Horse experts...

[HarvDog]

I have been around horses a little and have been horseback riding a few times. My wife and I are starting to look for some investment/hunting/retirement land and are considering that possibility of horses as well. So I guess I need to really start with some basic questions.

1. How much land would we need for, let's say, two horses?

2. What kind of horses should we be considering?

3. What do you look for when buying a horse?

4. Do you buy really young or a couple of years old?

5. What should I expect to pay for a horse?

I realize some of these questions may be fairly broad. Feel free to respond with your own questions to help narrow these down.

[wtnhunt]

I have been around horses a little and have been horseback riding a few times. My wife and I are starting to look for some investment/hunting/retirement land and are considering that possibility of horses as well. So I guess I need to really start with some basic questions.

1. How much land would we need for, let's say, two horses?

2. What kind of horses should we be considering?

3. What do you look for when buying a horse?

4. Do you buy really young or a couple of years old?

5. What should I expect to pay for a horse?

I realize some of these questions may be fairly broad. Feel free to respond with your own questions to help narrow these down.

Pretty general questions there Harv, that will really depend on YOU. I am not by any means an expert, but I do know maybe just a little.

Generally speaking an acre a horse is required where you have decent pasture to maintain.

What kind of horse makes a good horse? Does not have to be a registered high dollar horse to be a good horse. The old expression "you cant ride the papers" has always seemed to be fitting to me. Quarter horses usually will make good trail horses or pleasure riding horses, but then so will others, arabs in general are a bit more spirited, so are aps. What do you want the horses to do? Best horse I have owned is a quarter/arab mix. Very fast short coupled and is a good cutter with great disposition and great with kids. That old gelding is very willing to please.

What to look for, my suggestion would be to find someone you know who is knowledgeable, get them to go with you to look. Be very careful of horses at sales. When reading a horse, look at their eyes, if they stay relaxed around you, they will probably make a good horse. A flighty horse will be quick to show the whites around the edges of their eyes, and they may have issues. For a new horse owner would not buy a horse that seems spooky.

A good age will really depend. I have seen good 5 or 6 year olds that were babysitters for kids, then I have seen some 5 or 6 year olds that are wild as could be. Most of the time after 11 or 12 a horse will not be as spirited, so if you are looking for a horse that knows what to do, and will likely not give you problems with trail riding, you may look for an older horse. A horse can make it to 30 years or older with good care, so dont be afraid to buy an 11 year old or older horse.

How much to spend will also depend on you, what you want and where you are. Generally speaking, fall or winter time might be the best time to buy when hay is short, granted you have pasture or available hay. Back in 1992, gave I think $750 for the old gelding I still have now, he was just green broke then at 5 years old, but that horse has been trained to team pin, and cut cows, and he would probably bring well beyond that now even at the age he is. My wife gave six hundred something for her paint mare that is not registered, and she got a saddle and some tack with that horse. That horse is young and has some issues though, but she really wanted the horse.

[mike]

Pretty general questions there Harv, that will really depend on YOU. I am not by any means an expert, but I do know maybe just a little.

Generally speaking an acre a horse is required where you have decent pasture to maintain.

What kind of horse makes a good horse? Does not have to be a registered high dollar horse to be a good horse. The old expression "you cant ride the papers" has always seemed to be fitting to me. Quarter horses usually will make good trail horses or pleasure riding horses, but then so will others, arabs in general are a bit more spirited, so are aps. What do you want the horses to do? Best horse I have owned is a quarter/arab mix. Very fast short coupled and is a good cutter with great disposition and great with kids. That old gelding is very willing to please.

What to look for, my suggestion would be to find someone you know who is knowledgeable, get them to go with you to look. Be very careful of horses at sales. When reading a horse, look at their eyes, if they stay relaxed around you, they will probably make a good horse. A flighty horse will be quick to show the whites around the edges of their eyes, and they may have issues. For a new horse owner would not buy a horse that seems spooky.

