I was gonna say that too

spend a bit of time in the lunging ring and you'll get to know her personality a bit more

and it'll burn off some energy and reinforce your dominant position before riding

Hummmm sorry Lee no delete here for what I have read so far and the questions that have been asked it does make me wonder.

If I understand the horse is 9 years old only ridden once in the last 2-3 years.

What kind of history did it have before that you mention it is green so are you saying it was not ridden much prior to that for that will be a big key factor if the horse was ever broken completely.

Heck I went 6 months once without riding mine and he wanted to buck me off the first time I got back on him and had never done that prior.

You are talking about a horse that has not been ridden in years and who knows how it acted prior.

I have been around horses that were like puppies around everyone walked behind you and nudged you in the back wanting treats and real loving but put a saddle on their back no problem get in that saddle whole new ballgame....

I know you want to ride and your all excited about it and your going to do it regardless what is said here. All I can say is be very careful.

I have seen a few get hurt very seriously from horses that were totally freak accidents most made it out with a few bumps and bruises some with extended recovery and one that was left with such serious injury's he was not only left in a wheelchair but it was a head injury as well. He will never be the same his life ended and his wife and kids had to learn to live life completely different. What is so sad about that is it was due to their horses were facing each other and the bridles got tangled up the horses freaked out and reared up he fell off and hit a rock with his head I will never forget that sound.

Horses are great and in no way am I trying to discourage you just think you need to go very slowly into the actions your fixing to partake. Take all the necessary precautions have someone ride the horse that is knowledgeable when it comes to riding and breaking horses.

Sure you could be lucky and this one may be that gem your looking for and ride like they have always been ridden. But...........it only takes that one time that is not true........

The extreme end of injury...the dude who played Superman...incredibly experienced rider on his own horse that he knew well...

I know we sound a teeny bit alarmist, and apologies for that WolfEyez...

it's knowing the rewards and the joys, and wanting them for you...and not having to read of something sad or painful that happened to you, is all.

I know thanks though. I appreciate it.

I don't know spit about horses but it seems strange that someone would come on line after buying a horse and not have enough resources to buy tack and a saddle. Sounds like someone who is looking for a generous cowboy to play a fool for money.

No PacificStar,

WolfEyez has been offered the opportunity to ride someone else's horse...with no money exchanging hands..

I will be the first to admit I was about as green as could be when I started riding but................the horse I acquired was very seasoned was actually born on the ranch I purchased him from they had roped with him team pended with him ect...


I got lucky they really did not want to sell him my ex shoed their horses for them and told them he was looking for another horse one that was gentle ect the man was kind enough to sell one of his ranch horses to us.

I truly miss my horses and think it is great for all those that can afford the time and money in taking care of a horse there is not a greater reward then the feel of being one upon a horse.

Safety is the main thing and getting to know the horse you are about to ride!!

I'm really grateful to have this opportunity without even having to pay for it. the lady told me she just wants the best for her horse and wants her to have a rider. She admitted she doesn't know anything about horses, and never wanted one in the first place but ... she's come to love the horse. this woman also runs a volunteer business to help people who need food.

I really believe she's a genuine, honest woman who's just out to make people happy.

My plan is to acquire a second job, steady the rut I'm stuck in, continue saving for a car and hopefully, if everything works out according to plan ... lease the horse. It will take a while, but i am happy just be beside a horse again ... grooming her if anything.

I hear that in your posts WolfEyez...

I can hear the excitement, and the lift in you...the gratitude.

The simple joy.

Remember I said tenacity ?

That's what it is about...you have a new purpose, a new focus...it's a wonderful feeling...and self fulfilling...

I am so looking forward to reading the highs that this opportunity brings you...

It was so funny ...

When this woman was talking about the horse, I half jokingly asked "Ooohh, can i ride her?" I never expected the woman to be like "Really? do you want too?"

My next words were, "OMG, really? You would make me the happiest little girl ever!"

If it weren't for you guys, I probably would have just jumped on the horse the first time I see her ... just out of pure excitement.

But I knew there was something wrong with that idea, lol, which is one reason I made this post.

