A good horse for beginner?

stubborn horse · 02-06-2006, 02:50 PM

Hi, I am new to Horsetopia. And I have a very basic question that I would love any opinion. Me and my family own a three year old appoloosa gelding that has been one heck of an experience. He's really spirited and not very easy control. He was meant to be my daughter but she can't handle him as well as somone else. I am now looking for a another horse for her. I want a horse that is good for a beginner and be good to learn on for a fifteen year old who hasn't had much horse experience for a few years now (til we got Apache). Is there any specfic breed that I should really look at. At first I was thinking a QH or Paint. But now I'm thinking about gaited-would that be good? I know every horse is different but I'm kinda of trying to narrow down my search.Would a Arabian be good if it an older horse that is a beginner horse or would it still be too hyper? She would mostly ride trails and maybe get into barrels. I was thinking either gelding or mare. I would love any opinion. She really wants one for her and she is very determined to get one and take care of it. Sorry that it is such a stupid question. Thanks.

allison · 02-06-2006, 02:59 PM

There's not really any one breed that's good for a beginner. It directly depends on the individual horse. Look for horses that are a little older, I would suggest 8 + years. Look for one that advertises a safe, beginner friendly and well broke horse, prefeably with trail experience.
Arabians tend to be on the more flighty, or spirited side, but that's not to say you couldn't find one to suit your needs. Paints and Quarter horses are popular for a reason, they are very diverse and just a good all around breed. I don't have much experience with gaited horses, the ones I've met were pretty flighty, but I know there's quiet ones out there.

allison · 02-06-2006, 03:03 PM

Also wanted to add, only consider a mare or a gelding for your daughter. A stallion is absolutely out of the question, no exceptions there. Between mare and a gelding, there's not much difference. Since mare's go into heat, there are some that get very crabby or moody during that time. Geldings in general have a more consistent personality. But really either one would be suitable.

TheUpNorthCowgirl · 02-06-2006, 03:32 PM

The only dumb question is the unasked one.

A good beginner horse should be an aged horse, who has been there and done that. Think along the lines of 10-15 years old. Theres no "one" breed that is good for a beginner. You just want to look fo a steady Eddie.

Lopin · 02-06-2006, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubborn horse

Hi, I am new to Horsetopia. Is there any specfic breed that I should really look at. At first I was thinking a QH or Paint. But now I'm thinking about gaited-would that be good? Would a Arabian be good if it an older horse that is a beginner horse or would it still be too hyper? She would mostly ride trails and maybe get into barrels. I was thinking either gelding or mare.

Hi and welcome to the forum!!

My first horse was a polish arabian and he was (and still is!) a wonderful horse who really taught me how to ride. He would have made a fantastic pole bending/barrel horse, but we never pursued that. (wish we had).

Since your daughter would like to do trail rides and barrels, I'd recommend a QH or an arab...they seem to do great there.

Don't be afraid to go with an older horse. My first show horse was a 15 yr old Saddlebred...and 11 years later, I am still enjoying her.

Older been-there-done-that horses are the best ones for beginners...so take your time looking, ask lots of questions and try lots of horses out until you find the "right" one.

Good Luck!!!!!

By the way...I like your SN.

sheri7785 · 02-06-2006, 07:26 PM

I would look at a gelding instead of a mare becuase they don't go into heat. No mood swings out of the blue. My first horse was a gray Arabian gelding and I couldn't have had a better horse. All the Arabians I have ever been on have always taken care of their riders. I only gave lessons on Arabians. They are very able to do trails (Ollie did great, and my last Arabian is in training for competitive trail horse). I would definitely make sure the ad does say suitable for a beginner and do lots of looking at them. The perfect horse would have been worked by youths recently and be also advertised as a family horse. Go out two or three times to make sure its the right horse. That's with ANY breed. Good luck on your search.

stubborn horse · 02-06-2006, 07:43 PM

Thank you. I know I want an older at least 8 and is well broken and a good around horse. I been thinking about gaited cause they are known for being good for trails but barrels may come into the future so I keep thinking Qh or paint. But I have seen a few gaited run barrels. I don't know. Would a TW be good? Racking horse? MFT? Qh? Paint? I would love some more opinions. I will be careful I've already made that mistake and I don't plan on making it again. She wants one she can take care of and can ride. She is determined and has been doing her research. I don't have much money to spend but I want a good hor

se.

snickers · 02-06-2006, 07:59 PM

An older, been there and done that, is the one to go with.
They have the forgiveness for the mistakes the rider
makes and it will not screw them up.

