So You Want to Buy a Horse...

The time has come and you are finally ready to go out and buy a horse of your own. But how do you know what to look for? It might seem simple at first to state what the perfect horse would be, but is it a realistic possibility?

When looking for your first horse, you need to be brutally honest about what you need. This may not be easy, so be sure to set aside any preconceptions you have about finding your equine soul-mate and start from the beginning.

First of all, consider your riding ability. Have you primarily ridden in lessons, or at a trail barn? If this is the case, you will need to find a well-trained horse that will not need a lot of extra training to get where you need it to be. If you are more experienced, keep in mind that it is easy to become overfaced, so always look for a horse that you are comfortable with right now, not one that will be right for you some day in the future. You can always upgrade if you need to.

What does your ideal horse look like? While this may be one of the least important aspects of buying your horse, it can be a great way to start narrowing down the field. Pick a size of horse that suits your build. If you are barely over 5' tall, you don't need a 17hh horse. Likewise, if you are over 6' tall, a 15hh horse would look a bit silly. A stocky horse is better suited for a larger boned individual, while someone fine, would look better on a fine-boned horse.

The right breed, or range of breeds, is another important consideration. Some disciplines are very specific to certain breeds or horses. Others are more flexible. Consider what you plan to do with your horse, and choose a range of breeds that will work for your needs. Sometimes the best horse may not be your favorite breed, but once again, this will give you somewhere to start.

Once you have an idea of what you want, you need to decide what aspects are most important to you. All too often buyers spend years searching for the right horse because they are too rigid in their criteria, often passing up horses who may be perfect for their needs because the horse is the wrong color, or is a few years too old, or isn't quite as tall as they want.

Finally, when you have all your criteria in mind, consider price. While there are many deals to be found, often what you get is what you pay for. Pick an upper limit, and look around to see what you can find that suits your needs. If nothing seems to be suited, you may have set your upper limit too low, and should save up for a while before continuing your search.

Take your time to find the right horse, but when you find something suitable, be aware that horse sales are first-come, first-served. Don't be afraid to place a deposit if the horse seems to be just what you are looking for. Sometimes it is better to risk losing a few dollars, than to lose the horse than was just right for your needs.