Would it be silly to buy this horse?

[Marshmallow29]

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

[JoJo_]

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.

[saddlesore]

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!

[Snowysadude]

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

[Marshmallow29]

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?

[cellie]

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.

[aimeejay]

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!

[Marshmallow29]

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.

[Marshmallow29]

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

[aimeejay]

How much is he? And whereabouts are you?