Howdy Friends,
Recently a young girl who is reading my book, “It’s for the Horses” emailed me with this question; “I know it all depends on the horse and its personality, but do you have an opinion on what someone’s first horse should be?”
I assured her I do, and that opinion is a first horse should be one who has been around awhile and has a lot of experience. I think a horse around 18 or 20 years old who has “been there, done that” would be the best teacher someone could ever find.
Perhaps one in their twenties, don’t back away from a wise old boy because there’s a nick or two. The wisdom a senior horse can impart can’t be overlooked, or treasured too highly. For anyone just starting out the very best teacher, confidant and friend will be their horse.
Too often folks will be steered to a young horse for reasons that seem to make sense; you can learn together, you’ll be together for years to come, young horses are more healthy, and on and on. The problem with these seemingly sound rationales is they can set a beginner up for disappointment—or worse.
Any horse at any age can develop a nick, sickness or other health issue. A 20 year old horse has a lot of great years to go, and they will be safe, educational and precious years. Learning as a beginner with a young inexperienced horse can not only be frustrating and expensive, it can also be dangerous.
Learning from, and with, a wise old horse will be a fun life changing, course setting experience. We all fall in love with our horses, and our horses develop affection for us. Older horses tend to be thoughtful, more solidly aware and will recognize a heart offering love and support. They have years of wisdom, experience and adventures to draw on—and these experiences he can translate into learning for their new person.
Yes older horses will have baggage as well, but if we keep our hearts and minds open we can navigate our way around any difficulties. An experienced horse will guide their person through troubled waters—that knowledge and understanding which comes from having a history. And they will share their wisdom, if we listen.
I also hope folks looking for their first horse, or any horse, will have a look at rescues in their area. There are a lot of horses out there just hoping for someone to adopt and love them. And the folks at the rescues will often know a lot about the horse, and be able to offer a bit of advice.
So there you have it, I believe a beginner’s first horse should be a wise old boy who can be a teacher as well as a friend.
Gitty Up, Dutch Henry
Yes, absolutely
Howdy Jackie. Yes, older horses can be the best teachers
Thanks Jackie! First horses are so important. Important to get it right. And a positive joy when we do. For the person and the horse.
Is this print available to purchase in black and white? My mom is responsible for my first horse 56 years ago and I’ve been riding ever since. She’s been gone a long time but I’ll never forget my roots. Thanks
Happy days and years of riding! Sweet story! I don’t know about the print. Just a pic I found and thought it matched this story well.
Yes, the first horse, especially for a new rider, should be an older, steady, and forgiving horse as new riders often have issues with confidence, balance, knowledge of horse behavior, use of equipment, etc. Those older, well trained, forgiving horses will help that new person along, improve their skills, and most importantly, steadily increase their confidence. Too often we hear parents talking about getting a young horse so that their child and the horse will “grow” together. That is typically an accident waiting to happen. I have witnessed a parent pretty much forcing an older child to ride a just started young horse and that child getting bucked off, thus shattering confidence. Too often the concern of the parent is the cost of the well trained older horse, but I one thinks about it, what is the value that you place on your child. Isn’t that value of that child worth protecting by buying a more expensive, well trained horse!
Howdy Dan! Yes. You said it all. Great advice!
Gret article as always. Our youngest son chose a “challenge horse” for his first purchase at age 11 (with his own money). They were both the same age and the small pony-mustang cross had recently been gelded.
The two learned quickly how to listen to each other and soon become a regional performance team.
This early foundation allowed our son to earn a college scholarship from the NCHA and enjoy a successful career as a cutting-horse trainer.
Maybe challenge horse are good for some ~~smile
Thanks Chuck! Great outcome! Great story. First horses are best that can help us along.