Buying a horse, whether it is your first or your tenth, is a big decision and one that you should make well educated. These fifteen tips will tell you what to look for and what to avoid:
Don’t Shop with Your Heart?
This is one of the most important tips that you need to consider. Purchasing your first horse with your heart is sure to lead to trouble. Remember that you are picking a partner that will be with you for life, or so you hope. This horse may be your teacher and your mentor in all things equestrian, so you want to be sure that you are making a first good decision. Don’t look for the pretty face, but look for the disposition and the attitude that fits you.
Women, especially, tend to have trouble with this concept. Women would buy every horse, pony or mule that looked like it needed a good home. Women have been taught to work from their hearts and to reach out to those in need of good care taking. In buying horses, however, this is not necessarily a good thing. You don’t have enough pasture or stalls to bring them all home with you, so you need to be sure that your decision is a good one. A good horse trader can see your heart glowing as you drive your truck up to the barn and for women, it is hard to hide it. A good horse trader can see you coming!
For men, they don’t necessarily shop with their heart, but they want their ladies to be happy. They will seriously consider buying a horse that a wife or girlfriend has fallen head over heels for despite the fact that the horse might not be a good mount for them.
Don’t fall for the cute faces, many a horse trainer can tell you that there may be a lot of bad attitude and disposition hiding behind those cute faces. Yes, even the cutest horses can be the hardest to handle and train. The horse that you often fall in love with first should be just a crush and you should seriously think about whether a long-term relationship will work out with that horse or not.
Be practical and unemotional when your looking at horses. In fact, you are better off acting like you really don’t care for the horse all that much and act as though you are straddling the fence on a decision. This will keep the salesman’s sales talk to a minimum because they won’t be able to read you very well, even if your heart is pounding in your chest and you really like the horse. This will keep you from getting talked into a bad purchase.
The bottom line is this. Will you ever see a horse that you really just don’t like? All horse enthusiasts know that there is a special place in your heart for even the ugliest horse because they can be so ugly that they’re cute.
Don’t Consider Inappropriate Horses
When deciding on a horse you first need to consider your situation and your goals. How experienced are you? Have you been taking riding lessons for a few months and you really enjoy it so you want your own horse? Have you been breaking colts since you were thirteen and you’re ready for a new project? How much are you willing to spend on the horse, training, etc? All of these factors play a major role in deciding on a horse.
If you are new to riding or you have a year of riding lessons under your belt, what level would you consider yourself? Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? If you are in the beginner or intermediate category, you are going to want to avoid any horse that has been described as “green” or “in need of an advanced rider.” For you, these horses only spell danger. What exactly does “green” mean anyway? There are some horse sellers or traders that refer to a “green” horse as one that has about thirty days of riding on him. He knows how to turn, walk, trot and lope and that is about it. This is probably a good definition of “green,” however, there are those sellers and traders that call a horse that is barely halter broke “green.” This basically means that you are going to have to start from scratch, because they probably haven’t been halter broke right, nor do they tie properly and they may not even get in a trailer. This horse may even be too dangerous for a rider that considers himself or herself advanced.
In your shopping, you might as well just knock out any advertisement that has “green” or “prospect” in it. These horses are not going to be for a rider who wants to ride. These horses are for riders who want to train and then ride, or for a rider who is willing to put forth the money to have the horse properly trained. If you are looking to be able to ride as soon as you get your new horse home, you will want to avoid these horses. There is no consistency in the horse business lingo and as a horse buyer; you are better off not getting yourself caught up in these circumstances.
Instead, define the perfect horse for you. Perhaps he has been over a few jumps or won a few blue ribbons. He might even be a fifteen-year-old gelding that has been ridden on so many trails; he could bring you back home with you asleep. If you are a beginning rider and you feel you need a well experienced mount, then that is the type of horse that you should begin looking for. If you aspire to be a dressage rider, don’t buy a cutting horse. It is possible to retrain horses, but are you willing to spend the time and the money to do it?
Many men may find it tempting to buy a “green” horse because they are able to manhandle the horse and make it do what he wants. They may be able to jump on, kick the horse into high gear and slam the breaks. Just because you are able to make the horse do what you want, does not mean that the horse is appropriate for your wife, girlfriends, children or friends. If you have a family and you are buying your first horse or an additional horse, then you will want to ensure that the horse is safe for you and your family. This goes beyond riding but in everyday handling and feeding as well.