Be it gelding or mare.
You want one at least 10 years or older.

Try looking for one that was a camp horse.
They will have many miles on the trail and
use to anything.
If you dont keep the one you have, you can use him as
a trade for the other horse.
You may luck up and find a older horse just what you
want.

Dont be turned away by the ones 15 and older, into
their twenties. Those are the horses that will work the
best.

Good luck.

appygurl · 02-06-2006, 08:17 PM

Yes, an older horse would be best. Your daughter would be able to gain confedince. She needs a horse that if she wants she can hop on bareback w/ just a halter or leadrope or heck can just go out in to the pasture, stand on a rock and jump on off and the horse just stands there. They are the best kind to have

TDH · 02-07-2006, 08:24 AM

Breed really doesn't have a whole lot to do with being a first horse... I would look first at age, anything between 10 and 20 years old and of good health and well kept. Either gelding or mare; any of the mares I've had never were problems during cycling so I wouldn't necessarily put a strike against one because of that. But definitely no stallions!

By looking at stock horses (QH and Paints) or Arabs, you might be more likely to find one that would be able to do barrels... but, don't rule out other breeds. Also keep in mind, many (not all) horses that are good at barrels run hot and can be tough to take trail riding, and harder for an inexperienced rider to handle. First and foremost you want a steady-Eddie, been there done that horse.... As Snickers said, if you've got one of those, they're more in demand and you can always trade up later if he/she doesn't work out on barrels. Best of luck and welcome to the forum!

KrisRN2005 · 02-07-2006, 08:36 AM

I agree with all the great advice in the above posts.
My daughter's first horse is 18yrs old. He is truly a "gentle Ben" he is a QH gelding (although breed means nothing) it's all about the temperment of the horse! Sonny was a lesson horse so he is broke to the tee and has had plenty of time around kids.... tons of trail miles under his belt and is bomb proof....simply because of his age they sold him for less than half the asking price of an identically trained lesson horse half his age..
needless to say my daughter can concentrate on learning how to ride and I have the peace of mind knowing what a wonderful safehorse she is learning on.
I had my mare for 30yrs so I plan on having plenty of wonderful years with Sonny too!

lonearrow · 02-07-2006, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubborn horse

Would a TW be good? Racking horse? MFT?

I have gaited (TWH) horses and in my opinion, they would be easy for a beginner to learn on because you don't get the bouncing out of the saddle feeling. I would think that any older, experienced and well broke horse would work for her though. And I would go with a gelding.

We only trail ride with our TWH's so they serve our purpose in a wonderful way. No saddle sores!

Georgia Equine · 02-11-2006, 10:56 AM

TWH's are wonderful!!

They are known for their calm dispostitions and smooth gait. My horse is a walker and I wouldn't go any other way

I've ridden many horses in my life, and I always go back to the TW. I've been taking lessons on a QH and I really like her, but at the trot, it's just so choppy, I guess I'm just spoiled by sitting still on my walker

DixieHorseChick18 · 02-11-2006, 11:46 AM

First off, welcome, I dont think I posted on your introduction if you had one, so hi. I woul probably get a mare or gelding, about 10+ a been there done that horse. I have never had a gaited horse before, I have always had qhs. One of my first horses was an older arab mare, and I honestly did not like her. They can be very stuburn, and she was just not a great horse for a begginer at all. I would not recomment a arab, but then again it all despends onthe horse. You can almost never go wrong with a Qh though. It is alot easier to find one that is great for begginers. This is all my opinion though. I dont know much about them, but i have heard really good things about Morgans.

