Would it be silly to buy this horse?

[burge]

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.

[Gleeful Imp]

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.

[Marshmallow29]

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

[Snowysadude]

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

[Marshmallow29]

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.

[Marshmallow29]

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.

[saddlesore]

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!

[Bowen4Horses]

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!

[chestnuttymare]

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.

[Booboos]

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!