Don’t Get Caught Up in the Hype-Stick to Your Type
No matter how hard the trainer or horse trader tries to sell you a horse, don’t get caught up in the hype. They will give you a hard sales pitch and they will tell you how much potential this horse has or what he has already achieved. They will tell you what the horse’s mother did and what his daddy did and what his granddaddy did and they will go on and on. Before you know it, you will be having visions of yourself turning reining spins and sliding stops or jumping over six foot fences. Don’t let this skew the type of horse that you have in mind, no matter how impressive the horse sounds.
If you do want to rein, then by all means look at reining horses. Just be sure that they are at a level that you can ride and be successful on. Don’t get on a young horse that has just learned to stop and expect to be running a whole pattern on him. If you are new to the discipline, then you need a good teacher and one that already knows what is going on in the ring. An older horse that has been trained right will be the best bet.
If you show up to a barn to see a horse that you want to be a jumper, but it turns out that he is a western pleasure mount, don’t change your type just because the horse is good looking. They will all be good looking! Instead, tell the salesman that he doesn’t exactly fit your type and your goals, they will understand. Ask them if they have a horse that you can look at that will better fit what you have in mind.
If you are interested in barrel racing, but all the girls at your barn have started to show halter, don’t change your type and goals just because that is what everyone else is doing. There are many fads in the horse industry from different types of show halters to show clothes and saddles. Stick to your guns and follow your plans and goals and don’t let others stray you. You will be a lot happier in the long run when you are achieving your goals and the kids at the barn are still changing with the fads.
This tip also goes back to not buying with your heart but your brain. Look for those horses that are experienced and can help you achieve your riding goals rather than hold you back. Young horses may very well turn out to be great barrel racers, jumpers or pleasure horses, but you should be learning while someone else is training. An experienced horse will help you reach your goals more quickly, so don’t follow the hype and stick to your type.
Do Exhibit Proper Barn Etiquette When At the Seller’s Barn or Home
No matter where you are, you should always be cordial and polite when visiting another person’s barn or home. Buyers should show up at the seller’s barn or farm at an agreed upon time, especially if the horse is at a boarding stable and both the buyer and seller are driving to the location. Try to call on a cell phone when you are about 10 minutes away from arrival. If you are running late, definitely call the seller and let them know. Avoid catching the seller while he is still preparing the horse for your visit by being there very early, unless you have called the seller. Give the seller time to prepare the horse; they will want to groom them and have them ready to be shown off.
When you arrive, try to find out as much information as possible, but avoid giving the seller your equine life story. You are not trying to impress the seller with your stories, accomplishments or affiliations. Trying out the horse is also not the time to prove anything. Avoid schooling the horse as much as possible, if the horse does not respond to your cues and aids then make a mental note. While the seller is riding the horse, do not offer your opinion of their riding style or skills, as it is inappropriate.
Sellers should be diplomatic in the process as well. If you are trying out a horse and make an attempt at a flying lead change, but it doesn’t come off quite as well as you would like, the seller should keep their comments to themselves. They do not know your riding level, but they do know the horse’s training level. If the horse cannot do a flying lead change, then the seller should let you know that the horse has not yet learned those skills. They should not comment on your skills because for all they know you are a Grand Prix rider and the horse just didn’t respond well to your cues. The seller may also try to flatter you, but that can backfire as well.
As a buyer, it is inappropriate to give the seller an indication of your intentions. You don’t need to give extensive details but let the seller know that the horse is nice and you will consider it. If you like the horse and you are considering, you might say, “I think the horse is nice. Would you mind if I came back and rode him a second time?”
Try not to give the seller your opinion of the horse. Sometimes the seller will ask for an opinion, but you don’t want to start listing the flaws of a horse. Comment on the positive aspects of the horse and let the buyer know that you will keep him in mind.
Also, when visiting a barn remember your manners. Shut gates behind you, shake hands, pet the dog, etc. Be nice and cordial. Take the extra ten or fifteen minutes to chat and get to know the seller, they may have another horse that you are interested in and didn’t know it was for sale as well or they may have a friend that has a horse that is better suited for you.