A good age will really depend. I have seen good 5 or 6 year olds that were babysitters for kids, then I have seen some 5 or 6 year olds that are wild as could be. Most of the time after 11 or 12 a horse will not be as spirited, so if you are looking for a horse that knows what to do, and will likely not give you problems with trail riding, you may look for an older horse. A horse can make it to 30 years or older with good care, so dont be afraid to buy an 11 year old or older horse.

How much to spend will also depend on you, what you want and where you are. Generally speaking, fall or winter time might be the best time to buy when hay is short, granted you have pasture or available hay. Back in 1992, gave I think $750 for the old gelding I still have now, he was just green broke then at 5 years old, but that horse has been trained to team pin, and cut cows, and he would probably bring well beyond that now even at the age he is. My wife gave six hundred something for her paint mare that is not registered, and she got a saddle and some tack with that horse. That horse is young and has some issues though, but she really wanted the horse.

a spent alot of time around horses growing up but am no expert by far. and william pretty much summed up everything i was going to say:cool:

[unioncountyslayer]

My wife and I are in the horse business (not full-time). She rides American Saddlebred show horses. There is a lot of money in the Saddlebred business. But you have to decide how you plan to make your money whether it be training or breeding or both. I think the most money to be had is in the Thoroughbred industry (race horses), but it's really tough and expensive to get started. We've had 5 Saddlebreds over the last 5-6 years and sold 3 of them for over twice what we payed for them. You have to keep moving horses if you are not going to breed to make any money. If I were to go into it full time, I would concentrate on breeding. Stud fees are where the money is at. PM me and I can give you an idea on cost and such.

[Michihunter]

Having owned a horse I can share some thoughts on the subject. First, if you only get one horse, that's gonna make it tough for a couple to enjoy it. Only one person will be riding it at a time which leaves the other basically standing around and waiting. Another thing is the costs. We boarded ours and our boarding fee started out at $100 month which included basic feeding and being let out each day. Within 1 yr that cost rose to $175/mo and after 2 yrs it was at $250/mo. These fees do not include any grooming duties, ferrier bills, or vet bills which are usually several times a year. Also there are vitamin and feed supplements that you will have to consider. Then there is the cost of leather. Saddle, bridle, saddle blanket, pad, lead and anything else you may consider. If you are considering purchasing a horse, it willl be the least of any cost associated with owning one. We had a quarter horse. We got her at 8 yrs of age. She was already saddle broke and trail savvy. Great way to start if you want to just saddle and ride. I almost bought a green broke Appaloosa which are great trail horses as well. But he was merely greenbroke and would've taken a very long and dedicated time with him to get him ready for the trails. Keep that in mind as well if you plan on purchasing a younger horse. There are many horses that will provide enjoyment but for all purpose riding, I truly don't think you will find better than a medium aged quarter horse. Great temperament and intelligence. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Griz]

Hey Harv as soon as the wife gets dinner out of the way she said she will get on here and give you some answers and some ideas on what you are looking for.

I myself am a 4 wheeler type of guy. The only thing I get out of the horses is the feed bill and a sore backside...LOL...

My wife has been training and riding horses since she was little. So I'm guessing she could help you out...

[Griz]

I have been around horses a little and have been horseback riding a few times. My wife and I are starting to look for some investment/hunting/retirement land and are considering that possibility of horses as well. So I guess I need to really start with some basic questions.

1. How much land would we need for, let's say, two horses?

2. What kind of horses should we be considering?

3. What do you look for when buying a horse?

4. Do you buy really young or a couple of years old?

5. What should I expect to pay for a horse?

I realize some of these questions may be fairly broad. Feel free to respond with your own questions to help narrow these down.

HI, this is Griz's other half. If you have a horse rescue in your area I would suggest you check there for a couple of horses. Most rescues are up front and honest but like anything else there are some that are not.

1. For just 2 horses it would depend if you wanted to keep them on full feed year round or have enough pasture to sustain them for part of the year, but a couple of acres should work.

