First, before buying a horse, ask yourself if you’ve done enough homework? As many experienced horse owners will tell you, buying a horse isn’t so much about the cost of the horse itself, but rather the ongoing costs of keeping it. Year-round feed, stable supplies, hoof care, veterinary care, training lessons, tack, rider gear, horse transport, insurance, and more are all expenses that horse owners need to factor in. At the same time, caring for a horse also requires a great deal of the owner’s energy and time. Of course, if you have a sufficient budget, you can also hire people to help care for and train your horse. So, if you’ve resolutely chosen to become a horse owner, then get ready to embrace a major change in your life.
Where should the horse you buy be kept? It is recommended that novice horse owners board their horses at well-managed stables or riding clubs to ensure the horse receives proper care. More experienced horse owners might consider renting a suitable place to build their own stable, or—if conditions allow—keep the horse in their own yard.
How to Choose a Horse
When choosing a horse, select one whose temperament, height, and breed are well matched to you and your riding style. If you’re inexperienced, it’s advisable to choose a horse that is gentle, confident, enjoys working, and is easy to handle.
[attach]1181312[/attach]
When selecting a horse, carefully consider the following factors:
Age
Generally speaking, if the rider is relatively young or prone to nervousness, try to avoid buying a horse under 5 years old. Horses aged 5–10 are usually well-trained, while those over 10 tend to be more expensive, and their health condition is definitely a factor to consider. Know the horse’s age—don’t just take the word of the horse dealer, and ideally, see official records such as those from the local horse pedigree association.
History
Try to find out as much as possible about the horse’s past history—that is, how many owners it has had, for how long, why it was sold, and what kind of training it has received under different owners.
Training Background
Who was the horse’s foal trainer? What has its training been like since then? Does it have any quirks or bad habits?
Coat Color
Although everyone has different preferences when it comes to coat color, if the horse is suitable for you and your riding style in terms of temperament and history, then ask yourself again: is the color really that important?
Height
Your own height is closely related to the height of the horse you choose, but make sure the current owner has actually measured the horse’s height, rather than just giving you a rough guess.
Pedigree
Do you have a preference in terms of pedigree—do you prefer native horses, warmbloods, or thoroughbreds? Does the horse have the ability to participate in different equestrian disciplines, such as endurance riding, show jumping, dressage, or just pony club games? Also, ask the seller for written documentation proving the horse’s pedigree.
Temperament
Is the horse’s temperament typical for its breed? Is it calm around children, dogs, or other animals during transport? Is it easy to load onto a trailer, and easy to catch, shoe, or groom?