r/Equestrian

Looking for a lightweight trail helmet with a dial. The more western it looks, the better. I have tried troxel- the medium was too big and the small was too small :(

Any other suggestions?

I’ve gotten to the point with riding that I’m considering buying my first horse. I know it’s a huge commitment, and I’m ready for that. My trainer and I are going to look at and put a couple rides on a really excellent horse this weekend. The seller is someone my barn owners know, and have worked with before, she turns out show horses. The one I’m considering is trained up to Second Level, and has shown previously. What are things I should be looking for when we go meet the horse and trainer? What questions should I be asking? I’ve never bought a horse before, my trainer has though. In this circumstance, I don’t know what I don’t know. Looking for help from the group so that I’m prepared for the purchase process. I’ll definitely do a PPE. Any horse I buy will be in consistent training, and have a great home with barn owners and staff on site. Thanks in advance for your help!

Edit, typo.

I decided it was time to learn from someone else. I've been riding with the same trainer since I was 17, I'm 35 now and the last 8 or so years I've been more or less on my own unless I felt I needed input. I have a new horse I bought in November of 2024 that I'm kind of stuck in a rut with, so I decided the best way to get through it was to start taking lessons again. I've been in a messy depressive state since the passing of my mother in February and my riding has been put on the back burner. I'm hoping with the addition of lessons it'll push me to get back into the saddle more, maybe I'm deluding myself but yesterday was the best I've felt in the saddle in months.

I, like so many of us often do, have fallen completely in love with one of our school horses. For context I’m an adult amateur rider and starting to consider buying my first horse. I don’t compete and don’t plan to, but would love a partner to hack around with and love on.

I feel that I’ve built a very real bond with one of the newer school horses at my barn and she’s literally my dream horse. They acquired her last summer, so it’s almost been a year. The thing is, my barn isn’t one where they sell lesson horses to families (I’ve heard that’s quite common) but I’ve never seen it happen here, and I’ve been riding here for about 7 years.

So my question is, is it inappropriate or offensive for me to reach out and express interest in purchasing her? Should I consider asking to lease her first? (leasing is also not something they do as far as I know, but I wouldn’t hesitate to ask if it’s the right move). Any other thoughts/tips? All thoughts/advice welcome, I really don’t want to offend them. Thanks in advance!

Additional/optional context: I’m so intimidated by the horse-buying process and I love the idea of buying one that I already know and love, and ride regularly. Buying a horse I’ve met once or twice, quite frankly, scares the shit out of me. I also wouldn’t be able to board a horse at my lesson barn, they don’t have boarders. Not sure if that impacts the conversation - I know sometimes they can be more willing to sell if the horse is staying in the barn.

I’m riding in my first show this weekend (B-rated) and I’m honestly super nervous because at my barn, I didn’t have any choice in which horse I got for the show, I didn’t realize that when I signed up. I’m only doing walk/trot poles, but they’re putting me on a horse with a reputation for being very lazy.

I’ve only ridden him twice, and both times I struggled a lot just to get him to pick up and maintain a trot. Normally, I am cantering small cross rails in my lessons, so I’m showing below my level, but this has honestly really shaken my confidence as a rider because I just can’t seem to get him forward. He does listen once I tap him with the crop, but still breaks after a few strides. My trainer also said she’d prefer that I not use it in the show.

Now I’m worried because I just really haven’t clicked with this horse and I think I’m going to embarrass myself and not even be able to get him trotting during the class. Does anyone have tips for getting more energy out of a horse like this and keeping him moving forward consistently? Thanks!

My new gelding today mounted a mare several times. Previously chases off a gelding on property. Emailed vet to book appt to have things checked. Currently Separated from herd in small paddock but cannot stay in paddock as hay is only available in winter.

How inhumane would it be to keep him in an adjacent cow field with no other horses.

There could be times when they could sniff noses over the fence if they’re both up at the top where the parcels meet. Cows will be gone over winter but horses would be at fence line because that’s where winter hay is.

If you are doing barn chores in hot humid weather this summer get some wool undies!!!!! I swear my crotch sweats more than my pits, and having soggy undies that, let’s face it, don’t smell very good after several hours is so miserable. Thin, soft, merino underwear don’t get soggy, and even better prevent any odors! (Yes, this is way TMI but you KNOW it isn’t just armpits that can stink when you are working in a swamp)
Some are pretty pricey but I found some that were like 5 pairs for under $50. And they wash easily and hang dry super fast.

Maybe it's just my country and culture, but hello.

I am a stablehand, I feed, water, groom, and do all the general care for horses. I have, on many occasions, ran into people both irl and online who disregard my opinions on horse care as I am "not a real equestrian."

When I tell you your horse is obviously in pain from the but your using, I will get a "mind your own damn business." As if I am not trying to do my best by the horse.

If I call attention to the fact that the farrier hasn't been in half a year, I need you to take that seriously.

You may ride your horse every day, and I respect that. However, I expect respect back for caring for 10+ horses every day. I know these animals, too.

Listen to your stablehands, I sometimes notice things before you.