Hello, this is my first time posting here.
Sorry for the long long post.
So I am middle aged, professional, financially stable etc so overall would think responsible person. I held off getting into horses (life, studies, career, etc) so started riding in January - once or twice a week. All going well, getting very good feedback from RI (good seat, good position, good control of the horse, confident etc) and now I have canter more or less under control. The horse that I usually ride on is a 14 year old 15.2hh shire x cob gelding that is fine to walk and trot but very difficult to get to canter (I was told it's not just me, he is very lazy). I really hate using the whip. I would like my own horse and not be depended on the riding school times.
Also doing BHS level 1 care course and that's very interesting.
Problem is that I don'y have many (read as any) friends with good horse knowledge and riding instructors are very nice and helpful when I am at their yard but they are all very busy outside their work duties which I completely understand.
I tried to share a horse not so long ago but that didn't go very well (another long story) and severely put me off sharing someone else's horse.
So I saw this advert yesterday - 12 year old mare, heavy breed but unsure of breeding (pecheron cross the lady thinks), 15.3hh, taught a beginner to ride (have seen videos of the beginner riding her - she looks very patient), has done dressage in the past and the lady is teaching her some tricks.
I have asked at least 30 questions, the lady seemed very honest, the only issues she has are: a bit moody but nothing dangerous when in season - usually she gets a week off after which she is fine, a bit nervous with the girth - turns her head when girth gets done but never bites and needs encouragement when hacking on her own but hacks very well in groups - first middle or last. I doubt that I will hack her alone until I gain more confidence.
I am planning to stable her at a full livery with school and I am trying to sort this out - waiting for spaces and answers.
She is willing to loan with view to buy.
It looks like I will be going to see her on my own - nobody knowledgeable to take with me and my partner is really not into horses at all.
What should I look for when I go and see her? what should I or shouldn't I do?
Any help or ideas appreciated.
Thank you!
Sorry for the long long post.
So I am middle aged, professional, financially stable etc so overall would think responsible person. I held off getting into horses (life, studies, career, etc) so started riding in January - once or twice a week. All going well, getting very good feedback from RI (good seat, good position, good control of the horse, confident etc) and now I have canter more or less under control. The horse that I usually ride on is a 14 year old 15.2hh shire x cob gelding that is fine to walk and trot but very difficult to get to canter (I was told it's not just me, he is very lazy). I really hate using the whip. I would like my own horse and not be depended on the riding school times.
Also doing BHS level 1 care course and that's very interesting.
Problem is that I don'y have many (read as any) friends with good horse knowledge and riding instructors are very nice and helpful when I am at their yard but they are all very busy outside their work duties which I completely understand.
I tried to share a horse not so long ago but that didn't go very well (another long story) and severely put me off sharing someone else's horse.
So I saw this advert yesterday - 12 year old mare, heavy breed but unsure of breeding (pecheron cross the lady thinks), 15.3hh, taught a beginner to ride (have seen videos of the beginner riding her - she looks very patient), has done dressage in the past and the lady is teaching her some tricks.
I have asked at least 30 questions, the lady seemed very honest, the only issues she has are: a bit moody but nothing dangerous when in season - usually she gets a week off after which she is fine, a bit nervous with the girth - turns her head when girth gets done but never bites and needs encouragement when hacking on her own but hacks very well in groups - first middle or last. I doubt that I will hack her alone until I gain more confidence.
I am planning to stable her at a full livery with school and I am trying to sort this out - waiting for spaces and answers.
She is willing to loan with view to buy.
It looks like I will be going to see her on my own - nobody knowledgeable to take with me and my partner is really not into horses at all.
What should I look for when I go and see her? what should I or shouldn't I do?
Any help or ideas appreciated.
Thank you!