| Buying a horse is a big commitment in both time and | | | | If you want to show in hunter/jumper classes, a 16+ |
| money. The emotional energy spent is a large factor | | | | hand horse is necessary to be competitive. However, |
| as well. With so many horses for sale, how do you | | | | if your plans are to learn to jump and go to small local |
| choose? | | | | shows, you'll save money by buying a smaller horse. |
| If you buy a horse before you lay the correct | | | | 6. Decide on the gender of the horse. |
| groundwork, you run the risk of coming home with one | | | | A gelding or a mare should be your only consideration. |
| that isn't suitable for you. At the worst, he could be | | | | A stallion is difficult to handle and can be downright |
| dangerous and at best, you could easily spend a | | | | dangerous even if you are a very experienced rider. |
| thousand dollars or more to get professional trainer to | | | | He isn't suitable unless you're in the breeding business. |
| correct the problems. | | | | Geldings make great riding horses and companions. |
| Make a plan before you look at horses for sale and | | | | Preferably he was gelded before his second birthday |
| do these 10 basic steps first. | | | | so that he never learned stallion behavior. |
| 1. Take riding lessons for at least six months. | | | | Mares sometimes get a bad rap for being difficult |
| Horse riding lessons will teach you the basics of | | | | every time she comes into heat. Perhaps some are, |
| control and the foundation for correct horsemanship. In | | | | but there are many wonderful mares with very stable |
| addition to learning to ride a horse, you'll also learn how | | | | personalities. |
| to safely groom and handle one. You'll establish a | | | | 7. Decide where you will keep your horse. |
| relationship with a professional horse person in your | | | | If you plan to board, check out several boarding |
| area who knows you and who you can turn to for | | | | stables. Your first choice is probably the barn where |
| help if you need it. | | | | you've been taking riding lessons. Look at some others |
| 2. Decide on the type of riding you want to do. | | | | to have for back-up choices and as a general |
| There are many types of horse riding styles. The most | | | | comparison. |
| basic are Western or English. Then you can break | | | | If you plan to keep your horse on your own property, |
| down those two styles into many subcategories. You | | | | be sure to have safe fencing, a solid barn and know |
| don't have to make one choice exclusive of all others. | | | | your time schedule will allow you to feed your horse at |
| Many people enjoy riding both styles and compete in | | | | least twice a day - every day - rain or shine. Find out |
| both. | | | | any local and state liability laws for a horse property |
| Decide if you want a horse to trail ride and just enjoy | | | | before you bring your new horse home. |
| having him or if you want to be competitive and show. | | | | 8. Figure how much you can afford for the initial price |
| 3. Horse's personality | | | | of a horse. |
| The type of personality you want for your horse | | | | The original purchase price of a horse is a large |
| depends a lot on the type of riding you want to do and | | | | upfront expense. Obviously, the more you can afford |
| also your personality. Some riders want a horse with a | | | | to spend on a horse, the more choices you'll have to |
| big engine and a lot of fire. Others like a horse to be | | | | look at when shopping. If you have this money saved |
| quiet and laid back. | | | | up in advance, you'll have better leverage with a seller. |
| It's usually easier to get the laid back one to rev his | | | | If you have to buy your horse on payments, you'll limit |
| engine than to get a hot horse to relax. | | | | your bargaining power and choices because many |
| 4. Decide on what breed of horse you most want. | | | | sellers won't want to take payments. |
| Once you've decided on the type of riding you're | | | | 9. Figure out your monthly expenses. |
| interested in and the type of personality you want your | | | | Monthly expenses include board, lessons and |
| horse to have, the breed choice will become easier. | | | | supplements if you keep your horse at a boarding |
| Some breeds are associated with certain types of | | | | stable. If you keep your horse at home, you'll be buying |
| riding. For instance, a Thoroughbred or Warmblood | | | | feed, hay and stall bedding instead of a board bill. |
| breed are usually thought of for the Hunter/Jumper | | | | There are reoccurring expenses that don't come |
| circuit or dressage. In the past, the Quarter Horse, | | | | every month but still need to be added up for a year's |
| Appaloosas and Paints were thought of for Western | | | | cost and averaged as a monthly expense. These |
| riding. Today, these breeds can successfully compete | | | | include farrier visits, worming, vaccinations and vet care |
| at all levels with the more traditional hunter type horse. | | | | such as floating teeth and a yearly Coggins test. |
| If you want a very smooth ride, look at the gaited | | | | 10. Tack and Supplies |
| breeds such as Missouri Foxtrotters, Tennessee | | | | Purchase the basic supplies before you get your horse |
| Walkers or Paso Finos. | | | | so that you'll be all set when you bring him home. |
| 5. Decide on how big a horse you need. | | | | Brushes, shampoo, liniment, leg wraps, buckets and a |
| If you're looking for a horse for a child, buy a pony that | | | | first aid kit are a good start on supplies to have ready. |
| your child can groom and handle now. A too big horse | | | | An all purpose headstall and a few bits, saddle pads, a |
| is intimidating for a young child to deal with. | | | | saddle, halter and a long lead rope with a stout snap |
| If you're looking for one for yourself, consider the type | | | | are your basic tack supplies. |
| of riding you want to do. Western styles of riding do | | | | If you follow these 10 steps before you begin horse |
| not require a large horse and most of the stock type | | | | shopping, you'll have a clear idea of the horse that will |
| horses can carry a large adult even if the horse is 15 | | | | be the best choice for you when you do begin your |
| hands or smaller. | | | | search. |