Buying a Horse: The Ultimate Guide
Buying a horse is a big decision, as is buying a pet in general, but horses require much more additional care and equipment. In all honesty, not every equestrian should own a horse until they are a confident and proficient rider, and they have already looked into other options such as leasing. It is only then that you should consider purchasing a horse. There are a number of things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to buying your first horse; let’s get into it.
The Budget
There is no right or wrong amount of money when it comes to working out a budget for your horse. It largely depends on what you want the horse for; if you want to keep the horse as a hobby or compete in small local events, then your budget will be far less than if you have major competitive aspirations.
Buying a horse is not a one-off expense; there are a lot of things that you will need to factor into your budget going forward. This includes things like board; where are you going to keep your horse? Lessons or an instructor if you still have things to learn when it comes to riding. There is also the cost of entering and participating in competitions if that is something you want to do. You might also need to pay for a farrier regularly unless this is something that you can do yourself.
There are also vet fees and regular vaccinations and worming treatments; some horses also require expensive dental treatments. Because health care costs for pets can be expensive, a lot of people opt to look into health insurance to help cover the costs. Finally, there are all the other costs of equipment, food and bedding, but you can get a lot of that from places like Equi Supermarket; they have everything you need, and they have free shipping on orders over £25. Equine Premium’s gut health sponge is outstanding for maintaining horse health.
Always keep in mind that the most effective budgeting strategy involves prioritizing quality over quantity. Whether considering equipment such as saddle pads, boots, or bridles, it’s wise to opt for high-quality options consistently. Investing in quality is a better choice, as it ensures longevity and durability, saving you from the need to purchase the same items repeatedly. Numerous brands offer a wide array of collections available to various preferences, including materials, sizes, colors, and more. For a good example, you can explore the LeMieux brushing boots and saddle pads collections.
The Horse
The next thing you need to consider is what type of horse you want to buy. Again, this will depend on the aspirations that you have for it. Realistically, you should prioritise temperament over everything else. You need a horse that is going to be easy-going and allow you to make mistakes as you get to know each other’s foibles. A volatile horse can land you in the hospital. You can get a good idea of the horse’s temperament when you go to meet it. Does it walk by the seller patiently and allow you to get close enough to inspect it?
The next thing to think about is the size of the horse. Obviously, you need to be comfortable in mounting and dismounting the horse, but the size doesn’t matter too much. You also need to ensure that the horse can comfortably accommodate you, so keep that in mind. There are some breeds of horse that tend to grow bigger and some which stay on the smaller side. You can also find breeds that tend to be more calm or docile and others that are high spirited.
Another consideration is age; horses can live to over thirty years old when cared for well, so don’t write off older horses. However, age is not necessarily a reliable indicator of a horse’s level of training or experience. If you as a rider have little experience, then you should try to find a horse that has more if you are an experienced rider, then you can perhaps take on a more inexperienced horse and finish training them.
Finding the Right Horse
There are a few avenues that you can pursue when it comes to purchasing a horse, the most popular of which are private sellers and auctions. Private sellers tend to be better than auctions because you can see more of the horse and forge more of a connection with the sellers. When checking out ads for horses, especially if you are looking online or in national publications, you need to eliminate options that are too far away for you. After that, you should start to narrow down the list. Exclude horses that aren’t trained to your liking, pregnant mares and hyperactive or high-strung horses too.
Instead, when checking out ads, you should look for horses with a good temperament and seek out words like ‘steady’ or ‘calm’. You also want to look for horses that are well trained; you want one that requires little to no work on your part, getting them up to the standard that you want. If you haven’t bought a horse before or want a second opinion, ask your horse-riding instructor what they think or anyone else you know who has more experience than you.
After you have narrowed down your options and had someone else look over them to provide you with the benefit of their knowledge and experience, you can begin to call around and make enquiries. Most of the time, calling will be quicker and easier than sending an email, but if you want a record of your communications, then emailing would be better. Ask them your questions and trust your instincts. You should never feel pressured. If you don’t like their answers, then move on to the next option. Remember to always visit the horse and assess them with your own two eyes before you make any commitments to purchasing it.
You should never buy a horse without a valid vet check. If you have found a horse that you are happy with, met with the seller and want to progress further, it is time for the vet check. Do not let the seller talk you into seeing their vet because while the seller might be trustworthy, they may also have their own agenda. Instead, use a vet that has never seen the horse or seller before. The vet will check the horse over and draw blood to check. It can cost a little, but you can save money in the long run if your vet warns you away from a poor investment.
In Conclusion
Buying a horse is a big decision; often, it can be as expensive as buying a second-hand car. It is a lot of money to spend, and especially for first-time buyers, it is paramount that you pick the right horse. After all, the horse could be with you for years to come, so take on board the above advice.
