A Checklist to Buying Your First Horse
Written by: S.P. Lynn
Know what you're looking for
The worst thing you can do when horse shopping is impulse buy. It is very easy to get caught up in the grandeur of owning the prettiest horse at the barn, but if that horse also happens to be hot and flighty and you are a beginner rider, you won't be riding off into sunsets like you were envisioning and horse ownership may not turn out to be what you were hoping for. So, before you start horse shopping sit down and evaluate what you are really looking for; what qualities you want your new horse to have and what disciplines you will be using your horse for. Be realistic about your level of experience when considering what level of training the horse must have. Once you complete your list, stick to it.
Talk to the owner on the phone
Once you find a horse for sale that you are interested in, phone the owner directly. With the prevalence of the internet horse owners may post their email addresses for those wishing to contact them regarding their horse. This is fine for initial inquiries, however you may find out more about the horse by speaking directly with them on the phone. When you ask questions about the horses' temperament and training on the phone you may get a better sense of whether an owner is not disclosing full or truthful information than you would in a reply email.
See the horse from first contact
When you find a horse for sale that you want to visit, ask the owner to leave the horse in the field or stall until you arrive and then arrive a little bit early. You want the opportunity to see how the horse behaves in its entirety and you will be able to evaluate for yourself whether the horse is hard to catch, gets along with others in a herd, leads and ties well and if they are quiet for grooming and tacking up. Many ground manner issues can be covered up by a seller who has a horse tacked up and ready to ride when you arrive to see it. Also, note if the horse has sweat or saddle marks when you arrive as this could indicate that the horse was worked before you got there to take the edge off and then turned out in the field before you arrived.
Watch the owner ride first
If the owner is not willing to ride the horse first at all three gaits and show you what it can do, that should be a red flag for you as a buyer. This is especially important if you are a beginner or inexperienced rider. You are riding a strange horse and the owner may have over stated how quiet or well trained the horse is. If the horse is fresh or beyond your level of experience it could even be a dangerous situation. While the owner is handling and riding the horse, take note of whether your prospect stands for mounting, listens to the rider and performs to the level you expected. This viewing period is also a chance to look for lameness before you get on to ride.
Ask lots of questions
The seller should be more than willing to answer all of your questions. Asking the same question more than once is also a good idea. If you get two different answers then something is being covered up. Specific questions are also a good idea. If you ask something general such as "does this horse have any vices" the owner may say no, forgetting about the fact that the horse can be hard to load since he hasn't been trailered in years or that he is a handful to deworm. However, if you ask specifically about how the horse behaves for loading and trailering or if he is easy to deworm you may get more specific and hence for useful information.
Visit the horse more than once
If you find a horse that seems to match your criteria, do not purchase, or enter into purchase negotiations the first time you visit. Arrange to see the horse more than once, preferably at a different time of day and under different conditions. If the first time you saw a horse it seemed very quiet, but it was very warm in the middle of the day, the horse may have just been hot and feeling lazy; not as quiet as you originally thought. Ultimately if this is your first horse or you are not sure if a prospect has potential for what you want to use him for, visit the second time with a knowledgeable friend, your trainer or instructor to help evaluate your prospect.
Get an independent vet check
Once you've decided on a prospect you like or have narrowed your search down to one or two potential purchases, you'll want to get a vet to perform a health check on the horse. If the owner has been truthful about the horse's condition they will have no problem with you asking to have the horse inspected by a vet. Always have the vet of your choice inspect the horse. If you bring up the subject of vet inspection and the horse owner says "Oh, he just had a vet check by my vet a few days ago", do not settle for this even if the owner offers to show you the vet inspection report. The document may have been altered or could be for a different horse. Be sure to include the cost of the vet inspection in your decision of how much to spend on your new horse as the vet check fee is the buyers' responsibility to pay for.
Arrange for a trial period
If you've decided on the horse you want, sometimes it can be useful to arrange a trial period with the seller. This way you can take the horse home or to your stable, work with and ride him for a week or two and then decide if the horse meets you needs. If you choose this option, be aware that there are legalities associated with taking responsibility for an animal you do not own. Sit down with the seller, agree on the terms of the trial and put it in writing. Don’t forget to specify among other things who is responsible for transportation of the horse, vet bills that may arise and the cost of maintaining the horse during the trial.
Above all, when it comes to purchasing a horse whether it’s your first or fourth, take your time, learn everything you can about the horse and be realistic. If something about the horse, the price or the situation seems too good to be true…it probably is.
