Marshmallow29
old hand
Reged: 14/10/2009
Posts: 705
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I am a novice rider and I have been told about a horse for sale locally who is working medium (is this the right expresssion, sorry, I reallly am a novice  ) at home. The lady who told me about him thinks he would be good for me because he is very nice natured and not too big. I don't know whether to go and look at him or if I am being totally stupid and will end up with a horse who knows far more than I do 
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_JoJo_
old hand
Reged: 29/03/2008
Posts: 1058
Loc: Warwickshire
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Hard to say without knowing more about the horse. Is he a novice ride? I wouldnt write him off just because he's working at medium. He could be a nice schoolmaster but you hvent given us much to comment on. I prefer seeing novices on experienced horses.
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saddlesore
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 13/04/2008
Posts: 1827
Loc: Wonderland!!
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Does she mean medium level dressage? That will be expensive! Tbh I don't think it would suit you, if it has been schooled to that level it will be very sensitive and responsive to all of your aids including your weight and I doubt it would be very forgiving of any mistakes you might make. I would think an older horse that has seen it all would probably suit you better.
Happy hunting! 
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Dark horse is as dark horse does.
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Snowysadude
addict
Reged: 12/10/2009
Posts: 651
Loc: depends on uni or home
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If you are a novice you should want a horse that knows far more than you so you can learn to ride on it!! Medium dressage is a high level (goes prelim, novice, elementary and then medium etc...) but if the horse can do it then at least you can learn from it. It really depends on its temprement, how fowargoing it is and whether it would respond badly if you gave it the wrong signals or if it would put up with it whilst you are learning. You could always ring up and ask the owner honestly about whether they think it would be suitable for you given your experience. With lessons you never know you may just suit each other
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Marshmallow29
old hand
Reged: 14/10/2009
Posts: 705
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Sorry, I wasn't sure what info to give. He is a Highland and I think he is classed as a pony? He is 14.2 hh and I understand that he has a very nice temperament. He is for sale because the lady who owns him wants to progress further than his ability, if that sounds right?
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cellie
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 22/09/2007
Posts: 3689
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We have highland on our yard and she is the most forgiving little mare.I would go and have a look and see if your matched.
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horseylove
enthusiast
Reged: 05/08/2009
Posts: 377
Loc: Lancashire
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He could be great! But working at medium level, makes me think he will be very sensitive and not too happy for you to make mistakes as he will be used to medium dressage! Good look anyway, even if he isnt the right one Im sure you will find one!
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Marshmallow29
old hand
Reged: 14/10/2009
Posts: 705
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Thank you I can ask more questions when I get the lady's phone number so the more infomation I get from the forum the better please! He is expensive (or at least, I think he is, not really sure how much to pay for a horse like this?) and certainly more than I paid for my daughter's coloured cob who is a lovely horse and I have been learning on her but we really need a horse each now as I have developed a real interest.
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Marshmallow29
old hand
Reged: 14/10/2009
Posts: 705
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Snowysadude - I forgot to say thank you for explaining dressage levels to me. I thought there were only 3 levels and he was the middle one
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horseylove
enthusiast
Reged: 05/08/2009
Posts: 377
Loc: Lancashire
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How much is he? And whereabouts are you?
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Budgie
member
Reged: 07/02/2007
Posts: 164
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I had been riding only two years when I bought my mare and she was 4 and very green as was I. We have been together for over 19 years now and although the learning process has been longer I wouldn't swop her for anything. It is about you and the horse and its temperament and no-one else can make this decision for you as we and our horses are all so different. If it feels right then go for it and as long as you have good help on the ground you will be ok.
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Gleeful Imp
Reged: 28/09/2004
Posts: 219
Loc: Preston
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A Highland that is working at medium - oh lovely, absolutely lovely. 
If, as others have said, he has a forgiving temprement, he could be just the ticket. Find out more, get piccies and let us know all the info.
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Marshmallow29
old hand
Reged: 14/10/2009
Posts: 705
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I'm in the Midlands and he is 5,500 I think. I have only spoken to a friend of the lady who's selling him so far. I have my daughter's riding instructor to help me. I've been having lessons too, although I am only just starting. There are also lots of lovely helpful people at the stables where we keep my daughter's horse and I am sure they will continue to be very supportive. I have learnt a lot from them already
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Snowysadude
addict
Reged: 12/10/2009
Posts: 651
Loc: depends on uni or home
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nope lol it then goes after medium: advanced medium, advanced, PGC and grand prix (what you see on tv :P!) (i think correct me if i am wrong anyone!!).
As for saying a medium dressage horse is not forgiving that is not always the case i started in a sort of similar position to you (not a novice but incredibly nervous after breaking my back and had lots of bad habits from riding a cob before buying my new one), i bought a horse working at medium level dressage and jumping newcomers (1m 10) and he has been the most forgiving and kind gentleman i could have wished for (the one in my profile picture). He has boosted my confidence so much in the 7 weeks i have had him, so much so i am now jumping again already and have gone out and done a dressage test on him (just prelim - the first level). So this horse could be the best thing you have ever bought if it is forgiving and a schoolmaster!!
Just make sure you ask about tempremant and how sensitive it is to a riders seat and aids. If very sensitive and not forgiving it probably isnt right for a novice rider
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Marshmallow29
old hand
Reged: 14/10/2009
Posts: 705
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I don't know anything about Highlands but I have looked on the net and they look really nice. He is a dun colour with a stripe on his back I have been told. I think I would like to go and look at him at the very least.
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Marshmallow29
old hand
Reged: 14/10/2009
Posts: 705
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Thanks again snowysadude Your horse is very handsome. I love grey horses! I will ask the questions about temperament and sensitivity if I decide to go and see him after I've spoken to the lady selling him.
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saddlesore
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 13/04/2008
Posts: 1827
Loc: Wonderland!!
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Highlands are great horses, I like them! Very hardy so usually pretty cheap to keep which is good. As i said earlier though if he is working at that level I would ensure that he is happy for you to make mistakes etc and not overreact. Imo £5500 for a horse working at medium level is really cheap!
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Dark horse is as dark horse does.
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clipcloppop
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 23/03/2009
Posts: 2956
Loc: South Lincs
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he sounds lush... you'd better go see him quickly... before one of us snap him up!
p.s. i'm sure everyone's already said it... but make sure you take someone really experienced with you. good luck!
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When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: He trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it.
Founding member of the Wimpy Rider Clique... and proud!
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chestnuttymare
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/02/2006
Posts: 2100
Loc: scotland
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I don't think you will know til you actually meet him. Some highlands are very sweet and others I have met are quite bolshy. Like any other horse I suppose, but they can be quite difficult.
You really need to ride him and see how you get on. Also have someone experienced go with you. Ask for proof of what the pony has done also. I am sure you know that some people selling horses can be a bit unscrupulous. Ask about sweet Itch and laminitis. Spend time with him in his stable to find out what he is like to work around.
Sorry, not trying to rain on your parade at all, just covering the bases.
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Booboos
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 05/01/2008
Posts: 4197
Loc: Shropshire
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Go have a look! If he has the right temperament, he could be great.
One thing to look out for when you ride him is whether he does what you ask for or whether he anticipates his own thing. You may need a bit of help from the owner to get the right buttons (I always ask, so am I all in favour of asking owners for tips on the day!), but when you do he should respond with what you want to do.
I rode a PSG horse when I had only just about ridden up to elementary and he was perfect because he waited and listened. You could come across the diagonal and stay in counter canter, or you could ask for a flying change or you could to a walk transition. I thought that was the perfect definition of a good schoolmaster, not only did he put up with me but he also listened to me!
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