New to horses

[d2flopro]

I have just purchased my first horse, and i am looking for tips, tricks and gear that would be handy on the trail. Any and all information is welcome. Thanks

[Fowl91]

Did you grow up riding horses? What's your experience? keeping it yourself or boarding somewhere?

Theres lots to know depending on what you're going to be doing with them.

My first thoughts would be to familiarize yourself with your horses feet, get them shod if you're riding a lot and get a farrier schedule going. Most horses do well with a 6 week schedule, but i have a couple horses who are easy keepers that are on an 8 week schedule.

Learn basic knots and proper horse handling if you don't already know.

Buy good tack once, and take care of it for life. Get a proper fitting saddle for you and your horse, doesn't have to be new. A good older saddle is better than a cheap new saddle.

Happy to chat with ya if you want as well. Horses are one of those things where information handed down is better than what you can read in a book. I learned a lot from some old ranch cowboys who were generous enough to teach me.

[raab]

Start in a round pen or with a long tether. Work with a flag. Get them solid on the ground then transition to the saddle.

Lastly, learn as much as you can, respect the animal, let up on the reins.

[Grizzly Adams1]

If you're smart, you bought an old, well broke plug. Green horse and green rider are not a good combination. Best advice is to make some horsy friends who can teach you the ropes. Don't know where you're at, but there are lots of clubs that do recreational trial riding, join one of them.

Grizz

[raab]

You can look into Tom Dorrance, Pat Parrelli, Buck Brannaman, Warwick Schiller, Ray Hunt for learning resources.

I also recommend picking up a copy of Charles O. Williamson's "Breaking and Training the Stock Horse".

[spoiledsaskhunter]

if you haven't got experience with horses, the best advice above is to buy an old horse that knows the ropes better than you do..........then go get someone who knows about horses to teach you. if you try learning by yourself through the mistakes you make (and YOU WILL make mistakes), its just a recipe for a big wreck.

don't take a chance on hurting yourself or your horse because you don't know what you are doing.

[urban rednek]

Important details.

[roper1]

Originally Posted by raab

You can look into Tom Dorrance, Pat Parrelli, Buck Brannaman, Warwick Schiller, Ray Hunt for learning resources.

I also recommend picking up a copy of Charles O. Williamson's "Breaking and Training the Stock Horse".

Expert horsemen all!! No denying it. Their mark on the industry has it's detractors though, I've seen first-hand the wrecks involved when novices read the book, watched the video, had the wreck, then loaded ole Thunderbolt & hauled him to the vet.

We need more info, seems like the horse might actually be broke ?

I'd be thinking saddle fit, hoof care, diet, water, scabbards, tie manners, hobbling, and the like.......

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by raab

You can look into Tom Dorrance, Pat Parrelli, Buck Brannaman, Warwick Schiller, Ray Hunt for learning resources.

I also recommend picking up a copy of Charles O. Williamson's "Breaking and Training the Stock Horse".

If you really wanna read a book(s) to learn more about horses, go the Clinton Anderson route.

Personally I'd suggest getting hooked up with someone in person that knows horses (which in itself will be a challenge, lot's that think they know that don't)and pay attention. A thread on AO isn't the best place to learn horses.

Only tip I'd give you is buy a bombproof horse (and that's gonna cost you). Take someone with you that knows horses when looking. Then head to Scott's (Irvines) and spend a couple months wages getting rigged up lol

[d2flopro]

Thank you all for the replies. I have been around horses my whole life i have just never owned one personally. I have a pasture shelter food and water ready to go. I am defiantly going to get two horses maybe more so they have a companion when i am not there. The horse i have purchased first is a bomb proof 7 year old with lots of experience on the trails i have ridden him a few times already. Feet are good and he is healthy. I have a group of a few friends who have horses and are already helping me out immensely. I have read a few books already and plan on reading all i can get my hands on so thanks for the recommendations.

What should i have on hand medical supplies?

What are the must haves on the trail?

Trailer suggestions?

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by d2flopro

What should i have on hand medical supplies?

What are the must haves on the trail?

Trailer suggestions?

vet wrap
betadine
poultice for hoof abscess (keep a few on hand and have duct tape around for putting it on)
bute
exenel if you find a vet that will sell you some
honey for smaller wounds
wormer

Get your PID#

[sourdough doug]

Well, I think most of us can now breathe easier now, knowing that we are not having to deal with a tenderfoot....at least i will....

Thank you d2flopro for FINALLY clearing the air...lol

[Grizzly Adams1]

Originally Posted by sourdough doug

Well, I think most of us can now breathe easier now, knowing that we are not having to deal with a tenderfoot....at least i will....

Thank you d2flopro for FINALLY clearing the air...lol

I really like the Corb Lund song, because I can identify with it, like a lot of other Horse Husbands.

https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Grizz

[Ackleyman]

Best of luck and have fun. Sounds like your organized.
If you start packing learn to throw a diamond hitch and don't shank him to a tree with a hornets nest.... don't ask , Ha

[NCC]

There are a hundred things to consider before buying a trailer. I like 8' wide by 7' high trailers but they have more wind drag and are tougher to back up as most light trucks don't have mirrors that are wide enough to see around the back of the trailer. Nose to tail, I can get 8 good sized horses with saddles in a 20' trailer.

I also like open stock trailers but the guys I travel with don't tolerate kicking, squealing, biting horses. If travelling with a horse that is going to try and cripple anything beside it, dividers are a good idea.

If you have dividers, a ramp prevents your horse's back feet from sliding under the trailer when backing out in icy conditions.

[Fowl91]

Originally Posted by d2flopro

What should i have on hand medical supplies?

What are the must haves on the trail?

Trailer suggestions?

I keep some Swat on hand and Transmission fluid for small cuts. You'll be surprised how quick a cut will scab up with transmission fluid. Also reduces scarring.

On the trail i keep a hoof pick, vet wrap and duct tape in the saddle bag. Good horsemanship and lots of time put in at home will put the confidence in the horse before you hit trail. Miles in the saddle will develop that relationship with your horse and keep you from needing those emergency items on the trail.

Horse trailers are mostly preference. I use a 3 horse bumper pull with dividers, mostly because it's what i could afford at the time. My preference would be an 18'-20' gooseneck stock trailer with tack room. The bumper pull is nice to have the room in the box for hay when going out for a week. Having the gooseneck with the weight over the rear axle is nice when driving out on icy roads in the mountains.