When looking for a first horse there are a few things that one should look into before decided on one.
I see all the time people wanting to buy a baby horse and learn with it, which is not a great idea. It sounds cute, and those baby photos are adorable. But without an experienced horse person to train that cute baby you could end up with a very unruly and very large animal that is capable of hurting someone.
So if you're looking to purchase a horse here are some tips for going to look at them!
1. If you can take an experienced horse person with you to help assess. If you've been taking lessons the person you've been taking lessons from would be the perfect choice. But it can be a knowledgeable friend or family member.
2. Stay smart. Don't just buy a horse based on color or because your kids get excited about it. It's awesome to be excited, but remember that a good horse doesn't come in a bad color.
3. Riding Lessons. Even if you've been taking lessons on a lesson horse, it is a great idea to continue lessons with your own horse after you get one. It doesn't matter what level you get to there is always someone that you can take lessons from and learn from.
4. Make sure you handle the horse on the ground when you arrive. It can be a red flag if the seller already has the horse tacked up when you arrive. You want to make sure that you can handle getting the horse out, tacked up, and move them around on your own. If you can't handle the horse on the ground, then you know that isn't the horse for you.
5. Have the seller ride the horse first, and recognize that the seller may be an experienced rider. A horse may respond differently with a beginner or intermediate rider. A good rule is to go and try the horse out a few times before making the final decision.
6. Ask as many questions as you need about the horse's history. Their farrier care, what they are eating, veterinary records, show records, and any other questions you can think of. How old is the horse? Are there registration papers? How many owners has the horse had? What kind of maintenance does this horse require?
7. Get a veterinary check from your veterinarian. It can be cheaper to get a pre-purchase exam than to buy one that ends up having a myriad of medical issues that you are not prepared to pay for.
8. What equipment does the horse currently use? Are you realistically able to use this equipment and afford it? If the horse requires a saddle that is specially fitted to them, is this an expense you are able and willing to take on.
9. Be realistic with your own level of expertise when looking for a horse. If you know that you need a horse that is beginner safe and will safely carry you down a trail or work well for you in the arena then look for a horse that is at that level currently. Don't be discouraged or not take an older been there done that horse, just be realistic about what you need.
10. Have fun!
Having your own horse is an amazing experience, and I think anyone who wants to experience it should definitely do it. I also want to see and promote responsible horse ownership; I want to promote equestrian sports and one of the ways I can do that is by sharing knowledge with newcomers to the horse world. Being well informed means horses will be better cared for and people interested in horses will continue to promote the wide variety of equestrian sports which means horses will thrive.
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