| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| nikki83 |
Posted - 13 Jul 2009 : 9:22:36 PM
Hi everyone.
Im going to be looking for a horse in the next year or so.
I have considered a loan but dont like the thought of the owner taking it back at some point (i dont ever want to give it up, i get very attached  )
I am thinking at the moment about getting a youngster (4/5yrs or thereabouts) and bringing it on by myself.
Now, I dont admit to being a great rider nor do i have any idea about the cost involved in doing this so was hoping someone would be able to give me a rough idea about how much it would cost.
I can do basic schooling and groundwork and would book lessons once the horse was backed.
Would it be better to back it myself (i am calm and patient) or have it done profesionally? (no idea how much this is)
I would love to do it myself as it would be a real acheivement and personal.
My intention is to do endurance and a few local shows.
I hope that doesnt make me sound dumb 
Nikki x
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| 11 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| nikki83 |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 10:03:22 PM
Gossy - Just seen the vid, although i turned the sound off cos hubby watching tv! so i didnt get to hear your accent! hehe. I am developing a sheffield accent although weve only been here 6 years, wooops!
Great video, a nice keepsake and she is a gorgeous girl, you must be very proud.
Nikki x
ps Thanks for your reply Gerri, I shall deffo keep people updated, wont be for a year or so yet though, I wish time would hurry up sometimes!
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| Gerri |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 9:59:26 PM
Everyone has given you great advice and I second it, do it yourself the rewards are enormous and there is such a wonderful sense of acheivement and you sound like a very sensible caring person, so go for it and keep us updated on each stage with pics, you will get huge support from everyone on here too |
| gossy |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 9:50:01 PM
if you look in the tea and coffee, Khallys first hack, there is a video of my youngsters first hack, shes calm and relaxed, just ignore my awful bristolian accent and im not even from round here! |
| nikki83 |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 9:38:43 PM
Thank you all so much for your replies, you have all helped me make up my mind!
I am not too proud to ask for help either so if i run into any difficulties i wont let things get worse, il ask for help/advice.
Roll on the next year when hubby said i can start looking! (cant help looking at the mo though!)
Thanks again.
Nikki x |
| gossy |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 9:27:53 PM
I always back and breakin my own, there is nothing like the relationship and bond you form,its just not the same horse when it comes back after someone else breaking it.
Good luck you will have plenty of fun, ive just backed my 2 youngsters and they ahve been on there first hacks out, its so exciting i love it. |
| rosie |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 9:15:13 PM
Agree with what others have said - back your horse yourself.
You'll find it so rewarding.
We bought a yearling last October & possibly plan to back him next summer. Hopefully, it should go ok as hes had time to get to know us & build up that trust.
good luck.
Lisa
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| Kharidian |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 9:10:22 PM
I would say....back the youngster yourself; you sound perfectly competent/confident! I hadn't backed a youngster or really ridden an Arab before I backed Kharidian myself and he was no trouble. There's nothing quite like it!
Caryn |
| nikki83 |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 09:43:35 AM
Thank you Sue,
Very good point that I hadnt thought about.
I would consider myself to me confident, but not overly confident, although I feel this is something I need to work on. So thank you for highlighting that for me.
Nikki x |
| Sue J |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 08:55:48 AM
Hi Nicki,
There is nothing more rewarding than watching a young horse develop, both mentally and physically and gaining experience together. There is just one thing I would say about backing and bringing on a youngster. IMO whoever does this needs to be not only quite and patient but also bold and confident in order to give the young horse that feeling of security and confidence. I think the old methods of educating a youngster out hunting really had benefits because providing the jockey was bold enough the young horse soon learns to look after itself and enjoy it's work. One of the most important things is that your horse learns to go freely forward so again the rider needs to be bold, if the rider is holding back so will the young horse. If you feel you are confident enough go ahead but if not I would say that having a young horse professionaly started pays dividends in the end.
Good Luck hope you find the horse of your dreams.
Sue |
| nikki83 |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 07:01:03 AM
Thanks Nichole,
Thats great advice.
My old mare was 14 when I bought her and a 'been there done that' type. Although she did need a bit of reschooling to get her out of some bad habits!
Many thanks for ypur reply 
Nikki x |
| Nichole Waller |
Posted - 13 Jul 2009 : 10:44:09 PM
Hi Nikki,
Welcome to AL. No question is a dumb question on here. Everyone is very friendly and helpful.
IMO youngsters are the way to go. If you are a calm and patient person there is no reason why you can't back a youngster yourself.
I bought my first horse when i was 21 and he was 12 years old and a school master. We had a good few years together before i had to retire him due to arthritis. My second horse was 18 months old when i bought her. I new nothing about backing and bringing on a youngster, but i had some good friends who helped me along the way. Once she was backed and being hacked out, i enlisted the help of a good instructor and had lessons once a week for a good few years.
My third horse i bought in May this year. He is 4 years old and was un backed when i bought him. I spent a few weeks getting to know him (as Arabs are such friendly characters and really enjoy 1:1 time with you) and then we started off with a little lunging, a bit of long reining i then led him out on some hacks while i was riding my older mare, and then when he didn't appear bothered by the traffic, we lent over him and then got on him...!
I know this all sounds very easy - but it really was. He is very willing and just loves to please and has been an absolute dream to back. I've been riding him for about a month. I do have help in the form of my friend who rides my mare when we hack out so that Ozzy has company and a good steady eddie to follow past all the scary things that lurk in the bushes.....
All horses are different and some will take to backing much easier and quicker than others. Temperament is very important. I looked at some lovely flashy arab geldings before i bought Ozzy, but their temperaments weren't right for me.
Someone from AL gave me some very good advice when i bought Ozzy, they told me "Arabs are such intelligent horses, never forget their lessons and will give you oodles of fun and enjoyment. Listen to what you boy tells you, he will communicate loud and clear. Non Arab owners will probably have lots of advice but I honestly think the Arab breed is a bit of a rule unto itself and you will learn about your boy as time passes." This is very good advice and you can't go far wrong if you follow it.
Good luck with whatever you buy and please keep us all posted.
Nichole
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