What an exciting time! Horse shopping is an experience you won’t forget. From the highs to the lows, this adventure has one end goal- to help you get the horse of your dreams. Whether this is your first horse or you’re a pro, these tips will go a long way.
The Dos of Horse Shopping
- Create a checklist of desirable qualities in your future mount
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Ask lots of question before you make an appointment
- Bring an experienced horse person along with you
- Save money for a pre-purchase exam
- Ride/try the horse more than once
- Watch them in the field and stall
- Ask for vet, de-worming, and farrier records
- Check papers if buying a registered animal
- Evaluate their potential in your chosen discipline
- Be honest about your experience and abilities
- Watch the horse be groomed and tacked up
- Take your own pictures/video to help in the decision-making process
- Research the seller or breeder
The Don’ts of Buying
- Buy sight unseen
- Select a young, untrained horse if you’re a beginner
- Attend an auction without experience
- Limit yourself to a certain color or breed
- Believe everything the seller says
- Get pressured or pursued into buying a horse you don’t want
- Only try one horse out
- Ignore the advice of your trainer
- Look at horses over your budget
- Waste the time of sellers
- Buy without a bill of sale
Depending on your experience, the best thing you can do is enlist the help of your trainer or a trustworthy horse friend. They will be able to guide you through the process and help your find your perfect riding partner.
Take a look at 20 Questions To Ask When Buying A Horse before you make an in-person appointment.
