| So, you have begun shopping for your first horse, but | | | | A beginner rider should always choose a horse who is |
| you aren't sure exactly what you need? When | | | | reasonably well trained. While he may cost a bit more, |
| selecting a new horse, it is very important not only to | | | | a well trained horse is worth his weight in gold. On the |
| consider your personal likes and dislikes, but also your | | | | other hand, you should not choose a horse who is |
| body build, your riding skill and your long-term goals. | | | | trained for an advanced rider. The horse will be far |
| There are so many breeds and types of horses that | | | | more sensitive that you need, and you will likely run into |
| there is really a horse for any type of person | | | | trouble in the long run, unless you are working with a |
| somewhere out there. Unfortunately, the right horse for | | | | coach on a regular basis. |
| you might not be the cheapest, or the easiest to find. | | | | The worst mistake that many riders make when |
| Let's start out by considering the overall type and size | | | | choosing their first horse is to buy a young horse that |
| of horse you need. It is important to get a horse that | | | | is too green for their needs. The horse quickly |
| fits you physically. A large rider looks foolish on a fine | | | | develops issues under saddle and the rider becomes |
| boned Thoroughbred; likewise a tiny rider looks silly on | | | | overfaced. |
| a huge Warmblood. There are three things to consider: | | | | In addition to basic training, you need to consider where |
| height, weight and proportion. | | | | you want to go with this horse. If you are only looking |
| If you are tall, you need to consider buying a horse that | | | | to pleasure ride, you should consider a horse that is |
| will take up your height without becoming unbalanced. | | | | calm, easy-going, and will be a pleasure to ride. There |
| For example, a 5'8" rider fits a 16hh horse very nicely. If | | | | is no point in buying a fancy show horse to hack |
| the rider is light weight, a Thoroughbred, or other light | | | | around the fields on. In fact, most show horses are not |
| type of horse would work well. A thicker rider looks | | | | bred for pleasure riding and will likely turn out to be |
| best on a thicker horse. A Quarter horse or a | | | | poor choices for pleasure riding. |
| Warmblood might suit a mid-weight individual better | | | | If you are looking to show your horse, you need to find |
| than a lanky Thoroughbred. If you are heavy set, it is | | | | a horse that is trained in the discipline that you ride, and |
| worth considering a heavier breed of horse or even | | | | that knows enough to help you improve as a rider. |
| trying a draft cross. | | | | Unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money on |
| Proportion also plays an important role. A rider with a | | | | training and coaching, avoid buying a horse that is |
| long leg and a short upper body can get away with | | | | green. Always take someone experienced in your |
| riding a shorter horse. It is important to consider that | | | | discipline when shopping for a show prospect. That |
| the horse needs enough barrel to take up the long leg | | | | person can help you select the right horse, keeping you |
| so that the rider's feet don't dangle below the horse's | | | | from making a costly and possibly dangerous mistake. |
| belly. A rider with a short leg and a long upper body | | | | While color, markings, gender and other things may |
| does better with a taller horse with a narrower girth. | | | | seem important, you need to be sure that the size, |
| Next, you need to consider your riding skills. What | | | | type and training are in place first. It is worth taking the |
| discipline do you currently ride? How long have you | | | | time to find the right horse. If all goes well, you can |
| been riding? Do you have any training experience? Do | | | | develop the perfect partnership and have a new friend |
| you know anyone who can help you if you get into | | | | for life. |
| trouble? | | | | |