02-06-2006, 02:50 PM
stubborn horse Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North West Florida Posts: 83	A good horse for beginner? Hi, I am new to Horsetopia. And I have a very basic question that I would love any opinion. Me and my family own a three year old appoloosa gelding that has been one heck of an experience. He's really spirited and not very easy control. He was meant to be my daughter but she can't handle him as well as somone else. I am now looking for a another horse for her. I want a horse that is good for a beginner and be good to learn on for a fifteen year old who hasn't had much horse experience for a few years now (til we got Apache). Is there any specfic breed that I should really look at. At first I was thinking a QH or Paint. But now I'm thinking about gaited-would that be good? I know every horse is different but I'm kinda of trying to narrow down my search.Would a Arabian be good if it an older horse that is a beginner horse or would it still be too hyper? She would mostly ride trails and maybe get into barrels. I was thinking either gelding or mare. I would love any opinion. She really wants one for her and she is very determined to get one and take care of it. Sorry that it is such a stupid question. Thanks. __________________ It\'s a COWGIRL\'S WORLD...Cowboys just live in it! No offense boys. Got Hay?

02-06-2006, 02:59 PM
allison Started Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kenosha, WI. Posts: 2,225	There's not really any one breed that's good for a beginner. It directly depends on the individual horse. Look for horses that are a little older, I would suggest 8 + years. Look for one that advertises a safe, beginner friendly and well broke horse, prefeably with trail experience. Arabians tend to be on the more flighty, or spirited side, but that's not to say you couldn't find one to suit your needs. Paints and Quarter horses are popular for a reason, they are very diverse and just a good all around breed. I don't have much experience with gaited horses, the ones I've met were pretty flighty, but I know there's quiet ones out there. __________________ Horses & Horsepower www.freewebs.com/mustangali_/ "...just like computers refuse to understand how I'm feeling today"

02-06-2006, 03:03 PM
allison Started Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kenosha, WI. Posts: 2,225	Also wanted to add, only consider a mare or a gelding for your daughter. A stallion is absolutely out of the question, no exceptions there. Between mare and a gelding, there's not much difference. Since mare's go into heat, there are some that get very crabby or moody during that time. Geldings in general have a more consistent personality. But really either one would be suitable. __________________ Horses & Horsepower www.freewebs.com/mustangali_/ "...just like computers refuse to understand how I'm feeling today"

02-06-2006, 03:32 PM
TheUpNorthCowgirl Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 1,420	The only dumb question is the unasked one. A good beginner horse should be an aged horse, who has been there and done that. Think along the lines of 10-15 years old. Theres no "one" breed that is good for a beginner. You just want to look fo a steady Eddie. __________________ The horse has so docile a nature, that he would rather do right than wrong, if he can only be taught to distinguish one from the other."

02-06-2006, 07:26 PM
sheri7785 Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Omaha Posts: 1,073	I would look at a gelding instead of a mare becuase they don't go into heat. No mood swings out of the blue. My first horse was a gray Arabian gelding and I couldn't have had a better horse. All the Arabians I have ever been on have always taken care of their riders. I only gave lessons on Arabians. They are very able to do trails (Ollie did great, and my last Arabian is in training for competitive trail horse). I would definitely make sure the ad does say suitable for a beginner and do lots of looking at them. The perfect horse would have been worked by youths recently and be also advertised as a family horse. Go out two or three times to make sure its the right horse. That's with ANY breed. Good luck on your search.

02-06-2006, 07:43 PM
stubborn horse Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North West Florida Posts: 83	Thank you. I know I want an older at least 8 and is well broken and a good around horse. I been thinking about gaited cause they are known for being good for trails but barrels may come into the future so I keep thinking Qh or paint. But I have seen a few gaited run barrels. I don't know. Would a TW be good? Racking horse? MFT? Qh? Paint? I would love some more opinions. I will be careful I've already made that mistake and I don't plan on making it again. She wants one she can take care of and can ride. She is determined and has been doing her research. I don't have much money to spend but I want a good hor se. __________________ It\'s a COWGIRL\'S WORLD...Cowboys just live in it! No offense boys. Got Hay?

