[Accoladryn]

Hello all! I'm new to this board, and fairly new to the horse world as well. I don't have a horse right now, i'm planning for the future to have one (or more ) however. I've ridden horses off and on my whole life, but never had the money in the family for regular formal lessons. So, a few scattered lessons, a summer in mexico riding on the beach, and the various other random riding opportunities are the only experiences i have to boast of.

I'm 23, a chemical engineer who works as a software consultant currently (weird, huh?) I'm engaged to be married in December, and my fiance and I know that when we have the time, money, etc. we would really like to get some horses. (he has even less experience than me but he's so excited to learn more!)

anyway, we're not sure what breeds we'd like, i've leaned towards draft horses just because i have always had such a fondness for the "gentle giant" breeds. (my sweet love-of-my-life-puppy-boy is a great dane, Bronx, if that says anything). However, i know nick is more interested in rodeo sports and the like. So, we'll see. When i was researching Danes i started by reading everything i could get my hands on in book form, and then i found a great forum that i devoured for more information. I learned more from the forum than any of the books!!! So, i thought i'd start here for horses as well does that sound like a good idea? Would people here say that this is a good learning resource for someone new to horse-ownership, etc.? I've read tons of books growing up, all the general need-to-know information, you know. But these boards seem so good to gather information about REAL LIFE with horses. That's what can be so valuable in my opinion!

I know i'm going to have a TON of questions, will it get annoying if i ask a bunch of questions, even when they're probably stupid by veteran standpoints?

My first question would be if anyone has any advice on other resources to read up on, information on rodeo sports and good breeds for this, etc. I personally think I would be interested in some cross country racing, but since i've never actually tried it, who knows When we can afford it Nick and I are going to sign up to take some lessons together just to get started on the right track again (refresher for me, beginner for him). Until then, all advice is appreciated and any reccomendations for barns in the DFW, TX area! thanks everyone, and glad to be a part of this VERY extensive board!

adryan

[jeda_horse]

Welcome to the forum!!!! You will learn SO MUCH here People are so willing to share information and will never get sick of your questions I dont know anything about rodeo so I cant really comment on that lol. Your best bet would be to start up a new thread in General Horse chat asking the same question, more people will see it there

BTW, I used to own great danes.... beautiful dogs

[arabkid]

You are a very smart and responsible person for taking the time to learn more about horses, and asking questions before you buy!

You will like this forum i'm sure, everyone here loves to talk about horses... good luck with your search!

[Slowrider]

Hey Adryan, Welcome to the forum. Wow, that's quite a biography. I wouldn't worry much about how much horse experience you have here. We all come from very different backgrounds but everyone is always willing to help with what they know. Look forward to hearing more about you in the future. Congrats. on the engag. and you'll have to keep us posted with the wedding plans.

[Varisha]

Welcome to the forum fellow Dane owner

I have not been here long but have enjoyed the great people here. I'm not into the rodeo side of things. Heck I don't compete in anything so I can't help you much, in that area.

I know your going to like it here.

[Lindsayanne]

Careful! I started casually looking for a horse never really thinking I'd take the plunge and ended owning up a horse not three weeks later!

You sound a lot like me, actually. I'm 23 and bought my first horse in May- my first big purchase after getting out of college and getting established in life. I knew nothing. Had begged and borrowed rides as a kid but allergies and a relatively poor family kept me from riding seriously. I'm making up for all that now. My horse and I have been in serious lessons/training since I got him. I've loving every minute.

There are two BIG pieces of advice I can give you, having been in your shoes not 6 months ago:

#1. Don't be a cheapskate when it comes to horse shopping. It's truly one of those things where you get what you pay for. A $500 horse will cost more in medical bills (for you being injured by it OR the horse being unhealthy) than a safe, sane $3,000 horse.

#2 Get help! The biggest thing about going into horse ownership blind is to really have a good support system. You can't learn what you need to know from books or even a forum full of professionals. Even if you have land, you should board for a few months with a professional. I can't tell you how thankful I've been to have someone around when I ask "what's that?" "is that normal?" "is this scrape serious?" a million times a day.

You wouldn't take up guitar, a foreign language, or even rock climbing without instruction- and horseback riding MUCH more dangerous than any of those hobbies. You'll absolutely have a more positive experience if you buy a safe, well trained horse and take riding lessons on it. My horse was kid broke when I bought him, but I know if I hadn't had lessons I would have been in trouble by now. Horses depend on you to know what you're doing, if you don't, they figure out they're the boss really quickly!


Regarding breed. The vast majority of rodeo/games horses are Quarter Horses or a similar stock breed (Appaloosas or Paint Horses) They're around everywhere and generally pretty inexpensive and mostly pretty levelheaded. They're also kind of plain, in my little opinion, having another breed involved in rodeo might be unusual, but FUN. I have a very distinct rare breed and it's SO much fun to take my horse places. He's not just another horse, he's the horse everyone stares at, wants to pet, and ask questions about. Depending on your personality, it's really fun to have a rare breed, I recommend not limiting your search to the accepted rodeo mounts.

[luckysable]

hey adryan! koodos to you for wanting to be more informed beforehand.I'm the same way, when I get a new animal I that don't know that much about, I read everything I can about it.I'm a firm believer that knowledge is power especially concernig animals, because it's out responsibilty to take care of them.yea the people here are only too happy to help and pleasant to boot.most other forums can be rude and snotty,but I've never encountered that here. Congrats on your upcoming wedding.

[freedom32]

Hiya and welcome!! I'm sure you'll find lots of information here to help you with your research, and I'm glad you're looking before you leap into horse ownership!! Best of Luck

[3WishesDun]

Hello and welcome to the forum. You will find a wealth of information and many wonderful, helpful people here. Quarter Horses and Appendix Quarter Horses (1/2 TB x 1/2 QH)are very popular rodeo mounts...that said...many different breeds could also perform well. Best wishes on your journey into horse ownership and your upcoming wedding.

[reinerdude22]

howdy and welcome adryan