Equestrian Goods

I have a fear of riding a horse, which does not appear totally uncommon. However, I am still willing to get on the horse - I just wanted to know if it will affect the way that the horse behaves when I am on him.

The horse is aware of your fear. However, if you tell the stables that you are afraid, they will put you on a horse who isn't bothered by your fear. My uncle has a hair that is as calm as calm can be. You could set fireworks off her back and she'd just calmly turn around and look at you like "Come on, was that really necessary?" Most stables won't put new (or scared) riders on a young horse. They'll probably put you on an older, slower, calmer horse who couldn't care less if you decide to tap dance in the saddle.

Don't worry. They're big, but gentle. Also, it's not that far to the ground. It seems like it is, but I've fallen off some pretty big horses and I was unharmed (except for my pride).

I have always wanted a horse. I love riding them when I can. Right now I don't have the means to get one, but I'd like to save some money so someday down the road I can make this a reality for myself.

How much does an average horse cost, and how much does it usually cost to take care of them? I won't get one until I have some land and a place to keep it, in case that makes a difference in how much it costs.

Any information would be great, thanks!
I'm really looking for some information about how much it would cost on a monthly or yearly basis to care for the horse.

thousands of dollars a year for food and housing

I want to get a good dressage horse, and I am thinking of a German Warmblood, like a Hanoverian. Anybody have some other good breeds for upper-level dressage?

Well, I've never seen many Halflingers doing dressage, and no Paso Finos or Walkers in the upper levels. Your right in thinking along the lines of German Warmbloods. Hanoverians are classic and widely seen in the upper levels, as are Danish and Dutch Warmbloods, Holsteiners, Westphalians, Oldenburgs, and Trakehners. You may want to also look at some of the Spanish bred horses, like Andalusians. Lippizans are also classically bred/trained for dressage, but can be hard to come by. The French Selle Francais can also be quite skilled in dressage. Ultimately, though, the individual horse's talent matters more than breed.

I'm going on holiday there in August and as I've done English riding here I want to try Western! Any ideas of good places to go?

Try going to an area outside of Vancouver, like Abbotsford or Langley. There are riding arenas all over, you just need to ask beforehand whether they do English or Western. Right in the city there won't be much though.

So I don't have a fenced-in area or room for a fenced-in area at my house, so I ride down dirt roads near my house. There is a small farm near my house that has two horses in the front pasture. My horse can usually go by one way without calling them out or stopping, but on the way back, she calls to them then goes up to the fence and won't turn around to go home. When I ask her to move she usually picks up her front legs and pivots around on her hindquarters. It takes a long time to get her to do what I want her to do and it gets really frustrating.

Is it possible that these other horses are geldings or stallions? You might be breaking up a potential love match, or at least in her eyes! Horses are social animals and if you don't have another one at home for her to buddy up with, she is going to of course jump at the chance for some socialization. It's one of the many reasons why you will see a solitary horse turned out with a donkey or mule of some stature, gives them a buddy. If that doesn't work but you are willing to have another equine mouth to feed, look into a rescue organization that may have an elderly or unsound horse that would be a great pasture buddy for your girl. Usually the pasture sound only horses are free or have a very small donation attached to them.

If that isn't an option, take her past there as much as possible and perhaps even ask this neighbor if it would be possible to hand graze her near the fence so she will feel like proper introductions have been made and it won't be a new and foreign thing when you go past anymore.

I need to get a birthday gift for my horse riding instructor (mostly dressage but also jumping) and the barn owner who is an alternative vet. They have everything!!! Their birthday's are on tuesday! HELP!! (we have a tackshop nearby)

Maybe a dry erase board…[they're not expensive, and they are pretty much weatherproof.]

A great place to leave messages for people or a place to write down things you don't want to forget…while you're at the barn. That way, you don't have to carry around a pen/pencil and paper…or just plain forget something.

Just a thought…

Hi!
I'm interested in buying a horse but i no nothing about them. I think i want to buy a gelding but i dont know how to take care of one and what ill need. I hav no clue about the sadle types and vetrinaary expences we own a 4 acer property where ill board it . If any one knows anything about horses pls pls help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a horse could be equated to the saying about boats being a money hole in the water. you have to really be committed, esp at the beginning, when your start up costs will be astronomical. to get a good idea of this, go into a tack store and look at just the basic supplies you will need.

also if you have no experience with horses, you should definitely start working with an experienced instructor on a school horse first. you can also learn more from them or by helping at the stable about grooming and other care to see if you're really up for it.

if you decide you really want a horse, and can maintain it, look into a share or a lease at a local stable. you can then continue lessons with your horse, with experienced people nearby to help you.

i love my horse and hope you find it works for you! but it is a huge decision and one to be made very carefully.

good luck!

My horse is a 48 in my saddle, but i just got a dressage saddle and I want to buy the right girth. What size dressage girth should i get if my horse is a 48?

My mare takes a 48" girth for my close contact - and I believe a 26" for her dressage saddle. Try a 24" or a 26" - it needs to be a bit bigger if it has fleece, but if you are using a synthetic, it can be a bit smaller.

I'm writing a book and a couple of scenes involves someone taking a cross-country horseback riding trip (something that lasts 2 months or longer). I know there are people who do it, but I don't know anyone personally who does. Does anyone have any info about it or can you recommend a source of information for info on it? I need info about what one typically packs, how do they feed their horse, lots of particulars!

Thanks!

talk to a horse riding ranch

I took riding lessons for about 4 a years a couple of years back and thoroughly miss being around horses and riding. I am looking for a place in Ottawa, hopefully west, that offers Western riding lessons or horse leasing. I cannot and do not want to ride English.
A barn that would just like someone to come in and groom their horses would be fine as well, as I really miss just being around equines.
Thanks!

The Ottawa valley has a number of horse places. Some are just pony rides, and by the names I can't tell who does what, but you'll have better luck, I'm sure. There's the Pinto Valley Ranch http://www.pintovalley.com/ and a more complete directory at http://www.ottawaweb.com/ottawaweb.cfm?category=Equestrian