Planning a life with horses - am I crazy?

[city girl]

Hi everyone,
I'm normally a backyard chicken poster, but I'm wandering over here to get some advice.

I live in Brooklyn, NY, with my husband and two kids (and 2 cats and 1 dog and 5 chickens, in a 1000 square foot house). We are planning on moving out of the city next year, up to a rural area a few hours above NYC.

We have a lot of reasons for going, but one big reason is that we would like to have more animals, more garden, more space.

A major reason for ME, is I want horses.

This is certifiably crazy, because I haven't ridden since I was a kid, and even then my family didn't have a lot of money and I never got a lot of lessons. But i was one of those kids who was so obsessed with horses from the earliest I can remember, until I was about 14 and basically gave up. The obsession got buried for a while, but it never went away and now, age 40, it is raging.

I know that having a horse is a huge amount of work, and expensive, and just completely impractical. But i can't stop thinking about it. And my dh, while more cautious about the idea than I am, is excited too and will be in there with me.


I would love to hear from some of you what you love about having horses, what you hate, just any advice you can give me to prepare me for the life we are planning. I know I probably sound like such a naive fool -- and, well, that's because I am. So lay it on me. Warnings? Advice? Encouragement? I'll take anything!

 

[Farmer Kitty]

to the herd.

I would say, go for it! Why shouldn't you? It's your dream and if you can make it come true, why not? Start small though and take the time between now and when you get your place to study and learn about horses and their care.

 

[freemotion]

I taught riding for many years, from beginners to the show ring. My biggest piece of advice is to resume those lessons! Find a barn, once you move, and take a few lessons. Check out every barn in your area, the most expensive and fancy is not always the best....but sometimes it is. Get yourself fit and get plugged into the horse world in your area.

Speaking of fit, don't forget to cross-train. Riding develops the body VERY unevenly and it leads to trouble and injury later, or in the event of a fall. If you are fit and flexible, you will enjoy riding more and prevent injury.

Many, many people come into or back into riding after 40. This is when they have time and money to support the habit! You might consider starting with a half-lease for a while. Chances are, you will learn rather quickly and outgrow the horse that is perfect for you right now. Then you will outgrow (in skill, I mean) the horse that is perfect for you in six months. Then you will outgrow.....you get the idea. Start shopping for your own horse when you have achieved intermediate skill levels. This is where you need to be to be safe with horses on your own, at your place, with no one around to help.

Intermediate skills? Depends on the discipline you choose. I would say you should be able to ride in all three gaits with no stirrups and no hands, and make all the upward and downward transitions this way smoothly, just touching the reins to signal the transition but not to steady yourself at all. That is an over simplified explanation, but you get the idea! JMHO!

Being skilled and safe is essential to having fun with horses.

 

[wynedot55]

 

[appytaz]

I love having a horse in my life! I have had horses all of my life- 1st one at 4 yrs old. Took a break during my college years and have an appy now. I have boarded and now I have him at my house on 2 acres. I enjoy the companionship of a boarding stables - but, I am still amazed at how much joy there is with him in the yard.

I do agree that finding someone to work with you is definately needed. I still take lessons - from the same instructor for 24 yrs now! Once you get a relationship with someone it is a great benefit!

I say go for it! Look for an older - "been there - done that" horse - they are worth their weight in gold!

 

[Countrymom]

Have to echo a lot of what has already been said. Get some lessons and get in with a local trainer. Also when the time comes for a horse to purchase, look for the been there done that even is it costs you more.

I would even go as far as seeing if you could find a part time job at a local stables/training facility. You would be amazed at how much you learn being in the envirnoment. Also if you get the chance to do more than be a groom or stall help, riding different horses will improve your riding skills ten fold anyday.

Good luck, and save up as it isn't a cheap obsession! LOL

 

[Countrymom]

Almost forgot!!

 

[Bronco Hollow]

Ditto to whats been said. Look also for local riding clubs, you can meet a lot of like minded folks and learn from their experiences too. A nice well broke older horse would be perfect for you to start out on. There is nothing like having a horse in your life!

 

[currycomb]

please don't let yourself be talked into a "cute" young horse. until you develope the ability to teach it the right things, it will learn the wrong things quickly, and pretty soon you have a large problem. go for the best broke horse you can find, for what you want to do. want to trail ride, then do not buy an arena horse, unless it has many miles of trail riding on it. get the size horse you are comfortable with. if you have to find a rock or log to get on your horse all the time, not much fun. find someone who can mentor you, not necessarily a trainer. talk to your local veterinarians, you will need to find one that does horses anyway. and then you have us!!!!!

 

[city girl]

Thank you so much to all of you for your amazing advice and encouraging words. More than anyone else you all probably know what a foolhardy mission I am seeking, so I really appreciate your kind words -- in spite of my ignorance!!

I was already thinking it would be a horse in his/her teens, but I think freemotion's advice to lease at first is a really good idea. And I was definitely thinking I would find a stable or instructor to help us out.

I just made an appointment today for lessons.

I have been lurking here for a while, and I really enjoy reading all of your posts, seeing pics of all your gorgeous horses, and hearing all the love you have for them. I think you all are so incredibly lucky, and I hear your appreciation in your posts.

I will keep you all posted! Hopefully in about a year and a half I'll be asking for some really specific advice...