Planning a life with horses - am I crazy?

[jettesunn05]

Dont know where you are located but probably not close. I have a ton of magazines I would just give to you! I mean a ton. I cant think of any book in general I will have to go look through my bookcase and see which ones have the most information. I remember one in particular but can't think of the name! The library is awesome! Your gonna have so much fun!

 

[lupinfarm]

Take lessons before you even consider buying or leasing a horse. Make sure you know what you want in a coach, do you want to ride english or western (or both!), do you want to show, or just ride for pleasure, do you want to jump, dressage, eventing, competitive trail riding, barrel racing, gaming...

Find a small, quiet, and most importantly reputable barn that offers lessons from the youngest to the oldest, make sure you coach is certified and always ask for a tour of the barn facilities, a meet and greet type of deal.

I had been riding for 10 years, sent my last horse out west to Saskatchewan, he later moved with my coach to Olds and then she had to give him up to a rescue (they foster horses out as companion animals, Pal is 28 and has severe heaves) due to a move into the city, I have been out of the saddle for 5 years and had my first lesson in 5 years on Thursday. I fell right back into it and after a few reminders from my new coach, I knew what I was doing and went from not having ridden in 5 years to a full canter by the end of the lesson.

Do your research!

Oh and buy Horse Ownership on a Small Acreage by Cherry Hill, you may not buy a small farm but the information is VERY useful regardless.