Q: I’m thinking about buying a young horse for the first time, but I’m worried I don’t have enough experience. I have had horses for over ten years but never owned a youngster. I can’t afford to buy a going horse in today’s market, so a young horse is my best option, but how do I know if I can do it?
A: Working with young horses can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it isn’t easy, and you are right to be cautious. It’s great to have a blank canvas to work with, but also a big responsibility and things can go haywire quite quickly!
It is difficult to advise on your individual situation, but if you decide to go the young horse route, we advise you to have a sound support system in place. We would, for instance, recommend having lessons with someone with experience working with young horses. Not everyone can afford weekly lessons, but having lessons as often as possible is advisable when starting the young horse journey. Ask for homework from your new coach so that you have something to focus on in the intervening period, and make sure that you are comfortable enough with them to go back and ask for help if you get stuck.
Similarly, having an experienced yard manager can be hugely beneficial when starting out with a young horse. An experienced manager will know what to expect with a young horse and put provisions in place to manage them optimally. Young horses are commonly particularly anxious when they first come to a new environment, and having some experienced in dealing with this can be a game-changer.
Another thing to consider carefully when buying a youngster is their temperament. Choosing wisely in the beginning can save a lot of heartache later. When you go to view horses, try to get a feel for their personalities. How do they behave in the stable? What is he like when ridden? If this is the first youngster you will be producing, you want to choose sensibly and get a straightforward, easy-going type.
Note
Young horses can take a while to settle in, and having a new routine and handlers is a big deal for them. It can take a few months for them to get used to their new surroundings and form a relationship with you. Be patient and give your new horse plenty of time. However, if you are still struggling to cope after a couple of months, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Ultimately, then, the choice is yours! There is nothing wrong with trying your hand at producing a young horse as long as you take the responsibility seriously (as it seems you do!) and seek help early and often.