Buying a horse?

Question
QUESTION: I have 3 kids 13,8 and4. The oldest two have had 2 years of english riding
lessons so far. My 8 year old wants to join 4H. We want a horse for 4H,
english wtc lessons, trail riding and family friend. We are considering buying
a 2 year old gelding that is a percheron/quarter horse cross. I guess my main
questions are: Is this horse too young for our applications or just right for
4H? This will be a big horse, at what age can he be started under saddle and
ridden? We've not owned a horse before, we'd be boarding at our lesson barn.
Are these breeds typically good with kids? Any health concerns related to
these breeds? Would we be in over our head with a young big horse?

ANSWER: Hello
Amy,

My advice:  Do Not purchase a horse fewer than 8 years old.  Make sure the horse is quiet with kids and tolerates beginners.  Make sure the horse jumps at least two feet, walks, trots and canters on command with a junior rider.  Do not get a horse more than 15.2 hands high.  I recommend a Morgan, not a Quarter horse.  Certainly not a percheron.

If you have not owned a horse before, certainly you cannot train one, especially if your kids are young.  If the 8 year old goes into 4H, then she wants to Do something, not fight with a green horse.  Get her and the others something they can enjoy and learn on. So, yes the horse is too young for you.  A young horse should not be started under saddle until 3 and then only for trail riding.  Work begins at 4.  Quarter horses are quiet but stubborn.  So are cold bloods.  I do not know about health concerns.  You would be way in over your head with a big, young horse.  Get a Morgan with some mileage and skills.

Happy riding,
Dorothy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your respsonse. We eouldn't be trining him, the kids riding
instructor would be. The owner was in 4H for 10 years and said this horse is
very sweet and would be great for 4H ( I believe she's being honest and not
just trying to make a sale). I googled percheron online and everything I read
says they have a great temperament and are good with kids. So could you
please explain why you said "certainly not a percheron?" Also, this one was a
nurse mare foal and has been hand raised with a lot of human interaction.
Also, why not a quarter horse? I know a few people at the lesson barn have
quarter horses for trail riding. Thanks again!

Answer
Hello again, Amy,

Here are my personal opinions. I have worked with children for many years.  When they want to join a group like Pony Club or 4 H, they want to do that in order to have fun with the other kids and to learn all they can.  I don't think your 8 year old would have much fun on a green horse, no matter who is training it.  A green horse is unpredictable. That I can say for a fact.  It would be many months before she could take it out with the group and feel safe and have fun.  This is my opinion based on more than 40 years of experience.  
I said certainly not a Percheron because of the size.  It is also my opinion that a child should be able to handle, lead, groom, tack up and mount her horse, and I do believe a Percheron would be too tall for that.  She would need help  for a long time.

I said Morgan instead of Quarter Horse because I have owned both and the Morgans were much easier to train and were much more versatile and eager to please.  I do know that there are exceptions to every thing like this, but will you know if you are getting an exception?

If not buying the QH/Perch cross would cause you problems at the stable, that is another issue.  You asked my advice and I have given it.  I am sorry that it was not what you wanted to hear.

Whatever decision you make, I hope you and the children enjoy and learn.

Happy riding,
Dorothy