Want to learn about horses - have never really ridden one

Where do you live?

1) Watch Blazing Saddles
2) Go on a few trail rides. There are a bunch of places in Mississippi
3) Don't buy a horse. They are expensive and time consuming

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How much do you weigh?

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I'm not a fatty 185lb

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I'm not a fatty 185lb

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Good. A horse will not hate you... Seeing and hearing men in the 250 hondo range are not good equestrian candidates.

For the record, horses are a pain in the arse. Way too time consuming from my experience.

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So I've never ridden a horse (except when I was like 6).

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Great! Good to get it out of your system early.

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The wife and I are talking about buying some property and moving a few miles down the road in Lacombe. If this happens we will probably wind up on around 20 acres or so. S

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Sounds like a nice setup.

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I've always wanted to get a horse and this would give me that opportunity.

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Wait.... what?

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My cousins all barrel raced and showed horses and stuff so I can probably learn a lot from them.

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Go borrow their horse. I'm sure they would love help mucking stalls, taking off work for the vet and farrier, picking up feed, maintaining the fence and pastures. Make sure you leave them a hundred dollar bill or so each time you go over there to thank them and make it a realistic experience.

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Was thinking of finding a place to go horseback riding and learn the ropes a little bit, see if I even like the damn things. Any recommendations?

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Everyone likes them when someone else has to do the work and exspenses associated with them. See above to get a true picture.

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Any of yall have horses?

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Grew up with 4-6. Down to two for the first time in 25 years as of today - had one of our old mares put down by the vet. Backhoe coming this afternoon.

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recommend horse ownership?

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Hell No.

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is it a money pit like a boat?

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Horses are 100000X the headache and moneypit of any other hobby. At least my boat doesn't have to be fed and watered when I go out of town.

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Any of yall have horses? recommend horse ownership? is it a money pit like a boat?

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yes, wife and I own 11 horses and I can recommend it with a few caveats.
Define money pit! We spend a fair amount of money on our horses. Feed, hay, farrier work, etc. all add up. My wife is an equine veterinarian so I don't worry about that aspect of ownership If you intend to do anything with them (cut, rope, show), that'll cost you as well. Unlike a house pet, horses can be problematic when it comes to going on vacation. You will need some sort of shelter for them so plan on building a barn or run in shed if nothing else when they require housing.
Overall, they are no different than any other hobby. They can be as expensive or inexpensive, consuming or not, as you make them.
I can say I have thoroughly enjoyed my years as a horse owner.

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My Grandfather always told me to get cows instead. Said they were half the work and you get to eat them when you are done.

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tigerinthebueche

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would definitely build a barn

I plan on spending a good amount of time around some horses before i just dive into this so I can learn the basics.

what type (breed?) of horse would one look for to just ride around, keep in the pasture? I know they vary in cost from a couple hundred to several thousand, well probably to several hundred thousand... but other than bloodline, what are some basics?

I'm guessing its best to have 2 or more? seems like one horse would be lonely

will definitely get some goats too, dont know if that has any affect

Lease one for a few months first