Don’t Ride a Horse that Has Not Been Ridden By Someone Else First
You should never buy a horse without riding it first, however, do not ever ride a horse that has not been ridden by someone else first. If you are looking at a young colt that is unbroken, then that is different, but if the horse is supposed to be trained to a certain level, you should ask to see someone make him perform. The best person to ride the horse would be the current owner. The horse is going to show his true self when the owner is riding him. If he is a little barn sour, that behavior will come out in the ride. If he doesn’t respond well to aids, then you will notice that behavior as well.
If you go to see a horse and the owner will not ride the horse for you, then you should probably just leave. You don’t want to chance it with a horse that the rider won’t even ride. Trainers do not always give you a clear picture either because horses will act differently depending on who is riding them. The horse may recognize that the trainer is riding him and he may be a perfect gentleman, then when you get home, he is a complete wreck. This is because the horse has been taught to adjust differently to different people.
Before riding an unknown horse ensure that you are safe first. Even if you have never rode with a helmet in your life, this is the time to do it. Do not risk your health and safety on a horse that you don’t know. For all you know, as soon as you sit in the saddle the horse may turn into the wildest bronc you have ever seen. If you eat dirt, you will be happy that you were wearing a helmet. English riders should definitely wear a helmet and if you are going to be jumping, you may consider a vest as well. You can never be too safe when trying out a jumper for the first time. If the horse does turn into a bronc, then you will not have as much to hold on to and you will be better protected if you take a fall.
Check with your state on any state equestrian laws. These laws will tell you what you need to ask an owner before purchasing or riding a horse. If the owner is negligent and you get hurt, then you may have cause for a suite. This is especially true if you ask the owner blatantly and outright if the horse has a history of bucking, biting, kicking, etc. Most horsemen will already have knowledge of your state’s laws, but it is important that you understand them as well. Also, if the owner has you sign a waiver, it does not necessarily mean that the horse is unsafe, but that they are trying to protect themselves should something happen to you.
Before mounting, check that the girth is tight and that the reins and bridle are in good repair. If you are riding English, make sure that the stirrup leathers are well-oiled as well. You do not want to have any accidents if they can be prevented first.
Do Make Sure that the Horse is Not On Medications
This one can be hard to ascertain, especially for a new horse owner that has not been around many horses that are on medication. The best you can do is look the seller straight in the eye and ask, “Is this horse on any medication today?” “Is this horse ever medicated, when and why?” Look for any eye shifting and any body language that may lead you to believe that the horse may be on medication. Along with this question, ask the seller what they have done to prepare the horse for your try-out today.
Legally, sellers are required to answer these truthfully and directly. Not telling you answers to specific questions may be considered negligence should you buy the horse and you have an accident. Depending on the laws in your state, you may have a course of action that you can take should the owner not answer you truthfully. The owner is especially putting you in a dangerous situation by giving a horse medication and allowing someone unknowingly to ride it. The horse may come out of his sedation at any moment and where would you be? If you have any reason to suspect that a horse is on a sedative, do not ride the horse. You are better off getting back in your truck and driving on down the road.
This is one reason to have a pre-purchase exam before buying a horse. A veterinarian will be able to do blood samples and ascertain if the horse has been on any drugs or medications. Medications can be used in horses for various reasons. The horse may be high-strung and hyperactive, so the owner may have given the horse a sedative. The horse may also be on a painkiller to cover up lameness issues or some other problem.
Acepromazine or “Ace” is one of the most commonly used sedatives in horses. Ace causes the horse to have a lower blood pressure is often prescribed to treat the early stages of laminitis. Ace takes approximately thirty minutes to an hour to take effect. The effects may last from one to four hours. This gives you a guideline to go by in the event that you feel the horse is under a sedative. Ace is also prohibited in most competitions and repeated dosing may increase detection time in horses. A horse that is sedated may appear uninterested in his surroundings and will not be interested in you or what is going on. They may also be slow and unsteady in gait.
Before riding a horse, you will also want to ensure that the horse also not dehydrated. Dehydration may be used as a means of slowing down a horse and may be used in conjunction with medications. Sellers have been known to purposefully dehydrate horses so that they are slower and more lethargic. You can check for dehydration by pinching the skin of the horse. If the skin snaps back quickly, the horse is not dehydrated. If the skin does not snap, the horse may be dehydrated.
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