Sitemaps

Im Getting My First Horse2007-11-24 21:17:32

I've been riding since I was around the age of 8 - on and off - and I am finally getting around to obtaining my very first horse, due to the kindness of a friend. The horse is currently very young, and I plan on waiting until she is older to officially bring her to another stable, but before then, I feel that I need some serious help.

I know how to ride - I'm pretty experienced. But I've never trained a horse before. I know basic care; brushing, hoof cleaning, watering down, food rations, and etc, but I still feel a little scared. I don't want anyone to think that I'm not capable of having a horse of my own - I've been a lover of them for many years, have dealt with various stages of temperament in them, and throughout it all, I have never once been hurt. (Never kicked or bitten. Toes have been stepped on, but that's as far as it has gone.)

What else do I need to know? I will have someone to help me out, but I feel like there's more.

Answers:

Getting kicked, bitten, and bucked off usually takes part in the training of a young horse. To avoid or learn how to deal with some of the problems that may arise, try to learn as much as you can about horses, even if it's a little fact here and there that you don't even think will matter in the long run.

Try to buy training video from trainers such as Clinton Anderson, Pat Parelli, Chris Cox, and other such people. They can be very helpful to watch, especially in the focus of colt breaking and early care and training of foals (such as teaching lessons in haltering, and leading.)

---

i wouldn't get a young horse for you first horse at all if you don't know how to train them you could get very hurt trying to break them... i got a younger horse for my first horse i did kinda have an idea how to train horses plus i had a lot of help..i got thrown 2 times and almost killed 1 time on her so don't get a younger horse.get one that is about 7 or 8. that has been there and seen lots of different situations in its life

---

Your best bet in this, providing a good,safe education for your new pony (congratulations, by the way) is to consult with other local horse owners and trainers. See how they got their horses used to handling, human contact, saddle training them etc. Maybe consider contacting your local animal welfare group for advice, they're usually able to give you some tips or at least point you in the right direction.

---

I would hire a trainer. When I got my horse she was 5 years old and had been trained but was "green". In other words she hadn't been ridden and had forgotten a lot of training. Make sure that the first thing you teach the foal is manners. Once you get the horse to know that you are in control and the "lead mare" then training will come fairly easily. Start with loungeing. Loungeing helps to teach horses the commands you will use while riding. Then start introducing saddles and weight on the horses back. Just take your time and be patient. And stick to the training. It really sucks when you finally get your horse to learn something and then you don't keep up with the training and they forget it. Also, be prepared for some pain. Horses don't typically mean to hurt you but I have been bitten and kicked a couple times and it can cause a lot of pain. Oh and also, since you are getting a young horse DONT HAND FEED IT. It makes them nippy and mouthy. If you want to give treats put them in it's bowl. Good luck and have fun!!

---

I agree with Han90. They have books on training, try to get as much info as possible that's your best bet.