Talking About Buying a Horse

The Top 9 Things to Consider Before You Buy

You love horses and want to have one of your own. Great! Before you make the financial investment, be sure to consider what being a horse owner really means—beyond the romantic fantasy—there is a lot of hard work, time and money that goes into owning a horse.

Your Goals
The first thing you have to know is what your goals are for owning a horse. Do you want a horse for a child? Are you an experienced rider looking for your first horse? Will you be showing the horse?

Evaluate every horse with your goals in mind.

Purchase price
You need to factor in purchase price even though this will actually be one of your smallest expenses in the long run. Don’t buy a horse that you cannot afford… if you are stretched now you will never be able to keep up with the on-going expenses. On the other hand if the horse seems like a real bargain, ask yourself why. I knew of someone was once offered a horse for “a steal”…a warning bell should go off in your head when it sounds "to good to be true". Sure enough, within 6 months the horse had died.

Where will your horse live
It is a romantic notion that you will be able to hop out of bed and take care of your horse, but unless you live on some land, you will probably have to board your horse.

Age of the horse
Young horses require more experienced riders. A sound horse that is older may be the best bet…both from safety and financial perspective. Many horses can be ridden or driven into their late teens and twenties.

Training needs
Does the horse you are considering need training? Training can require months of work and money. Don’t try to save money by purchasing a horse with less than adequate training. That can cost you more money in the long run, will hinder your enjoyment in the short run—and can be down-right dangerous!

Riding style
What kind of rider are you—Western, English, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper? Buying a horse that is trained for your type of riding is critical. You wouldn’t buy a sports car to take your 4 kids to school. Similarly, don’t buy a Hunter/Jumper if you want take to the trails!

Your abilities
Are you a beginning or advanced rider? Are you in good physical condition? Get a horse that is appropriate for your level.

Time Requirements
Your horse has to be fed and watered every day even when you are on vacation or sick. If you board your horse elsewhere, you must still take the responsibility of your horse’s welfare. To be able to ride, you must groom your horse, get the saddle and bridle on, take the tack off when you are done, clean the tack, take care that your horse is cooled down, washed, shoed, etc.

On-going expenses
Veterinary expenses for health maintenance plus when your horse gets ill need to be in your budget. Farrier visits for nail care and shoeing are not optional. Then there is the cost of feed, bedding, tack, training and boarding. And if you plan to show add transporting expenses, show fees, appropriate clothing etc.

By taking these factors into consideration before you buy a horse, you will save yourself a lot of heart ache of buying the wrong horse or buying a horse for the wrong reasons.

Terry
Himalayan Horse Salt

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