I wonder how young? I have to say, my first horse was Ramsey, and he was only 4 - only been backed and turned away, and I dont regret it for a moment - we grew together and it just worked for both of us. I couldnt have coped with anything unbroken, and confess, I did call him a baby. Maybe OPs is that sort of age?Mine hasn't grown hers this year.
I think my question to the op would be why have you got a young horse as a first horse.
I haven't touched her feathers yet. Maybe "touches wood" it's because it's not been that wet yet.I've a hairy Irish cob, and the only bit I trim on his face is under his chin, because it's hard to do up his bridle. Otherwise, it's just a tad off his feathers when he's in danger of treading on them. Live with the hairiness for a year, and you might grow to love it -it's part and parcel of their unique look. I love it, but that's just me.