| Okay, you've been dreaming about this day for | | | | For the more experienced rider, opting to bring on |
| years. Finally, you've got the green light and it's all | | | | and school a green youngster can bring great |
| systems a-go go. But how do you go about it? | | | | pleasure and reward, but if you're looking for |
| How do you know which horse is the right one | | | | something to compete on straight away, you |
| for you? You may have an image in your mind of | | | | might want to look for something that has done a |
| your dream horse - a big bay Thoroughbred, four | | | | few novice competitions. |
| white socks, pretty white star - but there are | | | | 3. What breed should I look for? |
| practicalities to think out too. | | | | In general, if you're looking for a safe, sensible |
| Here are a few things to consider when choosing | | | | ride, choose something colder in the blood. |
| your first horse... | | | | Cob-types, Welsh cross-types or Irish Draught |
| 1. Do you need a horse or a pony? | | | | crosses are usually fairly stolid and dependable. |
| Generally, children are better suited to ponies | | | | If you're looking for a competition horse, you |
| (anything under 14.2hh) and adults to horses | | | | need a Warmblood, depending on the level of |
| (anything over 14.2hh), but there are no hard and | | | | competing you plan to do. Look for horses with |
| fast rules when it comes to this. Age, weight, | | | | Dutch or Belgian Warmblood, a touch of |
| height and experience can all play a part in the | | | | Thoroughbred, or other hot-blooded breeds. |
| decision. For example, a small, lightweight adult | | | | However, don't be fooled by a horses breeding. |
| might feel more comfortable on a large pony. | | | | Each horse is an individual and just because a |
| Similarly a tall teenager might be happier on a | | | | horse is a certain breed doesn't mean he or she |
| smaller horse, especially considering how attached | | | | will perform to type. Take the time to get to |
| children can become, and how quickly they | | | | know the individual and find out if he is suitable for |
| outgrow ponies. | | | | your needs. |
| 2. Do you need a Schoolmaster or a | | | | 4. Where do I find him? |
| Youngster?The answer to this question also | | | | Don't rush into buying a horse. The search for |
| depends on your experience levels. A novice rider | | | | your perfect equine partner can be a long one, so |
| will obviously get much more enjoyment from | | | | be prepared to wait to find your right match. |
| learning with a horse that knows what he is doing, | | | | Look at adverts placed in magazines and on the |
| and a good schoolmaster can teach a novice rider | | | | internet, check notice boards at local shows, and |
| a lot in terms of gaining experience. | | | | listen to word of mouth. Be wary of dealers, but |
| However because they are worth their weight in | | | | don't rule them out all together. |
| gold, schoolmasters tend to be rather a lot more | | | | When you think you've found the right one, don't |
| pricey than a youngster. A novice rider taking on | | | | rush into anything. Try him out a few times, in |
| a novice horse can sometimes work out - if you | | | | different situations, and arrange to have him |
| get a good, honest youngster and a brave rider. | | | | vetted and blood tested. If your vet is happy, and |
| It can also lead to trouble though, with both horse | | | | you are still happy, then go for it! |
| and rider losing their confidence in each other, and | | | | Congratulations, you've found him! |
| in general and usually leads to inevitable | | | | © K. |
| heartbreak. | | | | |