So thank you, guys for bringing down the excitement a smidge.

years ago when I was still married, my wife's cousin (a racing trainer) called us. he said he had just claimed a horse and didnt have a stall for it. But he had a horse who had had some tendonitis and he was afraid to put her on the track again and would we like to have her. she was a four year old then

when we got the horse she was still really HOT. she couldnt sit still for a minute. we had to leave her alone for a month and let all that high protein feed she was on work its way out of her system before she could be handled

when riding she only knew one speed, FAST! it was a year before we had her gentled enough to ride. it took lots of lunging and just walking her around the arena and handling and grooming and just calming her down

by the time she was 7 we started training her in dressage and jumping. the ex has her now but she was such a good horse I'm sure she is winning all sorts of awards

it just takes time and patience and love

A horse is a horse
Of course of course
And no one can talk to a horse,
Of course
That is, of course
Unless the horse
Is the famous Mister Ed!

Go right to the source
And ask the horse
He'll give you the answer that you'll endorse
He's always on a steady course
Talk to Mister Ed!

People yakkity-yak a streak
And waste your time of day
But Mister Ed will never speak
Unless he has something to say!

Oh, a horse is a horse
Of course, of course
And this one'll talk 'til his voice is hoarse
You never heard of a talking horse?

Well, listen to this:
". . . I am Mister Ed!"

I ended up having my horses for 17 years there was not a greater joy to me then out riding whether it be a trail ride and event or just out in the pasture.

My son started riding alone by the the time he was 3 years old by the time he was 7 he was actually on a Drill Team with me that my cousin & I had started. I must say joining a Drill Team was the best thing I could have done I learned more about riding from riding in a Drill Team on horseback then I could have every learned.

Through all the excitement of wanting horses to finally having my own I had a lot to learn. The main thing is never take your mind off of where you are and what you are doing. Horses are awesome to have the feel you experience when your carefree running across a pasture is the greatest feeling.

But........no matter what everyone tells you how to do things never blow it all off but don't take each person as law either use a little from here & there till you find out what works best for you.

Enjoying the reading, and will second what TxsGal said.

English saddles can be found fairly cheap at some of the bigger tack stores. A lot of them do resale on used saddles. I had one for years with Chance, though I had to put 3 pads under the saddle as the tree was not great. He put up with it, and I finally got a new one a couple of years later. I ride bareback and English only, even to round up the calves.

Bareback pads are dangerous!!! I wouldn't use one and I mostly ride bareback, so I know how to hold on. If you're going to bareback, just do it. Waste of money with those things, and the risk of broken body parts isnt worth it.

I'm not a fan of lunging, as I've seen too many tendon issues. But I know there are those who are. And its fine for getting an idea of the horse.

As for this horse, I'd strongly recommend having a riding partner along if case the horse trips out. I don't know if you'll be road riding, trail riding or sticking it out in the arena, but a buddy is a good idea.

Horses are a blast. I'm hoping to get another one in a couple of years, would like a Tennessee Walker or a draft.

No measurements needed, both saddles and bridles are adjustable.

As for the cost if you buy a used one you will save alot of money. Mine was 800.00 new back in the 70s but used you can spend 100 or so.

No! Not totally true. They're adjustable to an extent.

The saddle tree however is NOT! If the saddle isn't big enough it will pinch the spine of the horse, and that's made worse with the weight of the person on the saddle. One of the big tests on a horse that stumbles and falls a lot, or the hind legs drop out from under is checking the tree. It's too narrow.

The same can be said if the saddle is too big. There's no air gap in that tree and the saddle is again on the spine. It's not against the muscles of the horse on it's shoulders.

Girths can be adjusted. The tree cannot.

Bridles have more leverage with adjustibilty, but again, there ae certain things on certain types of bridles that can't and shouldn't be adjusted.

RED FLAG>>>>>>

Horse has not been ridden for a few years, but she is a sweetheart...

Take this horse some apples. Get to know her. Lunge or exercise her before u ever think of putting a saddle on her. You can put her out in an arena, and get the buck out of her by letting her run around. She knows about this....

Horses have different personalities.... just being friendly..... sniffing u, eating apples...then, putting a saddle on her....she might surprise u...like jump in the air....

Take some care, and the part about riding 6 years should be of some great value.
U r excited???? I am 2. Let us know how this works out.

She has access to a paddock. So its not like to she is cooped up in one spot all the time.

I'm going to go back to my old riding stable tomorrow and talk to some of the instructors. That is after my INTERVIEW! I finally got a darn interview at this vet place I've been trying to get myself into. anyway ...

I will def keep everybody updated. No one has a choice. There will just be random posts all over the place.

The best of luck with your interview and it appears you have some very good common sense that will let you determine if this horse is a good fit for you....

It does doesn't it? Funny, I usually have no common sense lol .. and thanks