2.As for what kind of horse I prefer quarter horses but there are some real nice grade (crossbreeds) out there.

3.What to look for when buying would first be, you need to feel that the seller is an honest person and one you can trust. Ask if they will guarantee the horse sound if they won't it would be best to look elsewhere. Try the horse out at least 2 different times.

4.A horse that is between 8-12 yrs old is the best to buy. They are usually well trained and experienced by then.

5.The price would depend on your area but a good sound gentle broke horse usually start around $900.00 and up depending on the individual.

I hope this helps if can help you out with anything else please let me know.

[stevebeilgard]

i'm experienced with horses. i presently have 360 of them. i keep them all in a corral under my hood, and feed them #2 diesel... lol

horses are like buying anything else. ask a pro. call a local ferrier (not ferry). he'll know his horses. pay him to help you get some good stock. he may also have some good tips for you. he'll also know who has horses for sale, pasture for rent, feed, etc.

if you went to a used car lot, and knew nothing about cars, chances are you'll get burned. same with most anything else. ask the pros.

[Guest Andrea]

My wife and I are in the horse business (not full-time). She rides American Saddlebred show horses. There is a lot of money in the Saddlebred business. But you have to decide how you plan to make your money whether it be training or breeding or both. I think the most money to be had is in the Thoroughbred industry (race horses), but it's really tough and expensive to get started. We've had 5 Saddlebreds over the last 5-6 years and sold 3 of them for over twice what we payed for them. You have to keep moving horses if you are not going to breed to make any money. If I were to go into it full time, I would concentrate on breeding. Stud fees are where the money is at. PM me and I can give you an idea on cost and such.

OK, I've seen "Dirty Jobs" and the episode on horse breeding was DISGUSTING. Didn't know they don't let the horses mate the old fashioned way.

[HarvDog]

Quarter horses usually will make good trail horses or pleasure riding horses, but then so will others, arabs in general are a bit more spirited, so are aps. What do you want the horses to do?

Obviously this is VERY early in the game but we were thinking just general pleasure trail riding, etc. Don't think I'll be doing any "cutting" anytime soon.

[HarvDog]

Thanks for all of the information thus far everyone. If you know me at all, you know that I'll be researching this to death as I do everything else. But this is a great start.

[Jeramie]

I have been around horses a little and have been horseback riding a few times. My wife and I are starting to look for some investment/hunting/retirement land and are considering that possibility of horses as well. So I guess I need to really start with some basic questions.

1. How much land would we need for, let's say, two horses?

2. What kind of horses should we be considering?

3. What do you look for when buying a horse?

4. Do you buy really young or a couple of years old?

5. What should I expect to pay for a horse?

I realize some of these questions may be fairly broad. Feel free to respond with your own questions to help narrow these down.

1. I have 4 horses on 12 acres and they cant begin to eat it down. For two I would think 5-acres would be adequate but you will have to substitute food sources. I do anyway. My horses get a 50/50 mix of 12% stable mate (sweet feet) and steamed-crimped oats. I also feed Prairie hay in the winter.

2. I personally would look into quarter horses (also includes paints). Ive been around horses all my life and overall have trusted quarter horses far more. William hit on great points, you cant ride the papers, and stay away from Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Appaloosas. They are beautiful horses but will be high strung and typically higher maintenance.

3. Buying the horse: First off, make sure when you arrive to look at a horse that it is standing in a large lot of field be sure of this! Make sure the horse comes to a feed bucket or you can approach it in a large open area. If its in a tiny stall be very cautious. A lot of horses are runners and will run EVERY time you try to catch them. Its frustrating to no end and 5-acres feels more like 100 when you have to chase a horse for 30-minutes for a 5-minute ride.

Immediately upon approaching the horse reach up and scratch it between the eyes. If it back peddles be cautious. There is a possibility that horse has been beat. Give it a second and try it again. You could have simply caught it off guard. If it stands still, you’re ok.

