Reading about the pet that you are preparing yourself to purchase is always a wise move. After reading through the previous replies to your post, I must concur on several points.

Speaking from experience ( I currently own 3), horse-proofing is always wise. For the most part, barbed wire and wooden posts will do just fine with most horses for their enclosures. Like any animal or person, horses have their own personalities and they well definetly aquaint you with them.

Shelter: It doesn't need to be grand. A simply lean to will suffice as long as the horse has a place where it can get out of direct weather...though my Shetland would disagree. This will prevent Rain rot from occuring as well....here's a great site with more horse care info...www.equusite.com

Feed: Make sure that it is in a sheltered area and always in the same spot so the horse knows where its next meal will be. You should have a salt block (purchased at any feed store) stationary in the padlock as well. Grain is not a stable source of food and should be considered more or less treat for the horse along with alfalfa.

As for the *very* first horse....considering your child's experince with horses to date and her age, I would recommend a Shetland pony. They have pretty mild temperments, they make good friends and they aren't much taller then about a thirteen year old. Might I also suggest getting an older horse? Now when I say older, I mean somewhere in the ballpark of six to ten years old. Because like people, they older they are, the more medical problems they have.

Also, when you do go shopping for that first horse, don't buy the first one that you see. Shop around, find one that not only suits your personality, but your child's as well.

The most important aspect of shopping for *any* horse however, is to know what a healthy, well-taken care of horse should look like. Take someone who has horse-sense with you. It isn't a bad idea as well as to consult a vet prior to purchasing the animal. And set a maxium amount that you are willing to pay for the horse itself.

Hope that helps, if you have further questions I'm on here nearly daily.

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