New to horses

[d2flopro]

I have just purchased my first horse, and i am looking for tips, tricks and gear that would be handy on the trail. Any and all information is welcome. Thanks

[Fowl91]

Did you grow up riding horses? What's your experience? keeping it yourself or boarding somewhere?

Theres lots to know depending on what you're going to be doing with them.

My first thoughts would be to familiarize yourself with your horses feet, get them shod if you're riding a lot and get a farrier schedule going. Most horses do well with a 6 week schedule, but i have a couple horses who are easy keepers that are on an 8 week schedule.

Learn basic knots and proper horse handling if you don't already know.

Buy good tack once, and take care of it for life. Get a proper fitting saddle for you and your horse, doesn't have to be new. A good older saddle is better than a cheap new saddle.

Happy to chat with ya if you want as well. Horses are one of those things where information handed down is better than what you can read in a book. I learned a lot from some old ranch cowboys who were generous enough to teach me.

[raab]

Start in a round pen or with a long tether. Work with a flag. Get them solid on the ground then transition to the saddle.

Lastly, learn as much as you can, respect the animal, let up on the reins.

[Grizzly Adams1]

If you're smart, you bought an old, well broke plug. Green horse and green rider are not a good combination. Best advice is to make some horsy friends who can teach you the ropes. Don't know where you're at, but there are lots of clubs that do recreational trial riding, join one of them.

Grizz

[raab]

You can look into Tom Dorrance, Pat Parrelli, Buck Brannaman, Warwick Schiller, Ray Hunt for learning resources.

I also recommend picking up a copy of Charles O. Williamson's "Breaking and Training the Stock Horse".

[spoiledsaskhunter]

if you haven't got experience with horses, the best advice above is to buy an old horse that knows the ropes better than you do..........then go get someone who knows about horses to teach you. if you try learning by yourself through the mistakes you make (and YOU WILL make mistakes), its just a recipe for a big wreck.

don't take a chance on hurting yourself or your horse because you don't know what you are doing.

[roper1]

Originally Posted by raab

You can look into Tom Dorrance, Pat Parrelli, Buck Brannaman, Warwick Schiller, Ray Hunt for learning resources.

I also recommend picking up a copy of Charles O. Williamson's "Breaking and Training the Stock Horse".

Expert horsemen all!! No denying it. Their mark on the industry has it's detractors though, I've seen first-hand the wrecks involved when novices read the book, watched the video, had the wreck, then loaded ole Thunderbolt & hauled him to the vet.

We need more info, seems like the horse might actually be broke ?

I'd be thinking saddle fit, hoof care, diet, water, scabbards, tie manners, hobbling, and the like.......

[urban rednek]

Important details.

[270person]

Once you can confidently say you're a seasoned horseman you'll be able to partake of an old tradition. Its called a cowboy breakfast or in plain speak, "a pi$$ and a look around."

[Mavrick]

Lots to learn, but two things that will make you a good horsemen. Patience and repetition.

And always remember the best part of owning a horse:

If you ever get chapped lips, just lift the horses tail and give the back end a big kiss.

It won't cure them, but it will stop you from licking em.

[Big Grey Wolf]

I like the quote from Horse Whisper movie. Lady says to cowboy, "I have read where you help people with horse problems, cowboy says no I deal with horses that have people problems"

[buckman]

Not a very knowledgeable horse guy myself,but are you planning on boarding it yourself.If you are I don't think a single horse would be happy,they need company.

[Mavrick]

Originally Posted by buckman

Not a very knowledgeable horse guy myself,but are you planning on boarding it yourself.If you are I don't think a single horse would be happy,they need company.

They can be ok, but you better spend the time with them. They are a very social animal so you need to be the guy if by himself.

Be there every day, ride him away from the barn regularly so he doesn't become barn sour, and ride with people and their horses lots, and they will be ok alone at times

THEY ARE NOT A QUAD THOUGH THAT YOU PUT UP AFTER YOUR DONE!

But...ask 10 cowboys about a horse and your going to get 15 answers, so some might disagree.

[Engels]

that is a loaded question you have asked. There are so many rabbit holes that a person can go down in the horseworld.

What is your experience. If you are new to horses, I would do my best to find a knowledgeable person with solid horsemanship as a mentor. Be open and honest about your abilities and become sponge, absorb all the knowledge you possible can.

Buy the best tack you can afford. and make sure it fits your horse and yourself.

Im not sure what your experience level is, but if you are new horses take some lessons. this will help with the learning curve and will get you off on the right direction in terms of basic stuff like the proper way to handle a horse on the ground, proper way to tack up and general horse care.