Watch the horse while you visit. If it stands still at the end of the lead (or reins) its a good horse. A good saddle horse will stand still all day if its tied up. You want a patient horse. If that horse cant stand there while you’re talking without brushing up against you, pulling on the lead, etc. it could very well be an impatient horse.

Have the owner pick up the horses feet including the backs. All four hooves should have to be picked up. Horses brains work differently than ours. If you touch something cold with your left hand you know its going to be cold to the right. Horses don’t work like that. They regard their two different sides as two TOTALLY different sides. Having a horse that is easy to work with is very important. They are high maintenance and you will have to have a Ferrier trim and shoe them. If you have a "Kicker" you and your horses will NOT be appreciated.

When you ride the horse look for a couple of things. Neck reining is very important. You don’t want to have to plow rein the horse. You want to be able to move the reins from left to right with one hand and the horse needs to "steer" that direction without hesitation. Also, stop the horse and then pull straight back on the reins (holding steady pressure). The horse should back up. That is one step to proper training and a properly trained horse should have reverse.

When you mount the horse be sure he doesn’t step as soon as you stem into the stirrup. If he starts to walk before you are in the saddle it can be annoying. Granted its not 100% important but having a horse that stands there is nice. Typically you have to reach down and put your right boot into the stirrup by hand. The horse needs to stand steal until you have done so or you could loose your balance.

Really test the reining skills of the horse. A good horse will have a little pep when kicked and enticed to speed up but until that point you want a horse that just walks. Once the horse is saddled look for the "Tie Down." Its a strap that runs from the girt strap (strap holding the saddle on) to the muzzle of the horse. If the horse has a tie down there is a good chance it is a very spirited horse and often "Throws its head." You don’t want that. You’re looking for 90% granny gear, not a race horse.

Also, watch how the horse handles the bit in its mouth. A well trained "Saddle" horse will be relaxed and the bit wont be noticeable. A spirited horse will often "Chew the bit" and salivate a white foam. If the horse pays little attention to the bit you’re in good shape there.

4. If you’re looking for a good saddle horse stay away from horse that are say 5-years old. Granted that is a blanket statement but you’re still getting "youth" at that age. There are horses out there that are very good horses as young as 2-3 but chances are you’re going to get a spirited horse. Horses are typically (as a general rule) started under saddle and ridden at 2-years old. They easily live into their 20's and when given proper nutrition can be ridden until they die of old age. Once a horse starts to loose its ability to chew normal food (say in its late teens, early 20's, all depends on the horse itself) you need to put it on a Senior feed. I personally am a big fan of Purina Senior. Again, mixed 50/50 with steamed-crimped oats.

If you’re wanting a good saddle horse buy one around 10-12 years old (IMHO). Look for a Mare or a Gelding. If a horse was Gelded at a young age it never got the surge of testosterone and it will be a 1000lb puppy. "Old" Mares are typically just as gentle. I have occasionally seen Mares act up when they "Come in" or are ready to breed. It only last a week or so but really only happens when another horse is there to bring them in. Either would be a fine choice for a saddle horse. 10-12 years isnt old at all. Again, its nothing for a horse to live (if properly taken care of) well into its 20's. You could easily get 10-15 years of companionship out of a 10-year old horse. Dont discount an 8-year old but personally, for a mild mannered saddle horse that is young as I would go. Below that you’re dealing with a Case to case basis and need to know horses to make a good assumption.

5. With the economy being all over the place horses are all over the price map. If youre looking into Rodeo stock or breeding 20k for a horse isnt out of the question. If youre looking for an every day saddle horse you can literally buy one for $400. Recently I have seen horses sale with a saddle as cheap as $300. A decent saddle will cost that easily. My wife and I watched a Paint mare and her 1-year old foal sale for $325 recently. My brother sold two a couple of weeks ago and brought home a total of just over $300. Horses are down.

Rodeo stock is different. People make a living doing that stuff so you want the horse that will give you the best odds. Paying $20k for one of those horses could help you to earn hundreds of thousands. Its an investment. The same goes for breeding. Ive seen stud fees (breading your mare only) go into the hundreds of thousands... Literally, just to impregnate youre mare.

