Beginners Breed?

mark · 09-10-07, 07:53 AM

Is there any breed thats easiest for a new owner? Or does it really depend more on the individual horse? I don't really have any idea what kind of horse I want. I like so many different ones. Mostly I like the way they look. Haven't really done much research in the differences between breeds.

purplefdu · 09-10-07, 12:35 PM

I think its often more about the particular horse than its breed. Certain breeds are known for particular disciplines or traits, but every breed has one that is completely against the stereotype. For example Arabs are known to be flighty and high strung often, but some are very level-headed and bomb proof. There are also lots of cross breeds out there which may give you the look of one breed, but the temperament of another. If you get an idea of the amount you have to spend on the purchase price, and what you want to do with your new horse you can then look through the horses that match and start sorting based on personality and color. You might just be surprised to find the "perfect" horse wasn't at all what you envisioned.

Gizmo · 09-10-07, 06:31 PM

I tend to agree, you need to know the individual horse, as just running for breeds can get you something else than what you want.

Test the horse out, the temper, the attitude of the horse, compared to what you are going to use the horse for. This is very important.

QuarterHorses · 09-10-07, 07:19 PM

A few years ago I decided to find the worse horse I could. I wanted something that I could work on training. A horse that needed work with manners and riding. I went to an auction and found what I thought was the perfect horse for my project. It turned out that I bought the gentlest horse I have ever been around. I could put kids on this horse and it didn't mind! I agree that it is the individual horse and not the breed. You just need to search and find the right horse that fits your needs. BTW, please don't buy a horse from an auction.

SpiritWind · 09-10-07, 10:28 PM

Is there any particular reason for avoiding auctions?

I always thought all arabians were bomb proof, shows what I know, and the truth of the fact that it's about the horse. Because I've been around only about half a dozen of them, but they were all solid horses. Of course it was on my friend's property and his dad was the epitome of a horse man. I could swear the horse whisperer was about him. But anyway, those horses made me always want one, but this is the first whisper I've ever heard of them being flighty!

mark · 09-11-07, 08:35 AM

Thanks for the good advice.

QuarterHorses, why do you recommend me not to buy from an auction? Is it because they are just trying to sell the horse and not match the horse and owner for a good relationship? Or is it just that you never really know what you're getting at an auction?

**alexis** · 09-11-07, 09:52 PM

Are there stereotypes for horses, like one is meaner than the other (like dogs for example), or than one may end up being a better child pet for a youngster?

Remark · 11-01-07, 04:22 PM

Mark,

I agree with the rest that it comes down to the individual horse but certain breeds are better at certain things.

If you want a horse for long haul trails or endurance you may want to look at the Arabs..their larger lungs, short backs and sturdy legs make them great for endurance.

If you want an overall can do most anything type. Check out the quarterhorses but be aware... some are bred more for working..think rodeo and some are bred more for shows...think jumping.

If you're into show jumping think Warmbloods or Thorobreds.

First decide what you're going to be doing with your horse, then check out the breeds and then individual horses within the breed.

Age is also a factor.. If you're a "green" owner don't buy a "green" or young horse.

Also make sure you watch the horse in the herd before you buy. If you buy the bully of the field, she'll try to bully you as well. If you buy the wimpy skittish guy, be prepared to spend a lot of time gaining his trust.

Best of wishes to you and here's hopes you find the perfect friend.

Remark

waggy · 11-03-07, 10:45 AM

I was going through this thread and it made me wonder why QuarterHorses recommends never to buy horses at an auction? What's the difference if you buy it from a prime ranch or something?

Thanks!

pumpkinflirt · 11-11-07, 10:26 AM

Auctions for horses are just like auctions for cars. You can kick the tires but you will never be sure what you are buying. You won't be able to know the training history most often (if its been handled before being trailered to auction), and many horses behave differently at auction whether its strung out due to stress or quiet because they rode it to death before hand. Unless you are 150% of your ability to tell good conformation in less than 5 minutes you could easily buy a horse with faults that could lead to it being unsound down the road, or even before you get it home. And even then you can not tell if the horse may carry genetic issues which could lead to death. Buying from a reputable breeder/trainer allows you to know the training history, the breeding history (or a good guess if they didn't breed themselves), and the ability to try it out beforehand or even take it on a trial basis. You can have you vet out to evaluate health, your trainer for temperament, etc. Even experienced horsepeople can end up with a bad purchase from auction.

09-10-07, 07:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
mark Member Join Date: 09-06-07 Posts: 25	Beginners Breed? Is there any breed thats easiest for a new owner? Or does it really depend more on the individual horse? I don't really have any idea what kind of horse I want. I like so many different ones. Mostly I like the way they look. Haven't really done much research in the differences between breeds.

