Top 10 things to do before going horse shopping
Buying a horse is a major commitment of time and money. The emotional energy that is expended is a big factor too. With so many horses for sale, how do you choose? In the article, we mentioned many details that you will need during your trip to buy a horse. We answered many of the questions you need, and also if you have a question, you can leave it in the comments and we will respond quickly.
If you buy a horse before you have laid the right foundation, you risk going home with a horse that doesn't suit you! . At worst, it can be dangerous, at best it will be nice and interesting, and you could easily spend a thousand dollars or more to get a professional trainer to correct the problems. If you can pay the amount, it is fine in this way, and if you cannot, this article may be your reference.
Make a plan before you look at horses for sale and do these 10 basic steps first:
- 1. Take riding lessons for at least six months.
Riding lessons will teach you the basics of controlling your horse and the foundations of proper equestrianism. In addition to learning to ride a horse, you will also learn how to care for and handle it safely. You will establish a relationship with an equine professional in your area who knows you and who you can turn to for help if you need it with everything related to your horse.
- 2. Select the type of ride.
There are many types of riding styles. The simplest is Western or English. Then you can divide these two methods into many subcategories. You don't have to select one option that's exclusive to everyone. Many people enjoy riding both styles and competing in both. There are also similarities between the two.
Decide if you want a horse just to enjoy it or if you want to be competitive and show off.
- 3. Horse character
The type of personality you want for your horse depends a lot on the type of riding you want to do as well as on your personality. Some riders want a horse that is brave and has a sharp character. While others like the horse to be calm and relaxed.
Usually, a relaxed person would like a horse like him who tends to relax.
- 4. Select the breed of horses that you most want.
Once you have decided what type of ride you are interested in and what type of personality you want your horse to have, choosing a breed will become easier. Some breeds are associated with certain types of riding. For example, the Thoroughbred or Warmblood breed is usually thought of for the Hunter/Jumper circuit or dressage. In the past, Curter Horse, Appaloosas, and Paints were thought to ride Western horses. Today, these breeds can successfully compete at all levels with the more traditional horse of the hunter type.
If you want a very smooth ride, look for charged breeds such as Missouri Foxtrotters, Tennessee Walkers, or Paso Finos.
- 5. Determine the size of the horse you need.
If you are looking for a horse for a child, buy a horse that your child can care for and handle. The idea of a horse that's too big for a young child to handle.
If you are looking for a horse for yourself, consider the type of riding you want to do. Western styles of riding do not require a large horse and most horses can carry a large adult even if the horse is 15 hands or smaller.
If you want to appear in the hunter/jumper classes, a horse over 16 is essential to be competitive. However, if your plans are to learn to jump and go to small local shows, you will save money by buying a smaller horse.
- 6. Determine the sex of the horse.
Fertilization or mare should be your only consideration. A pony is difficult to handle and can be dangerous even if you are a very experienced rider. It is not suitable unless you are in the field of education.
Horses make fine horses and companions. He prefers to be castrated before his second birthday so that he will never learn foal behavior.
Mares sometimes get a bad reputation for being tough every time they're exposed to heat. Some may be, but there are many great mares with very persistent personalities.
- 7. Decide where you will keep your horse.
If you plan to board the plane, check out the many boarding stables. Perhaps your first choice would be the barn where you take riding lessons. See some of the others for standby options and as a general comparison.
If you plan to keep your horse on your own property, make sure you have a secure fence and a solid enclosure, and know that your schedule will allow you to feed your horse at least twice a day - every day - learn about any local and international liability laws for horse property before bringing your new horse to the home.
- 8. Determine how much you can afford for the initial price of the horse.
The original purchase price of the horse is a significant upfront expense. Obviously, the more you can spend on a horse, the more options you have to look at when shopping. If you have that money saved up front, you will have better leverage with the seller. If you have to buy your horse via payments, you will limit your bargaining power and your options because many sellers are unwilling to collect payments.
- 9. Know your monthly expenses.
Monthly expenses include food, lessons, and supplements if you keep your horse in one specific location. If you keep your horse at home, you'll buy fodder, hay, and furnishings instead of the board bill.
There are recurring expenses that do not come in every month but still need to be added to the cost of a year and averaged as a monthly expense. These include farrier visits, worming, vaccinations, and veterinary care such as dental hygiene and the annual Coggins exam.
- 10. Buy supplies before the horse
Purchase basic supplies before you get your horse so that you are fully prepared when you bring it home. Brushes, shampoo, conditioner, leg wraps, buckets, and a first aid kit are a good start to supplies to have ready.
A vertical multipurpose fixture and a few bits, saddle pads, saddle, halter, and a long lead rope with a stout tool are your essential supplies.
If you follow these 10 steps before you start buying horses, you will have a clear idea of which horse will be the best choice for you when you begin your search.
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We wish you a happy life, your family, and your horse.
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