Horse Questions!!!

**boscibo** · 09-17-2002, 05:29 PM

I recommend you take a couple years worth of riding lessons before you buy a horse- you might decide you like one style of riding over another and that will play a big part in the decision to buy a horse. Then you will be under the direction of someone who knows horses, and can help you find the perfect one.

You will have the opportunity to ride a lot of different horses if you take lessons, the more experience you have before you buy, the more likely you will buy the right horse. Believe me - if you buy the wrong horse, you will both be miserable.

But like the others said, horses are very expensive to keep (it's not the purchase price- it's the upkeep and especially vet bills!) and a big responsibilty.

**lexie** · 09-17-2002, 05:58 PM

you would not discourage me.i just want to know how it is to care for a horse. boarding will be the best thing i am thinking. how about plants.,.,.what is poisonis to them?how can keep these plants out of the feild?
thanx

**Desert Arabian** · 09-17-2002, 06:01 PM

If I were you... I'd go to the local library and check out every single book on horses!! See... you are also missing the very very very very very very very important things to owning a horse. Such as medical care!! Horses are susseptable (sp.) to many many different things such as colic,GVD, laminits, lameness, teeth floating, ferrier work, etc., etc. Horses need a lot of annual shots too, and let me tell you those aren't cheap!! I did over a year and a half of research and note taking on horses, before I got my horse. And just about everyday I discover something new! Good luck!

~*~*~ YellowLabLover*~*~*~*~

**Desert Arabian** · 09-17-2002, 06:09 PM

Here are some toxins to horses:

Hemlock
Deadly Nightshade
Foxglove
Yew
Oleander
Impatients
Boxwood
Black Walnut

there are over 100 toxic plants/trees to horses

** You also have to be careful what you feed your horses (stickyness etc), because horses cannot throw up.

**HoRsELUvR** · 09-17-2002, 06:23 PM

i've ridden a lot of Appaloosas and they are great horses.Just make sure you get the right one.I think they are good horses for kids.But,they can be expensive.Try the newspaper in the Horses and Livestock section or a 4-h or Pony Club.some1 in 1 of those groups may have a good horse they want to sell and pony club and 4-h horses are usually well trained and experienced.they also might be cheaper.I'd suggest getting a horse between 10 and 20 years old.A very young one might be hard work,and not as good 4 kids.

**Ann** · 09-18-2002, 11:25 AM

I hope this won't offend you, but I feel I need to say this. Judging from your question you don't seem to know anything about horses, and that makes you very unfit to own one.

You can't just read up or ask questions and think you can take care of a horse, you'll still have school and other things to do, and just because your parents will pay for it all doesn't mean it's ok.

Take riding classes for a few years and just learn, learn and learn. And when you known enough about horses and their needs, THEN you can consider getting one.

Best of luck to you

**Desert Arabian** · 09-18-2002, 12:56 PM

Amen Ann!! Exactly what needs to be said!! Like I said in my last post, I have been taking lessons for 6 1/2 years, and did over a year of research before I bought my horse. A lot of people think that you can buy a horse, shove it in a stall and feed it everyday, and it will be happy and healthy- OH Boy!! If only that were true! Post later.

-YellowLabLover-

**Desert Arabian** · 09-18-2002, 12:58 PM

Here's my little opinion on horse age.

20 years old, is a little too old for buying a horse at that age.

I'd say get a horse anywhere between 5 and 15. Just my two cents. Telling a horses age can be pretty tricky too.

**Presley** · 09-23-2002, 12:41 PM

For a first time horse owner a 5 to 10yo old might be too much for them. You would want to look around 10-15yo. A horse too young will in the end.end up hurting the person. That goes for adult and child. Everyone has this dream of getting this young spirited free horse and most times they do not know how to deal with the problems that come up.
You want to have the horse vet checked and look for any injuries and lamness. This is important as you do not want to be buying someone elses problems and end up spending a whole lot of cash on vet bills.
I would also recommend taking a riding instructor (or someone who is Very horse smart) with you when you go to look at the horse. You once again could be buying a bunch of problems that you are not able to handle.
You need to take lessons.. They cost money. I am a 4-h leader in our local horse club and i would highly recommend getting lessons for a few months and see if this is something you would realy like to get into. I have seen many kids get horses and lose interest.
There are many things to take into account..
Hay,grain, minerals, salt licks,shoeing(Which can be expensive),worming, shots,vet bills,blanets,tack, If you do not have land bording the horse at a stable can be very expensive..
I would recommend taking lessons learn how to muck out a stall and paddock. Learn how to feed them and learn what are important things to be feeding a horse. A horse on just an alfalfa diet might get to plump and founder. You need to know the limits and what will be best for the horse.. Get to know the appy breed. Try getting involved in 4-h or pony club. You need to know what style of riding you would like to do. And please always think saftey first!

**Desert Arabian** · 09-23-2002, 03:03 PM

This weekend my mom and I went to Missouri for a giant Mule festival. There was a big appy mule there. He was the most gorgeous appy I have ever seen! I have some pictures of him but they are so-so (they don't really capture his true beauty). I would die to have a mule/horse with the coloring of that mule. It was a lot of fun. I have never seen that many mules in one place at one time.