What should i get?

[Rykastar]

I've been having proper leasons for about year and half can walk trot canter and jump small.But have still got lots to learn. I'm hopefully getting a horse soon.I'm about 5ft 4 and 7 stone what type of horse do you think would suit me?

[Showjumper]

What kind of horse do you enjoy? How old are you, and are you likely to grow much more? Do you prefer horses or ponies? What would you like to do with your horse?

[shirley]

Would also urge you to take your trainer with you when you look at horses. Type, what they look like is quite high on the list, most importent of all is what type of temprement the horse has. You want one that is calm, patient, well mannered and gentle. Perhaps one that is a little older i.e. 8 plus as perhaps a youngster may be too much for you.

Why not also think about loaning for the moment, this will give you experience of looking after a horse and what is exactly involved in that, but can also have lessons on one regular one as well. Perhaps do this for a year or so and gain more experience. Riding a horse is just the tip of the iceburg, so to speak, caring, vets, insurance, day to day looking after etc, building up relationship is the bulk of it. I am sure you are more than capable of doing all of this, but would say to get experience as you can, and then look around for a horse of you own in a number of monthes / year or so times. Sometimes waiting is not what we want to do, but you will want to keep this horse for a good number of years, and if like most of us for their whole life, so take time to meet the right one. After all we spend time getting to know our friends and trusting them, same with our horse pals as well.
Good luck and hope you find Mr. Right or Miss Right Horse

[Rykastar]

I like a horse that is well behaved etc and good for novices but not a plod!I'm 15 will probably grow more,I would like to hack out and have leasons and go to local shows.What do u fink?

[smaggi]

I agree that temperment should be number one on your list.

[Bay Mare]

I've been having proper leasons for about year and half can walk trot canter and jump small.But have still got lots to learn. I'm hopefully getting a horse soon.I'm about 5ft 4 and 7 stone what type of horse do you think would suit me?

How much stable management experience do you have? Many people say how much riding they do but forget that you have to look after them :) I would advise you to get as much practical experience in as possible even if it means helping at the riding school at weekends.

With regards to what type of horse I agree that you should discuss it with your instructor. Maybe you could try a share to begin with to see how you get on (I don't know if others have found it but I seem to ride LESS now I've got my own than I did when I was going to a riding school and working there at weekends!).

[Tharg]

I`d recommend becoming a sharer or getting a suitable horse on loan to gain experience, also easier to get out of financially/hassle wise if things go t*ts up.
Offer to help at your rs to gain experience.

[Rykastar]

i used to loan a pony but don't anymore so have got quite a lot of exp wiv managment now?

[*HoRsEtArD*]

it depends what you want out of your horse, and how much time you will spend with it, how well you ride etc. there are so many things to think about, i suppose its like getting a baby, think long and hard about what horse would suit you best (and if you would suit that horse! lol) and read other threads and books and things to help you make the right decision...

good luck!!! :)

[RiderGirl]

I've always loved Arabians and warmbloods, but you should pick a breed you feel most comfortable around with. I also tend to go for horses around 15.2 hands because they're usually never too big or small. Of course, a pony would be out of the question, but a seventeen hand draft horse might not be your pick, so, maybe a horse around fifteen or sixteen hands? With a mellow temperament, like a quarter horse or irish draught?

[kedwards]

It sounds like what you'd really like is a horse that is experienced, well-mannered, and well-trained. f you are looking for something that you can take out right away for trail riding, local showing, and doing a little jumping, then you may prefer a horse that has already proven himself safe and reliable at these things. Such a horse can be found in any breed and it will be easier to find something suitable if you don't narrow down your options by deciding on a breed ahead of time.

Such a horse isn't so hard to come by if you are willing to be flexible in other ways. If he has all this and is also young, a fashionable breed, or a fancy upper-level prospect, then you will be likely looking at $$$$$.

At your size, you could fit just about anything, so it's really up to what you are most comfortable with. I don't know about in your area, but in my area true ponies or horses over 16h tend to be in the highest demand, so deals can be found for great horses between those sizes (which is convenient if you are petite anyway).

[danielle:>]

I've always loved Arabians and warmbloods, but you should pick a breed you feel most comfortable around with. I also tend to go for horses around 15.2 hands because they're usually never too big or small. Of course, a pony would be out of the question, but a seventeen hand draft horse might not be your pick, so, maybe a horse around fifteen or sixteen hands? With a mellow temperament, like a quarter horse or irish draught?

Er, I don't think a pony would be out of the question. I mean, I'm the same height as you, and about the same weight, just a tiny bit lighter. I ride a 13hh pony. And he's really skinny, so it's not like he can really take up my leg. He carries me easily, I look a tiny bit daft on him height wise, but not too bad. I mean a shetland or something could probably carry your weight easily, but you'd be much too tall. Anything could carry you, but for your height I'd say something about 13.2hh+ would do. Breed isn't really important, I mean people say that TB's are crazy, but I know a TBx who is one of the most sensible horses I have EVER met. She's adorable. Go for tempermant first, everything else comes after. Good luck for looking for a horse, I am about the same level of riding as you, and I'm currently looking for a share horse :D :D :)

Danielle
xxx