Anyone out there own a horse???

[Deleted User]

go for it OP

it was the best thing we did when our children were younger. It kept the girls out of mischief and also gave me a hobby. We expanded from one pony to, at one point, three horses and a cobby mare who we bought for £260 and who went onto win at the royal welsh show and then we had a foal from her. It was a wonderful family hobby and the girls met really nice like-minded people at pony club and so on. Our £2000 horse went on to win loads at eventing. My £2000 cob gave me 10 years of real pleasure riding. Our £4000 horse was a mistake and was sold on. So price doesn`t necessarily guarantee the best horse

I`ll leave the costs to someone else but it was money very very well spent. No horses now but we even built stables at the top of the garden. We paid grass tack at £8 a week each for the big horses and £6 pw for the pony

Good luck

dumpy

As a two horse person (how did that happen!) I agree with Jay jay about the costings. You should be looking at top end prices because if you are doing it on the cheap, you'll struggle.

Getting a cheap field is Ok if you know what you are doing, but it'll need a companion and if there is no one around what do you do when/if things go wrong. At least at a livery yard, especially one with an attached riding school there will be people around to keep an eye out. Who will hold it for the farrier and is there somewhere for him to work?

Get local recommendations about livery yards and if you are going to buy I'd say ask her instructor if they know of anything. Definately don't overhorse yourself. There is a world of difference from a riding school horse and your own.

It's the time factor that is heavy, I have two in at night over the winter, so that's two lots of mucking out, hay, water etc etc EVERYDAY and if you need to drive her there you'll need to go as well and wait around whilst she does it. Don't forget to include your petrol costs in the budget. Riding is difficult in the winter, mud, mud, mud and cold.

I wouldn't give it up for the world!

Morglin

Loaning a horse is good - but remember the owner can take it back, which could cause traumas.

Most insurance companies do equine insurance - otherwise buy a copy of "My Pony" or "Horse and Hound" - they have adverts (and may be better). Years ago, we had ours insured with the Farmer's Union Insurance - you don't need to be a farmer - we lived in London then).:)

(As a side issue, my mate was insured with Direct Line, who gave her no end of strife - don't know if they are normally such a pain, though).

Full stable livery down here in East Sussex seems to be about £80-£100.........jeez.

Lin

Dazzieboo

A word about insurance NEVER EVER insure with EQUINE & LIVESTOCK. You will probably find them the cheapest on the market and it will initially appear they offer one of the best deals going, but after you have read the small print, read the small print on top of that. I insured my TB X with them as I was trying to keep costs down and when he spooked and sat on a car, I was relieved I had insurance, but wasn't so relieved when the case went to court as E & L refused to pay, all because in the small print it said in the event of an accident with a car and the driver was found to be in breach of the highway code, they would not pay anything out. The driver was in breach, because although the car was not moving, she failed to turn the engine off. Pay the extra, it is worth it. (I am now with PetPlan)

As for loaning situations, never go into an agreement without a contract being drawn up and an independant person witnessing it, this must include a returning clause such as 3 months notice, this will preven an owner from just turning up to remove the horse. (unless it is being neglected etc etc)

Jay-Jay_4

Dazzieboo, I agree 100% about E&L (Equine & Leisure). I don't know ONE person who hasn't had a problem with them. They're the cheapest for a reason. I'm also with Petplan although I have friends who use NFU who are very happy with the service. Petplan do have a good reputation and have paid out on one of ours for sacroiliac injury which needed to be treated at Leahurst.

(BTW, Petplan was more expensive for my cat I'm with M&S for her but for horses ... )


I'm very excited for Sophiesmum :j I think she should get something like a 15hh bog standard ponyhorsie on loan at a local yard pref with a sandschool so that Mum can have some lessons too

MrsTinks

Jay-Jay wrote:

Feet - No foot no horse!

:rotfl: Truer word I have yet to read :T

NEVER scrimp on foot care for your horse - it will come back and bite ya! And no hooves - no horse.

sophiesmum_2

Thanks everyone for some great tips and advice, I'm taking it all on board.:T


sophiesmum

sophiesmum_2

Jay-Jay wrote:

Sophiesmum, your daughter sounds committed

I'll keep my ear to the ground for you as you're not far from me although it would be handy to know your daughter's approximate weight and height because if she's 4ft nothing and weighs 6 stone I won't look for a 17hhIDX for her

Your daughter sounds lovely and I'm sure she will care for a horse really well. Why don't you get something you can both ride?

Thanks Jay jay
She is 15, around 5 feet 7 and weighs about 9 and a half stone.

As for the second point she has been trying to talk me into riding for ages. I may just have a go if and when she gets sorted, but think I will be quite happy just doing some of the looking after. I think 40 is a bit old to get on a horse for the first time:eek:

sophiesmum

Jay-Jay_4

sophiesmum wrote:

Thanks Jay jay
She is 15, around 5 feet 7 and weighs about 9 and a half stone.

So she'll have nice long legs and an adult body size. She shouldn't look out of place on something around 15.2hh but could get away with 15-16hh.

Have you had a look on the noticeboard in Robinsons? (that's not too far for you?) I'll have a look in my tackshop and feed merchants this week and see if there's anything local.

As for the second point she has been trying to talk me into riding for ages. I may just have a go if and when she gets sorted, but think I will be quite happy just doing some of the looking after. I think 40 is a bit old to get on a horse for the first time:eek:

sophiesmum

My first pony was 13.2hh and when I grew away from riding in my late teenage years my Mum took over his care, rode him, competed on him and had the time of her life on him right up until he died a couple of years ago. She's 60 this year and has just taken up dressage on the love of her life, her own dream horse

At 40 you're absolutely in good company to be getting astride for the first time and in doing so I guarantee you will strengthen your bond with your daughter in years to come. I don't know many teenage riders but I know PLENTY of 30-40-50 year olds who ride. Go on, throw your leg over... you'll never look back

prudryden

sophiesmum wrote:

Thanks Jay jay
She is 15, around 5 feet 7 and weighs about 9 and a half stone.

As for the second point she has been trying to talk me into riding for ages. I may just have a go if and when she gets sorted, but think I will be quite happy just doing some of the looking after. I think 40 is a bit old to get on a horse for the first time:eek:

sophiesmum

40 - too old??? I started taking lessons at age 50 in Richmond Park. Went on from there to jumping. Traveled most weekends to different places around the UK - especially loved Somerset. Fast, wild rides.

Major regret - never got to take the ride through the Hungarian Pusta I was planning on. Bad knee prevents me now from keeping leg in stirup.

Go for it! You will love it.