The Do’s & Don’t’s of Horse Shopping: Finding Your Perfect Equine Partner As You Start Riding

7 yr. old registered Quarter Horse mare. Chestnut. 

Used as a trail horse. Hasn’t been ridden in a year.

Sound. No issues.

I couldn’t begin to count how many ads like this that I’ve read in my horse-crazy years (a phase that I’ve never grown out of!). And as I looked through the pictures of each one, I’d think, “Oh, this one is perfect!” I didn’t have a lot of horsey people in my life, so I didn’t receive the rundown of what steps I should take when buying my first horse. I was enthusiastic, but not well prepared.

I think I broke just about every rule in the book when buying my first horse, Cutter. Did I still end up with a horse I totally love? Yes. But it was a long and often painful journey that nearly got me seriously injured. Thankfully, when my second horse came along, we had friends who knew horses and led us to the perfect horse, Dolly! 

So here are the lessons for what to do and not do that I’ve learned to always apply when horse shopping.

Do Your Research:

When the time finally comes to get your own horse (or even if you’re still in the ‘someday’ shopping) it’s super easy to get caught up in the thrill of it. But it’s important to take time to do your research. Calculate the costs and time commitment that owning a horse will require. Look into all that you’ll need for a horse's care - feed, tack, blankets, and more. Be fully aware of what owning a horse means. Look into the characteristics of different breeds, because while we all have a dream horse in mind, what we need is often different than our wants.

Don’t Buy Sight Unseen:

With horses for sale all over the internet, it’s unbelievably easy to be tempted to just send over the money; but don’t do it! Not only to risk the chance of being scammed (very common) but you could end up buying a horse that doesn’t suit your needs. Pictures and videos are great, but they will never be enough. So, what do you do if you’ve done all the research and truly believe this horse meets all the requirements but can’t see it in person? Have a trusted horsey friend or a trainer, who knows your needs and abilities, go see the horse. If that’s not an option, then move on. It’s just not worth the risks.

Do Bring Someone with You:

Always take someone with you when looking at a horse for sale. Not just anyone, but someone who has a good understanding and history with horses and who knows how you ride. Why? It’s easy to be dazzled by a horse’s beauty or ability or price and then overlook that this is too much horse for you, or that it has a stable vice that could cause serious problems in the future. They can also help spot any foul play from a less-than-honest seller. You will never go wrong with a second set of eyes.

Don’t Buy Young or Untrained:

I’ve experienced this one! A young, or newly-trained horse paired with a new rider is the recipe for disaster. If you’re new to riding, I’ve found it’s good to have a horse no younger than 5; if it is over 12, that’s even better. Horses, like people, mature with age and will usually be more pleasant to ride as they get older. If the horse is untrained or if the ad calls it ‘green-broke’, just keep looking. If you buy a horse at this stage, even if you’re more experienced, you’ll find yourself doing hours of (possibly painful) training confined to the round pen when you could’ve been out having fun trail riding or competing.

Do Ride and See Ridden:

Never, but never buy a horse you haven’t seen someone ride and haven’t ridden yourself. Be there to see the horse groomed and saddled. Have the owner ride first and observe how the horse acts. Only then should you or your trusted horse person get on to ride. Any seller can tell you that a horse is sound (healthy) and seasoned (experienced), but you need to listen to the horse. It won’t lie to you. Get the feel of the horse: does it respond well; are you able to sync with it; does it move smoothly? Also, be aware of red flags: such as a sweaty horse when you arrive, or a horse that’s slow in responding or appears to be drugged - all are ways unscrupulous sellers cover major issues. It unfortunately happens more often than you’d think.

Don’t Feel Pressured:

“Well, he may be sold by then…” You will hear this from sellers. But no matter what, don’t give in to the ‘buy-it-now ’ pressure. In general, you shouldn’t buy the first horse you look at; you may end up getting it, but try out several others as well, so you can honestly compare them. Picking out a horse of your own, especially your first, should never be rushed. You have much to consider and prepare, whether you’ll be boarding the horse or have it at home with you. Always be able to step away to think. And trust that the right horse for you will be there when the time is right. 

Do Have a Vet Check:

When you feel like you’ve found the right one, or even narrowed it down to a couple, it’s time to set up a time for a pre-purchase exam. If a seller balks at the idea of it, move on; they're hiding something. Find a vet who knows horses; they will be able to find things you’d not even know to look for in a horse. Yes, it’s an added expense, but it will give you great peace of mind knowing that you’ve not only found your dream horse, but you’re also certain that he’s healthy!

Following these tips will help you have a successful and pleasant horse-shopping experience! 

Remember, that when it comes down to it, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is; if something feels right, take that next step!

And also:

Don't forget to enjoy the beauty of the journey.

And do have fun along the way!