I have to be honest, guys. I don't know anything about horses. I have a 12 year old daughter who for 4 years has been very interested in horses. She's taken riding lessons and spends a lot of time at some local stables. It's becoming more than just a hobby to her, she really loves it.

I told her that if she stuck with it, and if money wasn't too tight, maybe we could get a horse sometime. Well, I told her that 4 years ago, she stuck with it, and money isn't too tight, and now I'm on the hook for buying her a horse! I'll be lurking on these boards a little bit, because there's a lot I need to learn before making this purchase. They end up costing more than cars!

Nice to meet you all.

Welcome to the board and we are all here to help you. If she has a trainer, I would talk to her trainer that you would like to buy a horse or even yet, lease one. The trainer will know which horse will be safe and most sutiable for your daughter more then anyone else will.

well ...do i know where your going..lol...
just watch you dont get hooked yourself...lol...
twas 13 yrs ago that we bought old ranger for my daughter that was twelve at the time
we now have no more kids at home and still have three horses...
all i can say is ...have fun...i know i did...and still do

Definately ask your trainer/instructor to help you out the only other piece of advice that I will give you is get a PRE-PURCHASE EXAM done. This way you don't get the horse home and find out you got a lemon so to speak. Make sure you have a couple of horse lined up in case one or two have problems or can't pass the check. Just remember there are a lot of horses out there and you don't have to settle for the first one. Make sure your trainer and your daughter try out the horse and if you are really interested in the horse either stop by unanounced to see the horse Or see if you can take the horse for 2-3 days and try them out. Don't let a horse trader push you into buying a horse by saying he might not be there tommorrow. I have seen more people get in trouble this way. An honest person will let you either try the horse out (with a signed contract) or let you stop by a see it. Happy Horse hunting. Your daughter is hooked daddy and the horse is the cheap part.

WELL, buy her one!!!!
No really welcome to the board Knish4004. I was a horse crazy kid and my dad cot me a horse at 9 and I still have horses today and I just turned 51. Kept me out of trouble and my kids too!
Good luck and hope we can help.