New at it and 1st Horse

[TNT]

I just found you guys last night. I'm 45 and we bought our daughter a pony in March. The pony had not been ridden in 2yrs. so there has been some trying times. She is coming along just fine (both daughter and pony). I just got a horse yesterday to pasture for a lady. She would like to sell her to me. She's a 5 yr old mare. Morgan and Quarter horse. She stands about 15 hands high so quite a bit more animal than the 11 hand high pony! I haven't ridden much in years except for the pony. The horse Jasmine is very gentle but it's been so long since I've been around horses much that I'm a little scared of her. I do have a neighbor girl who has been helping my daughter learn to ride. I guess I'll be her new student. If you guys have any tips please Help!

[Liz M]

My only advice is not to rush at it. If you don't feel confident doing something then take it slowly or leave it for a while, otherwise you could put yourself off if something goes wrong. Never do anything you don't feel comfortable with and take it one step at a time, that way you'll be riding into the sunset in no time!
Liz

[floppy]

why dont you part loan the horse and ride 2 days a week and build up from there..once you are confident being around her everyday you could possibly have her on full loan with view to buy or something. some people can get a bit nervy around horses and it takes time to learn to trust them etc.
Just a suggestion :)

[Outrider]

Though I've been riding since I was a kid! But my Daddy told me when he bought my first horse, "Now get on that horse, boy, and ride!" I've been riding ever since! While it is good to take things slow at first, please don't hesitate. You'll thank yourself over and over again as time goes on. Try the horse out and if she seems like a good, quiet, bomb proof horse, then go ahead and take her. Then sit back and enjoy the ride! Welcome to the barn, where even an old cowboy like me is welcome! Happy Trails!

[TNT]

Thanks for all the advice! I rode her and she is wonderful and getting smaller each day. The girl the teaches my daughter is going to help me with her. She rode her and she thinks she is really a great horse. I found out that the horse Jasmine was taken from her mother at less then 1 month old and raised by people. Her poor mom was sent to the glue factory! I'll keep you posted! Again Thanks!