Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Buying a Horse
The thought of owning your first horse is exciting. But if you buy the wrong horse, your experience can be tainted and you may end up with a horse that can make horseback riding unsafe. Before you buy your first horse, take the time to learn the top five mistakes people make when buying a horse so that your horse buying experience goes smoothly.
1.Buying an Untrained Horse
First-time horse buyers often make the mistake of buying an untrained horse, simply because they are often cheaper. Training a horse can take months and can be dangerous, especially for beginner riders. You will be much happier with a horse that is ready to ride as soon as you buy it.
2. Not Considering Older Horses
Older horses can be much more reliable than younger horses. You might be wary of buying an older horse, but many healthy, older horses can be ridden well into their senior years. A horse with experience makes for a great first horse for beginners.
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3. Buying a Young Horse
You might be considering buying a young horse that your child can grow up with. A young, untrained horse can be dangerous for a beginner rider. You are much better off getting a horse with experience that does not spook easily and will be a safe bet for your child to learn how to horseback ride on.
4. Buying at Auction
Unless you are an expert, we would not recommend buying a horse at auction. A horse that at first sight seems docile may only be so because it is confused which makes the horse “freeze” up. Some owners also drug the horses before showing them so that they appear healthy or calm. These drugs can easily hide attributes in a horse that you do not want.
5. Buying on First Sight
If you think you’ve found the right horse, make sure that you think carefully before buying it. Do not buy on first sight but instead, take the horse for a ride (as many times as you’d like), ask the seller questions, compare with other horses you’ve seen, and take a few days to think it over. A horse is a big commitment and you want to make sure the horse that you buy is the best match for you and your experience level.