Buying a Horse for Beginners
Horse buying can be an intimidating process, especially if you are a beginner. Maybe you are just getting into horseback riding or you’re an expert who has finally decided to own their own horse. Whatever your circumstances, read our tips for horse buying for beginners before you make any big decisions.
Examine Your Experience Level
Before you start looking for horses, evaluate your riding skills and experience. You need a horse for your current skill level, not the one you aspire to be at. If you’re a timid or inexperienced rider, it can be a bad, and even dangerous, idea to buy a horse with known issues that you think you can fix. The horse you buy should be one you feel comfortable with right away and enjoy riding and spending time with.
Don’t Buy Without Seeing the Horse First
Even if the horse you are considering is far away from where you live, you should prioritize seeing the horse in person before buying. It is important to see how a horse moves in person and to get a feel for whether horse is the right fit for you. Also, seeing the horse in person means you can ride it before buying to ensure that you feel comfortable with the horse. If you’re unsure of your ability to assess the horse yourself, ask your riding instructor to either go with you or on your behalf. Your instructor knows your riding ability, and they should be able to get a good idea of whether the horse is a good match for you.
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Stallion, Gelding or Mare?
A good tempered horse is always recommended for beginners. Stallions do not make good beginner horses due to their self-interested nature. Geldings or mares are a better choice for a beginner because they are typically more calm. Mares can be moody during their heat cycles which is why geldings are often the recommended choice for beginners.
Age Equals Experience
While you might think you want a young horse, age equals experience and an older horse is the better choice for beginners. A healthy horse can be ridden well into their 20s. But always be sure to consider the horse’s entire health history before purchase.
Don’t Forgot the Vet Examination
To ensure that the horse you are buying is healthy and sound, you should have a veterinarian do an examination before you buy. This way, you can uncover any issues the horse may have in regards to your intended use of the horse. Knowing what is going on with the horse physically can help you make an informed decision before buying.
While it can be a difficult and long process, horse buying can also result in a great partnership between you and your new horse. If you go in already prepared, it will make the experience more enjoyable than stressful.