09-10-07, 06:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
Gizmo Member Join Date: 08-12-07 Posts: 22	I tend to agree, you need to know the individual horse, as just running for breeds can get you something else than what you want. Test the horse out, the temper, the attitude of the horse, compared to what you are going to use the horse for. This is very important. __________________ Just dont let this guy make you coffee

09-10-07, 07:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
QuarterHorses Member Join Date: 08-11-07 Posts: 63	A few years ago I decided to find the worse horse I could. I wanted something that I could work on training. A horse that needed work with manners and riding. I went to an auction and found what I thought was the perfect horse for my project. It turned out that I bought the gentlest horse I have ever been around. I could put kids on this horse and it didn't mind! I agree that it is the individual horse and not the breed. You just need to search and find the right horse that fits your needs. BTW, please don't buy a horse from an auction. __________________ Quarter Horses, nothing is better!

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09-10-07, 12:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
purplefdu Member Join Date: 08-12-07 Posts: 236	I think its often more about the particular horse than its breed. Certain breeds are known for particular disciplines or traits, but every breed has one that is completely against the stereotype. For example Arabs are known to be flighty and high strung often, but some are very level-headed and bomb proof. There are also lots of cross breeds out there which may give you the look of one breed, but the temperament of another. If you get an idea of the amount you have to spend on the purchase price, and what you want to do with your new horse you can then look through the horses that match and start sorting based on personality and color. You might just be surprised to find the "perfect" horse wasn't at all what you envisioned.

09-10-07, 10:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
SpiritWind Banned Join Date: 09-03-07 Posts: 25	Is there any particular reason for avoiding auctions? I always thought all arabians were bomb proof, shows what I know, and the truth of the fact that it's about the horse. Because I've been around only about half a dozen of them, but they were all solid horses. Of course it was on my friend's property and his dad was the epitome of a horse man. I could swear the horse whisperer was about him. But anyway, those horses made me always want one, but this is the first whisper I've ever heard of them being flighty!

09-11-07, 08:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
mark Member Join Date: 09-06-07 Posts: 25	Thanks for the good advice. QuarterHorses, why do you recommend me not to buy from an auction? Is it because they are just trying to sell the horse and not match the horse and owner for a good relationship? Or is it just that you never really know what you're getting at an auction?

09-11-07, 09:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
alexis Super-Moderator Join Date: 08-10-07 Posts: 329	Are there stereotypes for horses, like one is meaner than the other (like dogs for example), or than one may end up being a better child pet for a youngster?

11-01-07, 04:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
Remark Member Join Date: 11-01-07 Location: Alabama Posts: 25	Mark, I agree with the rest that it comes down to the individual horse but certain breeds are better at certain things. If you want a horse for long haul trails or endurance you may want to look at the Arabs..their larger lungs, short backs and sturdy legs make them great for endurance. If you want an overall can do most anything type. Check out the quarterhorses but be aware... some are bred more for working..think rodeo and some are bred more for shows...think jumping. If you're into show jumping think Warmbloods or Thorobreds. First decide what you're going to be doing with your horse, then check out the breeds and then individual horses within the breed. Age is also a factor.. If you're a "green" owner don't buy a "green" or young horse. Also make sure you watch the horse in the herd before you buy. If you buy the bully of the field, she'll try to bully you as well. If you buy the wimpy skittish guy, be prepared to spend a lot of time gaining his trust. Best of wishes to you and here's hopes you find the perfect friend. Remark

11-03-07, 10:45 AM	#9 (permalink)
waggy Member Join Date: 11-03-07 Posts: 21	I was going through this thread and it made me wonder why QuarterHorses recommends never to buy horses at an auction? What's the difference if you buy it from a prime ranch or something? Thanks!

11-11-07, 10:26 AM	#10 (permalink)
pumpkinflirt Member Join Date: 10-12-07 Posts: 50	Auctions for horses are just like auctions for cars. You can kick the tires but you will never be sure what you are buying. You won't be able to know the training history most often (if its been handled before being trailered to auction), and many horses behave differently at auction whether its strung out due to stress or quiet because they rode it to death before hand. Unless you are 150% of your ability to tell good conformation in less than 5 minutes you could easily buy a horse with faults that could lead to it being unsound down the road, or even before you get it home. And even then you can not tell if the horse may carry genetic issues which could lead to death. Buying from a reputable breeder/trainer allows you to know the training history, the breeding history (or a good guess if they didn't breed themselves), and the ability to try it out beforehand or even take it on a trial basis. You can have you vet out to evaluate health, your trainer for temperament, etc. Even experienced horsepeople can end up with a bad purchase from auction.