Cappuccino said:
It's not safe/cute being young, inexperienced and getting a "small problem horse" that will become a big problem horse.

I'd recommend finding a trainer in your area/leasing a horse/buying an older well "broke"/schooled etc horse.

Shadow Estates said:
We sold them both as the colt went nuts.

Mediterranean said:
I got my first real horse at 15, she was a spooky 5 year old warmblood and quite tricky. Probably not the best horse for a lanky 15 year old girl but then again, I had been riding since I could walk and had experienced trainers and adults to guide me. And also experience with young ponies, even though it's a different ball game than to horses, it still prepared me.

Honestly, inexperienced or problem horses + inexperienced rider = usually a recipe for disaster.

My advice; any sound horse can walk, trot and canter, so get an older, more experienced one. As it's western you're doing, look for something with a good temperment, you don't need anything flashy or talented. Doesn't have to be pretty either. Just get something that knows it's job inside and out. Schoolmasters aren't hard to find and should be reasonably priced if basic stuff is all you want to do.

Get something that is safe.