But saddle horses are a luxury. A lot of people cant afford that right now with gas and everything else getting expensive. Therefore people are turning horses loose cheap. Right now you could get a couple of good saddle horses, saddles, and tack for roughly $1500 (and yes I said a couple).

I have been on and around horses my entire life. I have broke them for everyday and ranch use. We grew up on a one thousand acre beef ranch that my family still owns. We used horses on a regular basis. I still shoe my own and ride for pleasure. If you’re looking for just a couple of good riding horses feel free to hit me up. I can and will gladly help you in that area. In fact, if you want I can PM you my phone number. Ill gladly visit with you about it.

Hope that helps.

[Guest kaleb]

I am new to the forum but not to horses. My wife and I trailride almost every weekend. We ride gaited horses because they are a lot smoother. Their will be people tell you that gaited horses are not as good in the rough trails as quarter horses. That is a lie. We also use ours for hunting during the winter. The breed you get is not as important as the nature of the horse. This is not the place to try and save as much as you can. You can get cheep horses, but 90% of the time they are cheep for a reason. You also asked about age and a lot of people believe that older horses are safer than younger horses. If you forget everything else rember this, age does not make a horse expierence does. Their is plenty of 3 year olds that are just as safe as 10 year olds. Just like a car try them before you buy them.

[Jeramie]

Kaleb you are right about trotters and gated horses. If you're riding a very fast pace a gated horse rides great. My granddad use to ride Tennessee walkers. For the most part, especially for for a novice rider they can be pricey.

Cheap horse doesn't mean bad horse. I have a 14-year old roan mare that was broke at a riding academy. Before I bought her she had been all over the mountains of Colorado, in NM, and pretty much everywhere else in the Midwest. She carried a very elite woman for a few years before I bought her. The woman wanted $4500 for the horse. I told her I couldn't afford it. After about two weeks of her calls she finally dropped to $2000 because she wanted the horse to go to a good home.

Horses are so far down right now I will be lucky to get $700 out of her, literally. My brother sold two recently. One was a 5-year old that was well broke and a 2-year old. He literally brought home $300 and change. Horses aren't always cheap because of their ability and demure. Sometimes they are considered a luxury.

As far as age, I differ very much in opinions with you when it comes to a Novice picking out a horse. Id be willing to bet you and I both could pick out a good 4-year old to ride and handle then when they get spirited. However, if you're a novice a young horse isn't necessarily the way to go. If you were going on a ride on a Harley would you jump behind a 21 year old who has had their license for a couple of years or a guy in his 50's? Its all pertaining to experience, not necessarily the attitude. Granted you can find very level headed horses in all age ranges but the scale tips toward the older horses when it comes to experience and level head IMHO.

I have NEVER been bucked off of an older horse but I guarantee you ive hit the ground a few times from horses 5 and younger. The more time a horse has under saddle the better they will perform. In my life I have had countless horses. To this day I can name several I would put my two year old on and stand back. All were "Older" Horses.

[AdvantageTimberLou]

My wife is into horses. She has one boarded out at a place that has indoor riding and the other is at her mom's house. In our area you need a minimum of 5 acres to keep horses on your property.

She showed horses while growing up and has tons of trophies and plaques to show for it. I never knew she was that good till her dad asked me where I wanted the boxes? What boxes I said. The ones out in his pole barn that had his daughter's trophies in. Seeing we got married I got those too!

She rides english and western and has had paints and arabs. I am not up on the lingo of horses at all but she has fun with them.

[wtnhunt]

As far as age, I differ very much in opinions with you when it comes to a Novice picking out a horse. Id be willing to bet you and I both could pick out a good 4-year old to ride and handle then when they get spirited. However, if you're a novice a young horse isn't necessarily the way to go.

