When you’re buying a horse, you’re facing a big decision. You want to make sure that any horse that you buy is right for you. Here are 6 things that you’ll want to be sure that you do any time you buy a horse.
1. Know What You Need
Determine just what you need in a horse. Think about what you want to find in terms of temperament, breed, height, discipline, experience, and skill. Knowing just what you need in a horse can help to narrow your search as you look at horses for sale.
2. Determine Your Budget
In addition to knowing what you need in a horse, don’t forget to figure out what your exact budget is. Remember that your budget for buying a horse will need to include money to cover the cost of transporting the horse home, the cost of a pre-purchase exam, and the cost of your trainer’s time when he or she comes out to look at the horse during the test ride.
3. Ask Questions
Before you go out to view a horse in person, ask the seller any questions that you might have. Come up with a list of questions for the seller, and ask as many questions as you may need in order to determine if the horse might be right for you. Some ads provide limited information, so now is the time to get the details that you need.
4. Take Your Time
Resist the urge to bring home the first horse that you find who might be suitable for you. Shopping for a new horse is a process, and it can take weeks or months to find the right horse. Holding off it worth it, though, when you find a horse who is just perfect for you.
5. Bring a Trainer
When you look at a horse in person, bring along a trainer or an experienced horseperson. Having a second person with you can help to spot potential issues with the horse that you might miss on your own. A second person can also take photos and videos of the horse as you ride so that you can reflect back on them later.
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6. Do a Pre-Purchase Exam
While you will never be required to do a pre-purchase exam on a horse that you’re buying, there are plenty of good reasons to have a pre-purchase exam done. A pre-purchase exam can help to identify any physical issues that might restrict the horse’s activity in the future, potentially saving you from buying a horse that isn’t up to the type of riding that you’re envisioning.
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