Begin to understand how horses operate. Contrary to how a lot people think, they do not appreciate getting booted in the ribs to go and pulling on their face to stop them. Ride the horse with your whole body, its an enlightning experience. Feel free to PM me if you are looking for advice on specific things.

Cheers,

[Grizzly Adams1]

Originally Posted by Big Grey Wolf

I like the quote from Horse Whisper movie. Lady says to cowboy, "I have read where you help people with horse problems, cowboy says no I deal with horses that have people problems"

That is true most of the time, but the Horse Whisperer was a bit of a scam. You have to have your horses respect and sometimes that involves a little more. I know too many people who have been hurt because they though they subscribed to the only Be Nice theory. Found this the other day, by Pat Wyse, a popular trainer at one time. A lot of people would be shocked today.



Grizz

[Stinky Buffalo]

Oh, thank heavens... At first I thought this was a "What's Your Recipe" thread...

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by raab

You can look into Tom Dorrance, Pat Parrelli, Buck Brannaman, Warwick Schiller, Ray Hunt for learning resources.

I also recommend picking up a copy of Charles O. Williamson's "Breaking and Training the Stock Horse".

If you really wanna read a book(s) to learn more about horses, go the Clinton Anderson route.

Personally I'd suggest getting hooked up with someone in person that knows horses (which in itself will be a challenge, lot's that think they know that don't)and pay attention. A thread on AO isn't the best place to learn horses.

Only tip I'd give you is buy a bombproof horse (and that's gonna cost you). Take someone with you that knows horses when looking. Then head to Scott's (Irvines) and spend a couple months wages getting rigged up lol

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by buckman

Not a very knowledgeable horse guy myself,but are you planning on boarding it yourself.If you are I don't think a single horse would be happy,they need company.

Nothing drives me nuts more than seeing a horse by itself (that's my excuse for keeping the pasture full). As said, they are a social animal

[Drewski Canuck]

Unless you have endless time and money, best advice is to choose between owning a horse and killing yourself, or just saving a pile of dough.

Nothing will drive you over the edge like owning and paying for a horse.

Drewski

[sourdough doug]

I hope for the sake of the horse, that what you re saying, is that this is your time of purchasing a horse and not the FIRST experience that you have with horses...Just hope you know all that is needed to board a hayburner..

[huntinstuff]

OP

Tell us all about your horse. Then tell us a little about you.

Then we can help you.

The only tip we can really give you at this time is to walk up to your horse, look him in the eye and say " hey buddy, why the long face"

[Bigrib]

A horse alone is not good maybe get a goat to keep it company https://winkgo.com/horse-goat-unlikely-friendship/

[tri777]

Originally Posted by Bigrib

"..A horse alone is not good.."

^^ This ^^ This & ^^ This.

Speaking from exp, if you want one horse, you need 2! (at a minimum)
Having just one horse, they are not meant for such a cruel, socially isolated existence IM(unhumble)O.

[barbless]

Sure hope you have the time to spend and work with your horse. Talk to them always calm, groom them and talk to them, take em for a walk without always riding, give em an apple or carrot once in a while (optional) and as mentioned by some, more info on your none experience will help. What are your plans for what your riding times and where will your riding mostly be? Open field, back country? What is your horse used to doing and HOW OLD IS YOUR HORSE??? Give some reply to your request or they cannot help!!!

[Ackleyman]

Did you take a test drive or two before this purchase ?? feet are good etc
are you an experienced rider ?

[RandyBoBandy]

Has the OP posted since asking the question?? Asking for a friend

[Big Grey Wolf]

Enjoyed story from guy near Drayton. He grows and puts up lots of hay and sells it to horse owners. He says " In the spring I have a Big pile of $$$. In the spring horse owners have a big pile of manure"

[NCC]

It appears that the OP is a troll but incase anyone else is looking at this thread to try to learn something, check out Pat Puckett on you tube. I think he has the right blend of "don't get crippled" and "get something done".

[alder]

I was you 8 years ago. It took me many trips and a lot of mistakes but I can say with confidence you can get there. There is absolutely no feeling like riding out after a successful trip with your string in tow. Add a ram to that (which took me 7 years) and you’ll know why it was the best thing you ever decided to do.

[d2flopro]

Thank you all for the replies. I have been around horses my whole life i have just never owned one personally. I have a pasture shelter food and water ready to go. I am defiantly going to get two horses maybe more so they have a companion when i am not there. The horse i have purchased first is a bomb proof 7 year old with lots of experience on the trails i have ridden him a few times already. Feet are good and he is healthy. I have a group of a few friends who have horses and are already helping me out immensely. I have read a few books already and plan on reading all i can get my hands on so thanks for the recommendations.

What should i have on hand medical supplies?

What are the must haves on the trail?

Trailer suggestions?