can take riding lessons. I noticed in your other post you were talking about getting a horse soon. I personally think you should take riding lessons consistently for at LEAST 3 years before even considering getting a horse. Just look in the telephone book for riding schools in your area and either you or your parents can give them a call and schedule your first lesson.

Anna

[kedwards]

I second that Kels. I remember, as a kid, how badly I wanted a horse. Even as an adult, I was tempted to buy a horse before I knew anything about riding. Boy am I glad that I didn't. There is so much to know and learn, that I wouldn't have done myself or my horse justice if I hadn't properly prepared. Book some riding lessons with an aim to maybe part-loaning a horse for awhile before buying one of your own. You may be able to work out a deal at schooling stable where you can work off some of your lessons or loan costs in exchange for barn work.

[Wally]

You MUST have lessons first. Learn to ride and learn how to look after the horse or you'll both suffer.
Don't think you'll learn by owning the horse, you'll only end up scaring both of you.

It is MOST imortant to know hoe to look after a horse first and ride him and know how he thinks. He's not a cat or a dog, he's a horse and must be treated as such.

Keep posting all your questions here, don't be put off, don't omitt to ask jut because you might think it's a stupid question, ASK, ASK, ASK!

[TBEventer2002]

Please, please, PLEASE don't buy a baby!!! If you really must get your own horse, make sure it is a very broke, calm, easy-to-handle horse! I see too many parents who have kids that want a cute little baby horse that they can grow up with and the baby horse learns to trust them, blah blah blah. IT ENDS UP IN DISASTER WITH AT LEAST ONE MAMMAL GETTING HURT!!! People don't realize that these things grow up to be 1000 pounds or more! They aren't like dogs and cats!!!

:mad: :mad: :mad: It really gets me VERY angry when I see that kind of situation!

[k888tie]

i know it sounds hard but i would really put u off the idea of owning a horse right now...for starters its not just about riding...its the looking after it as well..u need to know and be prepared what to do in loads of different situations....so like "Wally" said ask as many questions as u can.....but i would DEFINATELY go out and get some expierence in riding and possibly some hands on expierence in how to look after horses....im 19 and have been riding since i was 4 and have NEVER owned my own horse (too expensive)...but have had the opportunity to share 2...so if u must have a horse maybe get a share/loan or something so that thre are other people around to help advice u...:D

[western]

First I would find a stable that has lessons that you could go to learn how to ride and properally take care of a horse. Otherwise you will have problems in tacking, riding, feeding, and taking care of them. Then once you are confident enought that you know alot about them and know where to keep it and how to take care of it then go from their. The otherthing is making shure enough that you have the money to take a few lessons plus support a horse. Alot of people buy horses and dont have the money to keep them then they end up neglecting them or having to up and sell them because horses do take alot of money in mostly feeding, the other things are farrier bills and occasionly vet bills. If you are going to buy a horse make shure that you buy an other one. Preffereably 10 years or older, and a beginners horse. And always shop around, and take some time to talk to the owner on the horses past and take a test ride, if the horse isnt the one right for you then never by them, just common sense. Also do you have companion animals that the horse has to keep it company ? Their are so many things, but if i were you i would book lessons and if you have any questions about riding or horses then a riding instructor is the best source. Hope this helps :) .

[peterandtrixie]

Why not go on a riding holiday or own a pony days teach the basic stuff then help at a riding school.

[4_white_socks]

I would start by taking some riding lessons. If you can find a good yard, it will probably be worthwhile if you can help out there. You'll learn a lot of things about horses, hopefully about tack, general horse care, yard management, etc, as well as how to ride.

I help out once a week at my yard, I feed the horses, groom them, clean stables, take kids out for rides, do lots of things field-wise, do general yard things, general horse things, and in return for all of this, I get a free ride or two. Well, once, I got four rides in one day!

Also, about getting a horse - I agree, you should learn how to ride and take care of a horse before you get one. Get a quiet, easy horse, not too young - they can be a handful then, just like little kids can be too.

I've been riding for 7 months, and now have a horse. He's one year old and a handful. I love him to bits, but without the help of my horse-knowledgeable mum and aunt (who owns the stables I go to) it would be a disaster. I wouldn't be able to cope on my own etc. I'd have to break him in and back him, when I know I could not, it would be so hard and would more than likely ruin a good horse.

Luckily, my mum, aunt and friends help me, and we all work on him together. It's working out a treat.
I'm also hoping to get another horse - older, quieter. I'll have help with that one too, but it would be easier for me to handle.

Good luck with all!

socks xx

[*MiRi*]

kels as everyone has said i wouldnt buy a horse just yet! learn first! i have been riding for 2 years and a bit now and i have still got loads to learn about stable mangagment and riding!! calm down and stop thinking so fast. think about everything!
xox