Brand new and not knowing what to do.

[chasingtheclouds]

Hi. My name is Laura and I am a buckeye. I have been through 2 horses so far. I can't seem to get it right. I am a total beginner and I, at 42 finally have enough money to keep and board a horse. I went to a rescue and had a standardbred. After 7 months of working with a trainer, Bailey would not go any faster than a trot. I finally gave up and gave him back to the rescue. At least we got wonderful ground manners from him. So! I said! A thoroughbred! He will move for me! Right? And so I said! Let's get a trained thoroughbred! And I didn't know how to get him to stop from taking off with me.
And so I just got him sold. I finally found an individual with an OLDER gentler 16 year old rocky mountain tennessee walker. White. Smaller. So much less intimidating. Very sweet. I still need to get him and for my thoroughbred to be picked up but why, oh why is it so hard to find just a good broke horse? Why is it so hard to just get on a horse and walk trot and canter? I didn't need to go straight to the olympics. My daughter was terrified of the thoroughbred but let's hope for the best with the new one.
I think he is the one. So much smaller and I was not afraid at all.

Is there anything I should know about this breed as a beginner?

(this should be in the stupid questions)

Thanks.
Laura

[fimacg]

I'm not that clued up about american breeds, but have recently read an article that raved about the steadiness and willingness of the Rocky Mountain Horse.For all horses learning to ride is an art, invloving many falls, hiccups, tears and tantrums.

Chompy, my gypsy cob will not canter if he doesn't think the rider is capable, in fact if you can't do - he won't do, so he is totally safe for a novice. If you can do, he can be incredibly naughty, if he is in one of his moods.

Take it slow, get a good instructor and don't expect too much too soon.

[Becca]

I would say if you are a total beginner to have a few lessons to get your knowledge up as it is not just about the riding it's knowing the care side too. once you have found a good instructor they should have no problem helping you find your perfect match

I have a dumb question now (not that yours was dumb). What is a buckeye?

[aimee]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

I would say that the stereotype of TB's being fizzy and slightly mental is true! (Yeah, I know, some aren't, but a lot are!)
I'm sorry he didn't work out for you. Haven't any experience with Tennessee walkers myself, but he sounds very nice! Have you ridden him yet? I agree with Becca about having some lessons and also are you taking someone experienced with you to view the horses? They could spot faults that you or I might not notice!

I agree it can be hard finding a good, broke horse that will do the job but without having to spend the equivalent of a small house!! I thank my lucky stars every day that the first horse I tried was the first one I brought, and I may be slightly biased but she is still proving to be the most perfect creature ever! Finding the prefect horse can be time consuming, so just be patient and he will come soon enough!

Good luck with your new horsey!

[Blonde Donkey]

hiya
so sorry you've been having problems
i have read good things about the tennessee walking horses, might be good to see if you can get some lessons, have you thought about a quarter horse they seem to be highly regarded in america
wish you the best of luck

[wraggel]

Hi, firstly I love your choice of name 'chasingtheclouds'. When I was a litle girl many many years ago my first love of a horse was a Tennessee Walking horse that I saw in the 'Observer book of Horses and Ponies' (dont laugh).This particular little horse stood tall and proud with shiney black coat and flowing mane and tail.Thats as much as I know about the breed but I would have loved to see it move. If I was in your position thats just what I would do. Get him home and just watch him move around and let him get used to new surroundings and you. Let him know your the good thing in his life and you get to know him. Sounds like you already have a personal trainer to help you over this first stages. Dont rush, create a good solid firm foundation for you and your new horse to build a wonderfull relationship. Enjoy! Good luck and photos as soon as possible.X
P.S Yes what is a buckeye, your not American are you ?

[finefilly]

Hi, sorry youre having problems. i have heard that Rocky mountain horses are suitable for novices and are very comfortable to ride, especially for the older (not saying you are!) and for people with physical disabilites as they have a very comfortable gait! wouldnt mind one myself!

[racaille]

Hi Laura, love the sound of your gaited horse! I have always fancied one but over here in France the cost would be ...oooh....well, too much.
If you are a real beginner, I can't urge you strongly enough to get lessons. It's not just a question of not ruining your horse - although that's obviously important - but also getting the most out of the sport. The better you ride, the more fun you'll have.
Please keep in touch - it'd be really great to hear how you are getting on with your 'little white horse'. I've got a little white horse too - he's Barb x Spanish - and I love him to bits even though he can be a stroppy, stubborn beastie at times!!

[brigadier]

Wraggel
I loved that little book and the picture of the walking horse! The Knabstrup also comes to mind! did you have the one on show jumping as well?
brig

[wraggel]

Hi brig, its 14 days later and I just refound this thread, yes I probably did but nothing jumps to mind (pardon the pun). Its strange how somethings just stick in my mind and never leave and some things just float in and right out again. Gets me into bother I can tell you.X