Buying your first horse will be one of the most exciting experiences of your life! But when you are new to horse shopping and horse ownership, it can be very easy to make mistakes. Here is some advice for the first-time horse owner.
Buy something finished.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “green and green equals black and blue”? Though I certainly hope that phrase doesn’t hold true in all situations, green horses and green riders do not make a great combination. Your first horse should be something trained up and ready to roll. You want to feel confident riding your horse on your own, without the constant guidance of a trainer. You are buying a horse to learn on, so make sure he is qualified enough to teach you!
If you are looking to show, buy something with show experience.
Doing your first few horse shows can be a nerve racking experience, so why not purchase a seasoned show veteran that will stay calm, cool, and collected? If you can trust that your horse knows what he is doing, you will have a more positive introduction to the show world. This is the quickest way to gain confidence in your discipline of choice.
Buy something older.
A horse’s mind is more important than his years on this planet. However, first-time horse owners should still avoid buying horses that are very young. For your lack of experience, you should find a horse that has more life experience to balance things out. You want a horse that has a fully developed mind… one that has truly seen it all!
Buy something sound.
If you are a first-time horse owner, you may have very little experience with soundness issues in horses. Horses are prone to all kinds of wear and tear, especially as they age and compete. If you are buying an older, seasoned horse, they may require some maintenance (such as joint injections, special supplements, etc). But ultimately, the horse needs to be sound enough to do the job you want it to do. You should ALWAYS do a pre-purchase exam on the horse that you are interested in. This should include a basic soundness exam, and in a perfect world, should include some x-rays too! X-rays of major body parts, such as the hocks and front hooves will help to diagnose any arthritis or injuries that could limit the performance of your potential horse. No horse is perfect, but a vet can help you decide if the horse is perfect for you!
Save your money for the perfect horse.
Seasoned horses rarely come cheap, unless you are very lucky! If you are starting off with a low budget, consider saving up for the perfect first horse. Experienced, solid horses tend to be a bit more expensive than the green beans!
Don’t buy for color.
Sure, we all love a horse that is stunning to look at! But when you are buying your first horse, color should be the last thing you consider. Training and soundness of the mind and body should always come first.
Test ride the horse, and bring someone with you.
Test rides are very important when you’re looking to buy your first horse. Buying a horse sight-unseen can be a bit risky for someone that is new to horse ownership, as you cannot accurately assess the horse’s training and its suitability for your riding style. When you go to test ride the horse you are interested in, bring someone that has gone through the horse shopping process before. This could be a trainer or a more experienced riding buddy that will give you input and help you ask the right questions. In addition, riding an unfamiliar horse can be a bit intimidating for someone new to horse shopping, and having someone present will boost your confidence!
At the end of the day, if you are set on owning a green or young horse as your first horse, you will need to be prepared to have a trainer’s assistance. Even a first-time horse owner with a more seasoned horse will want to be in training until they are completely confident with their new equine partner (and beyond, if possible!). When you find the horse of your dreams, check in with someone more experienced to ensure you are making a wise decision. Even if it takes a bit of time, your perfect first horse is out there! Best of luck in your journey… horse ownership is bound to change your life in the best of ways!
Blog written by Nicole Fava (@hoofloose on Instagram).