What breed of horse is best for me?

[Ms. Research]

. But shouldn't you do that with any horse? Wouldn't any horse be a better horse if you did? Not every Arabian is suitable as a "first horse". But neither is every QH, or every Paint, or every Draft.

Totally agree! That's why I'm of the adage, watch the owner ride the horse, ride the horse yourself, work with the horse if you can before purchase, and definitely bring someone like yourself to choice a GREAT horse.

I believe ANY horse will be a Companion for life if You are a Companion for life to them. Work together and ANY relationship with ANY animal can be a joy!

 

[boykin2010]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I do really like the arabians. I have been stalking craigslist for arabians the last couple of days and there is only one in my area for sale right now. I also think it was a stallion. Definately dont want that. That brings me to another question! Which one do yall think is best suited for me? A gelding or a mare? I have heard good things about both and everyone i know who has horses has differed opinions. I know I dont want a stallion because i have heard they are * usually * aggresive kind of like a male donkey.
Since i dont know much about horses, I have got to ask some stupid questions. While i have been searching for horses the owners tell me the horse stands for farrier. What does this mean?
Also one paint mare i was looking at it said she is ridden in a hackamore. What does this mean?

 

[vkalvacev]

Best bet is a gelding, but you can never tell who matches you and is right for you as a person without spending time with the horse! Some mares can be sweet - but mares will be mares just as boys will be boys! Geldings in my opinion are the best bet for a beginner, but I wouldn't ultimately say no to a mare if she was right.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Horses need to have their hooves trimmed every 6-12 weeks (although I'm sure someone will post after me saying 6-8 weeks, I have known horses--very few--that can go 12 weeks between trims. They are also horses with unusually tough feet and in regular work). A farrier--from the Latin "ferrus" meaning "iron"--is someone who trims feet and makes shoes for horses. It makes the job A LOT easier for the farrier if a horse will stand quietly.

I personally like mares, but I actually LIKE dealing with moodiness and sensitivity. Mares TEND to be more sensitive and moody but I have known some very nice mares. Some mares get a little ornery and on edge during their heat cycles, but again, not all do. My Arab/Saddlebred gets aroused by putting a hand on her shoulder. I had a purebred Arab who was the same in heat or not in heat. Geldings tend to be more consistent as far as mood goes although some do retain stallion-like behavior inspite of the, er, surgery.

 

[mydakota]

If you are new to horses, you definitely do not want a stallion. My personal preference is for geldings, but it isn't because a good mare is somehow not totally suitable. I have had several wonderful mares. My geldings have just seemed to have a little bit "goofier" side to them that I find endearing. A properly handled stallion absolutely CAN be well behaved and mannerly, but it takes someone with the horsemanship skills for it and I have never met a newbie that qualified. Actually I know a lot of NON-newbies who don't qualify. Best to avoid them for now.

A horse that "stands for a farrier" is just a horse with proper ground manners. He will stand quietly and allow his feet to be trimmed/shod without fussing over it or fighting it. Any horse SHOULD do this, but many sadly don't. Same with standing for a vet.

A 'hackamore" is a piece of headgear, similar to a bridle, that doesn't use a bit. They can use direct pressure (bosal) or they can use leverage (mechanical hackamore). The equipment you see used on various horses will vary a great deal. Most are okay if used in the proper context, on the proper horses, by people who know how to use them. As for me personally, I would use a bosal without hesitation on a horse trained to go in one. I don't favor the mechanical hackamores, although I do think they can be used properly and humanely by someone who understands how they work. The problem with them is that people tend to think that because there is no bit, they are automatically softer on the horse. This is not true. Myself, I prefer a good old fashioned bitted bridle.

Some of your questions are very basic. That is entirely okay--we all start somewhere. I just think it might benefit you to find a way to get exposure to and training in the handling of horses before you actually set out to buy one. You need some context for the answers you are getting and the only way to get that is with exposure to horses IRL. Maybe take some lessons? Or volunteer at a rescue? Horsemanship is complex. It is both art and science. It is a lifelong journey, and you never stop learning. And it can be dangerous--both for you and the horse. And for every one of the "glamour" hours you spend in the saddle, there are many multiple hours spent cleaning and mucking and hosing and oiling and wrapping and training and sweating. Best to have some exposure to that before you jump in with both feet.

On another forum I frequent we were discussing the different types of people who have horses. Someone said something to the effect that "Either you are a Horseman, or you're just another rider". HUGE difference. I really liked how she put that.

 

[mydakota]

Another point that bears making on this whole "sensitivity" thing. "Sensitive" does NOT equal spooky, or moody, or difficult. Sensitive is a double edged sword. The sensitive horse often does NOT make a good beginners horse--not because there is anything wrong with the horse, but because such a horse finds it difficult to tune anything out. They don't really filter out what is "signal", and what is "white noise". They try to listen to and react to EVERYTHING. Experienced riders LOVE sensitive horses, because it takes so little pressure to elicit a response, and because they are totally in the moment and fully focused. A sensitive horse misses nothing. A sensitive horse will pickup on subtle cues that a duller horse will filter out. A sensitive horse is always listening, and hangs on every word. A good rider doesn't come with a lot of movement that doesn't mean something. There is not a lot of gibberish to filter. Almost all of your high level competition horses are fairly sensitive. They are easier to train for someone with skill, because their mind is so actively working on what is in front of them. The necessary pressure is light and the "aha" moments come quick.

The other side of that sword though, is that with a newer rider, there is a lot of movement that doesn't mean anything. A lot of "white noise" for a horse to filter in order to decipher what is
"cue" and what is just an inexperienced rider up there flopping around. This will make a sensitive horse go a little bonkers. ("what are you SAYING to me!! Why are you SHOUTING?!) For this person (and we all were that person to begin with) a horse with less sensitivity and more "filter" is better. A horse that is more laid back. A horse that is less reactive. It is not a matter of which horse is better. Each is better in different situations, and with different riders.

Your trick is to find the horse that is better for YOU. Might not be the horse that is better for ME. Or for your neighbor/trainer/friend. It takes a little time and a little context.

 

[the funny farm6615]

if i might make a sugestion, get a donkey. now dont laugh!!! donkeys are very non spooky, and they can go for miles!!! i wouldnt trade my jimmy for anything. look them up

 

[Ms. Research]

if i might make a sugestion, get a donkey. now dont laugh!!! donkeys are very non spooky, and they can go for miles!!! i wouldnt trade my jimmy for anything. look them up

Have to agree with your suggestion. Not a bad one at all. Those who laugh don't know. Shame. Another animal looked down that is a lot smarter than they think.

 

[mydakota]

if i might make a sugestion, get a donkey. now dont laugh!!! donkeys are very non spooky, and they can go for miles!!! i wouldnt trade my jimmy for anything. look them up

Have to agree with your suggestion. Not a bad one at all. Those who laugh don't know. Shame. Another animal looked down that is a lot smarter than they think.

Not only that, but they are CUTE!!

 

[boykin2010]

I have a donkey but she isnt tame enough to ride :/
She is a little over a year so maybe with some work I could ride her