what age should i purchase a horse? during which stage of it's life? foal, yearling, colt/filly, mare/stallion/gelding...or does it depend on the purpose?


Thanx
SaddleOnline Inc.

It would depend on your experience level.

I agree with Cheryl
I have a yearling (well will be in two months) & it's HARD work
I get up at seven everyday to go out & do morning training with him for basic stuff like: putting on the halter,leading around,maybe some free lunging,do some parelli games
So unless your super committed to getting up & working your butt off I wouldnt get a yearling or anything younger.
Many people make the mistake thinking it'll be a great thing to get a foal & raise it but most of the time people who aren't experienced end up getting mad & upset easly at the foal when in truth the foal isnt really doing anything wrong
So I agree with Cheryl, it depends on experience

Lets see,

I have had them all over the years and my favorite age is about late teens and on. By this time they are good and seasoned and most don't balk at much. Babies are a lot of work and you can't ride them for at least 2 years. It is a 7 day a week at least 30 minutes a day or more type work. Then there is that saddle breaking age which when you get older is not fun. Hurts when you fall. My current riding horse is almost 30 years old and he is a gem, but he has grumpy man syndrome, some days hard to catch and others he just goes out and lays down and prentends he is sick (smart horse). But for first time owners and older horse who knows the ropes is best, The type that you can let sit for six months and then go out and throw a saddle on and ride, like you had been riding for the past six months. Young horses are good if you have the knowledge and experience. But those older ones they sure are patient and can teach you a lot if you listen.

I think mine is telling me he wants to retire


Good luck and hope this helps