Your First Horse

There are many things to consider when deciding to buy your first horse. The most important of which is, do you really know what it means to own a horse? There is a commitment you must be willing to make that reaches far beyond normal animal ownership. If the horse is for an adult, are you going to have the time after your normal work hours to spend bonding and caring for him/her? Lets say minimally an hour and a half, 4 times a week for grooming, hoof cleaning, and excersizing/riding. If the horse is for a child, there are some VERY important things to do BEFORE you decide to buy your child a horse.

Riding lessons should be first

First, lessons, lessons, lessons. You need to ensure your child is passionate enough about their love of horses beyond just sitting in the saddle and riding. The lessons need to be comprehensive; including grooming, hoof picking, correct saddling, warm up, cool down, unsaddling and stall cleaning. Including some minor first aid if possible. Your child needs to understand that all of these activities are neccessary on a regular basis in horse ownership. If your child truely enjoys the commitment required, and is passionate in performing them, then they are most likely ready to own their own horse.

Lease a horse

I highly recomend leasing a horse in the beginning, once they have decided they enjoy lessons. This will afford the opportunity of horse ownership and all that is required with an out, incase some months later they lose interest or do not have the responsibility yet to handle such a large commitment. This will also save the expense of purchasing a horse, only to be burdened with having to care for it until you are able to sell it.

Searching for your first horse.

After accomplishing the above, and you are ready to go out and find your very own horse, here are some neccessities before handing over payment:

• Do research on what type of horse will fit your needs. Are you an experienced rider or just starting out? Do you prefer Western Pleasure or English style riding? Do you want to show, or just enjoy hitting the trail? Different breeds are suited for different types of riding, do your homework and it will pay off.
• What is your budget? Do you need a horse with papers for showing, or just want a good horse for pleasure riding? Will you be keeping the horse on your property or boarding it somewhere close by? Will you need a show trainer, or just some lessons?
• DO NOT buy a horse because it’s “pretty” or it is the color you most want. Make sure you look at a multitude of prospects. There are lots of horses out there. Make sure you give yourself time to find the right horse. This cannot and should not be rushed.
• Once you have done this pick your top 3 and begin to get to know them. Watch the owner ride first and then ride them yourself on several occasions. Grooming, hoof picking, trailer loading, tying and leading should all be done on several occasions to see what the horses ground manners are like as well as their general dispostion.
• When you have found the horse that fits your needs, get a vet check by the vet you will be using, and a vet history from the current owner’s vet. This is VERY important! Unfortunately sometimes people selling horses can be a lot like used car salesmen. They will say whatever they can to move the animal, leaving out any quirks or problems that will become apparent once you get the horse “home”.

Take your horse home.

If all goes well with the vet check, and you have found your boarding facility (unless you are taking it to your home), then make the arranged payment, and start the wonderful journey of horse ownership. Make sure you get a bill of sale (and the horse’s papers if applicable) and have arranged for transportation if you wil not be trailering it yourself.

It is one of the most rewarding relationships to share a special bond with your horse. Don’t take it for granted. Be one with your horse, enjoy, and may you have many happy years of riding together!

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