11/11/2021
After hearing yet another horror story of a beginner rider getting seriously hurt after buying a horse too advanced for her, I feel obligated to share what I've learned in over 30 years with horses:
HORSE BUYING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS:
1. DO NOT BE CHEAP WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING THE RIGHT FIT! IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD THE HORSE THAT MEETS YOUR SKILLS AT THE TIME, THEN YOU CANT AFFORD A HORSE!!!!
Exceptionally true for beginners!!! They're expensive, but the adage "buying the horse is the cheap part" is true. Accidents ARE going to happen: They're animals. They spook, they trip and fall, they kick at a fly and accidentally hit you, you lose your balance or a piece of tack breaks and you fall off, etc. These are accidents that, if you spend time with them, WILL happen. The point here is to mitigate these and buying something because it's cheaper and you can't afford anything more will only cost you more in hospital bills and a newfound phobia of what used to be something you loved. Spend the money on a good horse.
2. BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES.
If you're a beginner, you need a beginner safe horse and they're more expensive because they're the safest thing you're gonna get on 4 hooves. They're worth every penny. Pay it. And for the love of God, don't ever allow anyone to think you can buy a foal or young horse and "learn together". Even WITH a trainer by your side the whole time, it will take you both twice as long and learn ton of bad habits along the way and WITHOUT a trainer you're doing both of you a huge disservice which you'll pay for later if you ever want to have anything more than a backyard pet. They're not dogs. They can hurt you, easily. Never overestimate what you know when it comes to horses. They will humble you fast.
3. DON'T BUY FOR COLOR, NAME, OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN SUITABILITY TO YOUR NEEDS.
Think of it like finding the right romantic partner - You can't force a good fit no matter how pretty they are. And don't discount the ugly ones - if they're perfect for what you're needing at the time, being a pretty color or being related to some bloodline shouldn't matter.
4. TEMPERAMENT, CONFORMATION, CAPABILITIES.
These are the most important characteristics you should be looking for. Is it kind and trainable/smart? Does it like people and easy to catch? Is it built correctly enough to be able to physically handle what you're wanting to do? Does it already know what you need it to know and, if not, do you HONESTLY have the capabilities, time, money, and patience to get it out of them?
5. AVOID BAD HABITS LIKE THE PLAGUE, IF POSSIBLE.
That perfect match is a cribber or buddy sour? He's gonna teach every other horse near him in the barn to do the same. Hard to catch? Good luck. Bucks or rears sometimes? Refuses to enter the arena? Hard to load in a trailer? All of these problems can be handled, the question is are you knowledgeable (be honest!) enough to handle it yourself and/or pay the price for it?
6. CONTACT YOUR VET & GET A PRE-PURCHASE EXAM WITH X-RAYS.
Call your vet, or a few, and see what they recommend for a pre-purchase exam and how much it will cost. You absolutely need to know what you're getting yourself into. Laminitis? Navicular? Bone spurs? Is it as old or young as the owner says it is? Depending on your sport will determine what you can live with and your vet will help you here. Trust me it will save you a TON on potential vet bills later. Been there, done that. They won't allow you to do a pre-purchase exam? Run.
7. ENLIST THE HELP OF A TRAINER OR SOMEONE WELL EDUCATED IN WHAT YOU NEED.
We fall in love at first site sometimes. Another pair of eyes will see something you don't and they can video your ride to watch later. And if you're a beginner, this is a no-questions-asked MUST DO! We're trying to keep you safe.
8. IF YOU'RE ANYTHING BUT A TRAINER OR ADVANCED RIDER, AVOID AUCTIONS.
Depending on what kind of auction you go to depends on the quality of animal and how they run things, but auctions are a HUGE risk. Be willing to pay the price in the saying "buyer beware" when you may or may not have seen the horse, ridden the horse, and definitely didn't get a vet check. You might get a deal of a lifetime, you might buy something cripple and unrideable...or dangerous. May the odds be ever in your favor.
9. BE AWARE SOME EVIL PEOPLE MAY DRUG HORSES WHEN YOU COME TRY THEM.
This is where a vet check and also bringing a trainer helps. Drugs mask pain so a limp won't show up or will make them seem calm so you think you've got a sweet babysitter, then you get them home and the fun begins.
10. WORK OUT A CONTRACT.
A good seller wants their horse to go to a good home where everyone is happy. A bad seller never wants to hear from you again and will hide problems just for the cash. A good seller should be willing to work up some kind of agreement where if the horse doesn't work out after XX amount of days (usually no more than a week) or if they fail a vet check then you can bring them back. If they're not willing to work with you even a little, I would question why. If the seller won't agree to a contract you're both comfortable with, I would hesitate to buy that horse.
11. FIND OUT WHAT THEY EAT, HOW THEY'RE SHOD, OR IF THEY NEED SPECIAL CARE.
Hard keeper that needs a ton of special hay and feed? Need special shoes and pads every 6 weeks? Need costly supplements every day? If you can't afford the upkeep, that isn't the horse for you. Don't shortchange the horse just because of your pocketbook, either.
12. CHECK TEETH.
Good horses act terribly when their teeth are in bad shape. If you're knowledgeable enough, check their teeth and assess what is in front of you and you could negotiate price and get a steal. It will also prepare you for the potential teeth floating bill if you buy it and they are due. They should be checked every 6 months on a regular program. Again, if you can't afford it, then you can't afford a horse.
I hope this is helpful. I'm not trying to be mean, I've just seen too many accidents, horses that fall in the wrong hands and are mistreated, and promising riders who love horses lose interest altogether.
I wish you all joy, happiness, and, above all, safety in your future equine endeavors!!