02-06-2006, 07:59 PM
snickers Bombproof Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Twilight Zone Posts: 9,813	An older, been there and done that, is the one to go with. They have the forgiveness for the mistakes the rider makes and it will not screw them up. Be it gelding or mare. You want one at least 10 years or older. Try looking for one that was a camp horse. They will have many miles on the trail and use to anything. If you dont keep the one you have, you can use him as a trade for the other horse. You may luck up and find a older horse just what you want. Dont be turned away by the ones 15 and older, into their twenties. Those are the horses that will work the best. Good luck. __________________ The "real" FACE of white trash is not here. http://diamondpfarm.webs.com/

02-06-2006, 08:17 PM
appygurl Coming two Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,820	Yes, an older horse would be best. Your daughter would be able to gain confedince. She needs a horse that if she wants she can hop on bareback w/ just a halter or leadrope or heck can just go out in to the pasture, stand on a rock and jump on off and the horse just stands there. They are the best kind to have __________________ Appaloosa--brains, looks, and temperment all in one

02-07-2006, 08:24 AM
TDH Seasoned Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,293	Breed really doesn't have a whole lot to do with being a first horse... I would look first at age, anything between 10 and 20 years old and of good health and well kept. Either gelding or mare; any of the mares I've had never were problems during cycling so I wouldn't necessarily put a strike against one because of that. But definitely no stallions! By looking at stock horses (QH and Paints) or Arabs, you might be more likely to find one that would be able to do barrels... but, don't rule out other breeds. Also keep in mind, many (not all) horses that are good at barrels run hot and can be tough to take trail riding, and harder for an inexperienced rider to handle. First and foremost you want a steady-Eddie, been there done that horse.... As Snickers said, if you've got one of those, they're more in demand and you can always trade up later if he/she doesn't work out on barrels. Best of luck and welcome to the forum! __________________ *If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.*

02-07-2006, 08:36 AM
KrisRN2005 Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 772	I agree with all the great advice in the above posts. My daughter's first horse is 18yrs old. He is truly a "gentle Ben" he is a QH gelding (although breed means nothing) it's all about the temperment of the horse! Sonny was a lesson horse so he is broke to the tee and has had plenty of time around kids.... tons of trail miles under his belt and is bomb proof....simply because of his age they sold him for less than half the asking price of an identically trained lesson horse half his age.. needless to say my daughter can concentrate on learning how to ride and I have the peace of mind knowing what a wonderful safehorse she is learning on. I had my mare for 30yrs so I plan on having plenty of wonderful years with Sonny too! __________________ May you always be true to your best friend, today, tomorrow and always ....

02-11-2006, 10:56 AM
Georgia Equine Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 9	TWH's are wonderful!! They are known for their calm dispostitions and smooth gait. My horse is a walker and I wouldn't go any other way I've ridden many horses in my life, and I always go back to the TW. I've been taking lessons on a QH and I really like her, but at the trot, it's just so choppy, I guess I'm just spoiled by sitting still on my walker

02-11-2006, 11:46 AM
DixieHorseChick18 Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,206	First off, welcome, I dont think I posted on your introduction if you had one, so hi. I woul probably get a mare or gelding, about 10+ a been there done that horse. I have never had a gaited horse before, I have always had qhs. One of my first horses was an older arab mare, and I honestly did not like her. They can be very stuburn, and she was just not a great horse for a begginer at all. I would not recomment a arab, but then again it all despends onthe horse. You can almost never go wrong with a Qh though. It is alot easier to find one that is great for begginers. This is all my opinion though. I dont know much about them, but i have heard really good things about Morgans. __________________ I love horses that are not broke under saddle, it gives me a reason to jump on BAREBACK!!!YeeHaaww Lifes to short to pretend like you know what smart people are talking about.