anyone with horses?

I work with horses and will be doing my externship at the local vetts office. Before that I had never worked or messed with horses. I am a city kid that has gotten stuck in the middle of the country lol. So a lot of it is new to me. I have learned a lot about horses and cows at the vets office but none of the basic care. A couple weeks ago I joked that I would stay in Idaho if i could have a horse. A gypsy vanner to be exact. I fell in love with breed working for them and want one. I just know if I move back to Indiana ill never get one. Anyways my question is to everyone if they could direct me to some good websites on basic care and the like on horses?

Done on my phone

[hurricanekatt]

Horse grooming supply forum is one of the best horse forums IMO. I have always loved horses (growing up I was Obsessed lol), they are my favorite animal. I can't wait until the day I can finally get my horse...

[moonfall]

I have one! And coincidentally live way close to you.

I love mine. Vanners are a cool breed, although not my personal favorite. I hope you can have your dream some day but personally I suggest getting something else for a first horse since vanners are more than expensive...they go for a lot. Well bred ones anyway.

[hurricanekatt]

Here's the forum: www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse-forums/

[suzie]

I love vanners but they are not easy keepers, been looking at percheron as an alternative. If you want to drool over some gorgeous gypsy banners check out lexlin ranch in Tennessee website

[rdaniels]

Have two... draft cross and warmblood. I think the best way to learn how to work with horses is to work with them in person.

Are there any farms near you that might have a lesson program or something similar.. they might be willing to have you volunteer at the barn to learn about horsekeeping and horsemanship.

[suzie]

Or volunteer at a horse rescue

[noahsark]

I live in CT and my good friend is looking to rehome her draft horse Sally. She rides and drives and is a real doll if anyone is interested. She was bought from and trained by the Amish in PA. I know it's not close, but I will certainly pass along any interest. I know she's a $1,600+ horse. She's asking 8-1k to ensure she doesn't get bought for meat. My friend could give you more info than I can.

[nancyl]

Ermagerd. HGS makes me want to poke my eyes out with a rusty fork.

[rdaniels]

;D

Someone needed to say it....

[kpaz]

It's funny you post about horses because for the past few days I have been thinking about animals (my life is terribly interesting lol) and I realized as I passed this patch of land with miniature horses that I'm terrified of them.
They're so...large. I mean they could just kick you and you're seriously messed up. And I imagine they have really big teeth so if they did bite you....
Anyway, I've never ridden a horse (well maybe a pony as a REALLY small child) and I think I've pet one maybe twice...but the first time I was very young and the second time I was really nervous so it was more of a pat and leave.
So yes, I came to the conclusion that I have what I'm hoping is a really irrational fear of horses. Why am I scared of them?!

[Sherry]

It's actually not that uncommon kpaz I've met a number of people with a fear of horses.

[Yurei Avalon]

It is a valid fear Kpaz, they can do a lot of damage to a human. But it's rarely ever intentional. Just like any other animal, so long as you give them the respect and room they need they will generally do the same for you. They are also extremely intelligent animals.

I had one standing next to me shift and accidentally step on my toes. All I had to do was shout "owwww!" and the horse was instantly backing up with a "whoops! sorry!" look in its eye and a sad bob of the head. Luckily he didn't break anything.

I find the best thing you can do with a horse is not startle them- make some noise, try not to approach from behind suddenly. Other than the abuse cases I've seen, most of them will be quite interested in meeting you. If you have to walk behind a horse in close quarters, put a hand on their flank and slide it onto their rump as you approach so they know you are there and passing behind them so they don't forget and spook and kick you.

Then you have my friend's morgan, Willow who would charge across the field when she saw you, skid to a stop a few feet away, then proceed to swing her head and head butt you in the chest and knock you on your a** just because she thought it was funny, apparently.