Got to agree with Jeramie here. A good young horse can be found, they are out there, but it is more unlikely that you will find a good well mannered 4 year old than it is that you will find a good well mannered horse older than 10. Personally I like a horse to have a little spirit to it, however a new rider, would really be better off to get a horse that is more likely more laid back. Most often in horses that are broke and worked with fairly regularly, they do mellow some with age. The prime of a horses riding time for a novice in my opinion would really start after the horse is 10, they know more and are in general usually more willing to work with the rider. A new rider does not need a horse that is going to constantly try them, and younger horses are more often more likely to be that way than a little older horse.

[Jeramie]

Got to agree with Jeramie here. A good young horse can be found, they are out there, but it is more unlikely that you will find a good well mannered 4 year old than it is that you will find a good well mannered horse older than 10. Personally I like a horse to have a little spirit to it, however a new rider, would really be better off to get a horse that is more likely more laid back. Most often in horses that are broke and worked with fairly regularly, they do mellow some with age. The prime of a horses riding time for a novice in my opinion would really start after the horse is 10, they know more and are in general usually more willing to work with the rider. A new rider does not need a horse that is going to constantly try them, and younger horses are more often more likely to be that way than a little older horse.

On the nose William!

[Guest kaleb]

I do understand a horse gets better with age. I guess what I was trying to say is don't overlook a young horse because of its age. I promise I would never recomend a new rider to get on a horse that was not well broke. Back in the spring a friend from church wanted go riding with us. He wanted to bring his daughter and see how she liked it. He had not rode in many years and his daughter had never riden. He rode my brothers 5 year old fox trotter and she rode the calmest horse we have my 3 year old stud. We had a great ride and she wanted to get a horse. I found a couple of horses that I knew was broke well 1,000 each. They went rode some 500 dollar horses that one was 7 and the other 9. She got bucked off and does not want a horse anymore. I just don't want someone to think a horse is calm because it has some age on it, and I know none of you do either. Not trying to be difficult or argue about this just trying to help a little.

[wtnhunt]

I guess what I was trying to say is don't overlook a young horse because of its age.

Yep, this is true too, there are good horses out there that are young, and some that are exceptional and very willing to learn and work with the rider. Just like people animals have different moods, abilities, and tempraments, the key is being able to read them or at least try to read them. There are horses out there that are people lovers and are friendly as could be, then there are those out there that could care less about interaction with people, and will run you in circles when it is time for them to be caught and have interaction.

Harv, there is a trainer named Clinton Anderson, the man has videos out and has airtime on the rfd channel occasionally. My wife has watched a ton of his videos, and he gives some great tips for anyone who listens.

Still think if you could find someone you know and trust who knows about horses to go with you to look the first few times, that would be in your best interest.

Jeramie gave a lot of good pointers too.

[HarvDog]

Wow! This is great information. I realize I have SO much more to learn but this has been a fabulous start. Thanks for taking the time to share and feel free to continue.

[Jeramie]

Dont be overwhelmed by it. Once you pick out the horse its just like a new dog. Learn its traits and you will have a great friend for many years. They are not a hard animal to take care of.

[HarvDog]

Dont be overwhelmed by it. Once you pick out the horse its just like a new dog. Learn its traits and you will have a great friend for many years. They are not a hard animal to take care of.

Good to know. Thanks again bud.

[texastrophies]

Wow! This is great information. I realize I have SO much more to learn but this has been a fabulous start. Thanks for taking the time to share and feel free to continue.

I have to agree!!! I have been thinking about getting a couple of horses for a while now and have learned quite a bit in this thread. Keep it up!!!!!!!!!

Jeramie, you want to pick out a couple of good cheap horses for me???????:D:D

[Jeramie]

I have to agree!!! I have been thinking about getting a couple of horses for a while now and have learned quite a bit in this thread. Keep it up!!!!!!!!!

Jeramie, you want to pick out a couple of good cheap horses for me???????:D:D

tell me when and where and ill see what I can do....

[HarvDog]

tell me when and where and ill see what I can do....

You're a bit to far away for me.