Hello, I am a younger age somewhere between 12 yr and 18 yr. (not putting excact age) I wan't a horse and I have wanted one since I was about 4 yr.

I have 2 cats already and 1 very energetic dog, and I take care of them but I still wan't a horse. I live somewhere in Oregon. (not stating excact location) I have been riding for over 2 years, and I am very much willing to do whatever it takes to get a horse. I have been studying horse books since I was, well since I could read, I am a great reader and I have learned many of my horse skills from books. I also have found websites that sell horses, and I have done all I can to make sure none are a scam. I have watched many horse shows. (not like that counts for anything) I am stubborn. (lol)

I am willing to learn, more about horses.

So I need everybody's advice, should I have a horse?

What are the best horse books?

What are the best horse websites?

i think that u should either get a horse and take lessons with it or take lessons for a while then get a horse or try leasing one for a starter. Ive been riding for about 6 or more years now and thats just for lessons im fully capable of getting a horse but i decided to lease one just so i know how it feels. AND get some more hands on experience, books cant do anything when it comes to riding maybe a little but just start taking lessons and focus on that first not getting a horse

I have owned horses for about 4 years now, and I am no expert. But, I will say that a huge piece of advice is, pick a horse for its' temperament and personality. For a beginner, make sure that you can test ride at the owners, and have the vet check it out. My family and I made that mistake with a horse and ended up $4,000 USD in debt with a horse we couldn't even ride because she had been drugged. You also have to make sure you have a suitable place for a horse. (Both a pasture/round pen and a stall if you want to stable them at your home, or if you're going to board at a stable.)

Hi Happy, horse ownership is fantastic, but comes with lots of considerations that you need to think about. How will you pay for each bill the horse has, what will it need, where will it live, who will look after it? How does it fit in with your school studies, what happens when you go on holiday, in an emergency etc. Try to write down all the things it will need and how you will provide for it. You need to have a solid answer for each question so there are no surprises when it arrives.

The best way to gain experience would be to help at a local riding centre and think about a saturday job where they will train you. When you are competant in all basic aspects of horse care, look for a part loan on an older, experienced horse with lots of help around you from experienced owners.

Reading books and websites is great, but nothing compares with experience, so seek this wherever you can.

Good luck, it will happen when the time is right and it will be very exciting :)

Ahem, thank you all for the advice.

Just to clarify, I have been taking lessons for 2+ yrs just so you know.

(i have been taking lessons for almost excaclty 6 yrs)

Also I think I wanna be a Jumper, i'm still choosing though. <3

I also am 16+ yrs, my cat was on my bed with me when I was typing this and decided to step all over my keyboard.

Anyway, thx this advice means a lot to me.

There is no should I have a horse and no amount of books can prepare you for owning a horse. No horse seller is a completly honest. Your horse can hurt it's self at anytime and you need to be 100 percent willing to fork out possibly 1000's of dollars to make them healthy. If you do not have the funds to possibly pay vet bills then wait. You also have to know the risks of keeping your horse outside all of the time. If you want to stall your horse part time know that that will make a more energetic horse. You should also know the risks of stalling and sometimes the mental problems that can happen if your horse is not let out enough. You have to know the signs of a drugged horse if you are buying. If you are buying and the person says that they can put there head between the horses legs say "show me". Everything with buying a horse is the owner proving the horse is what they say. Test ride the horse. Don't be buying the first horse you see if you dont feel like it is right. Get a well broke horse that has had experiance. The more experiance the more confident the horse is in its self and the easier the ride is. Don't be crazy about the horses color. A horse that is striking to look at a seller can fudge a bit more about capibility just because people are drawn to it. A drugged horses bottom lip with be loose, there ears will be floppy, their eyes may look cloudy and they wont be as alert. If it is your first horse look for something that is a bit mellower in temperment but will not give you any sass if you want to go for a bit of a run. If you can not get a horse try getting a job at a stable and see if they will do an exchange for lessons. When your parents are comfortable they can ask your trainer for help finding a horse for you. Your trainer will help give you an extra set of eye and horse knowloge to help you find a good fit for you and as alway have fun.

Tack is expensive so try and find stuff used especially your saddle. Amazon is not a good place to buy saddles. I have one from a freind and it is not comfortable.

Some advice from your freindly Cowgirl. Feel free to message me if you have questions. <3