Buying Your First Horse and How to Love the Experience

By Alejandra Abella for Equestrian Services, LLC

So this is it; after much thought you have decided it is time for you to own your own horse. But is it really? Just like you don't really know someone until you have to live with him/her, you are not really ready to be a horse-owner until you have experienced ownership, so how does one get over this Catch 22? If you are still not quite sure go back and think some more because although the rewards can be beautiful, the responsibilities can also be daunting (see our article last month on horse leasing). But if the thought of your own horse is keeping you up at night and your life just seems empty without one, then at least start with the following three steps: 1) Make a list of what you want/need, and stick with it!; 2) enlist the help of a professional or trusted and experienced horse-person; and 3) have patience and wait for the right horse.

Make Your List

And check it twice! Your list should keep you grounded, helping you stay focused and away from beautiful "Black Beauty" who used to be called "Widow-maker" before he went up for sale. It should include:

The temperament you want: Unless you are an experienced rider and/or competitor, the best horses for beginner owners are quiet, older horses who are schoolmasters or have "been there, done that." A horse that helps teach you is best and young, untrained horses need you to teach them, not the other way around!

The experience and conformation you need: Different body types can do different things, and you will need your horse to have the conformation to do what you want successfully and without pain.

This beautiful Andalusian, for example, will be a great dressage or trail partner, but don't ask him to become a jumper.he just wasn't bred or built for that task and if forced into it could end up hurting himself.

Also, look for horses with years of experience in the discipline or disciplines in which you want to ride or compete, and make sure they are a few levels (not spirits!) above yours, so you can grow to match their experience.

The age and gender you want/need: Again, experience comes with age and an older horse has more successes under his belt. Also, a young horse will require professional training, and that means more expense over the long run. And for beginner owners, some mares can be more work in handling and riding than geldings, especially during their heat seasons. However, they can also be very loving and more tender than a gelding at times, so again, prioritize and customize your list to your needs, desires and abilities. Above all, remember - a horse is a horse of course! Be open to treating every breed, color and gender on its own merits. Try not to discriminate because of previous perceptions and experiences. Horses are as individualized as people so try to be open to any possibility.

The breeds of horse you want/can have: After deciding what you want to accomplish with the horse you will buy, make a list of the breeds that are best suited for your chosen objective.and the breeds you can afford! And note that often an inexpensive horse of an expensive breed has a serious problem that brings down the price, and that is not a bargain! Some breeds are best suited for one or two disciplines, while others like the Morgan, can be incredibly versatile. Another versatile combination is the cross breed (i.e. Thoroughbred/draft cross) with the athletic ability from the thoroughbred and the temperament from the draft, this combination is great for fox hunting, jumping, trail riding and the lower levels of dressage.

The size you want/need: Depending somewhat on your riding discipline of choice, your legs should wrap nicely around the barrel of a horse, in order for your leg aids to be effective, so pick a horse whose height is proportional to yours.

Also, in order for your horse to perform at his best, your weight should be no more than 20% of his own weight at the most. Remember, your horse carries approximately 60% to 70% of his own weight on his front legs, plus he has to carry you, so it's best not to overburden him.

The color and/or markings: There are no "wrong" colors in horses, but if you absolutely must have a certain coat, make sure you pick a breed that offers it. For example, don't fall in love with Friesians if you absolutely must have a pinto coat, because that is not one of their characteristics, and don't lock yourself into Appaloosas only if what you wanted was a bay because although Appaloosas do come in solid coats, most of them are prized for their spots!

Any other criteria that are important to you, such as bloodlines, registration, etc.: Research any congenital diseases in the breeds that you may want - such as HYPP in Quarter Horses and Quarter Horse crosses, PSSM in Appaloosas, etc. - so that you will know to ask about their possible manifestation in the horses you are reviewing. Also do your homework on bloodlines and registration. A horse may be advertised as registered or from certain lines, but ask to see the papers. Many times the seller does not have them, or is not the current listed owner on the papers, which means the registration, is not valid for you as the new owner.

Ask for Help

Don't be shy about asking a trusted and experienced horse person for help and budget in a professional's assistance if necessary. Unfortunately, not even a veterinarian can tell you everything there is to know about a particular horse, but a professional's help will assist you in your decision, point out potential problems you may not have thought of, and will locate candidates for you to ride and review.

All Good Things...

...come to those who wait. You know the drill. So visit, visit, visit. Try out the horse in every scenario in which you would like to use him, i.e. the ring, trails, the show ring, etc. If you want to travel with your horse often, you will need to know if he loads willingly onto a trailer so ask to see him do it. Show up at the horse's barn as many times as you need to feel comfortable with your choice and if you fear that your constant presence might be bothersome to the seller, then simply ask how many times you can come. And be suspicious if the seller doesn't ever want you around; an honest seller will prefer that you get to know the horse well so that the match is a good one.

Still sure you want a horse? Good, get help and have fun, and remember that if you are a stable in need of several horses, do not hesitate to call us at Equestrian Services, LLC. We offer a complete menu of services from planning and designing your farm or equestrian community, all the way to helping you manage it, and we can even find you the horses that your lesson program needs to get your name out there.