Hang on, these suggestions really depend on the horse. Some horses hate hackamores, some hate bits. Some only like certain bits, go with what the horse is comfortable with. Sometimes, saddle pads make the saddle slip. We had this proboem for ages and so we can only really use one. It all depends on the horse really

oak

hmm. good point. i think it will depend on the horse, like you said. its a lot to think about

It may be a task of trial and error. With Roley, my pony, he had a bad experience with bits which set us back a long time. He has a very sensitive mouth as it was cut due to ignorance by someone who was "getting him used to the bit" he'd never worn one before and they shoved it in his mouth and lunged him with it for half an hour. It's taken us a while but we trained him in a hackamores which he loves, it was a rope halter with reins attached. He hates happy mouth bits and any straight bar things, it took a while but we now have him in an egg butt snaffle and he reaches out for it, he loves it lol. But yes, everything depends on the horse

Oak

Yes, I'm just covering the basic horse. Also I am just saying on what I have exsperiance but not the problems I have had. For saddles it really does matter but I was just covering the basic horse and a good website that you can find anything on.

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@oak and Lucky

For bridles, a horse may not like a bit because of the horse's teeth too. Another thing, Horses do need to go see a horse dentis (or whatever they are called) every year or so. It depends if the horse had fast growing teeth or not. My horse only has to go everyother year and thats just because that is her but so other horses needs to go 3 times a year but thats sometimes just for being picky ranch and show people (not saying everyone does that) NOT SAYING YOU HAVE TOO, just saying it might be another exspece to think about.

Aww thanks for tips everybody! This helps a lot! I prefer hackmores because I have a thing against bits. But I shouldn't let my personal opinion impact a horse negatively, so I'll do the trial and error like oak said.

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Hls

Lol thanks for reminding me about dentist visits! My dog dosent have any teeth problems, and he just knaws on an elk antler and that cleans his teeth. That's definitely something for me to keep in mind for expenses!

Also, if you do get a horse. Have a look at what health plans your vets have to offer. Our local vet does routine worm counts and dentistry, which we don't have to pay up front as we pay a certain amount of money for it per month. So its more convenient and sort if works out a bit cheaper for us

Yes, and sometimes you might have to go to seprate vets because it is cheeper or the one vet doesn't do a good enough job but if all posible stay with one vet because then they have all the past papor work and what they have gave shots to and what not, so then they don't get double dosing of something

hmm. even more to think about lol! this is still the drawing board for the finished product, so i really appreciate the constructive criticism!

Please find a trainer to work with you and your horse, somebody you trust and has had successful turnout with other horse and rider pairings in the past. Going in without a guide can result in a dangerous or painful horse. It's better to have somebody you trust showing you the ropes in person. Internet advice can be handy but it can only get you so far.

Very true. I have somebody in mind already, who owns like 500 horses. (She owns a non profit rescue where I work, and has had at least 20 years of horse experience)