Buying a Horse: Some Common Mistakes

It is important when buying a horse that you choose one fit for your needs. It is no good buying an experienced thoroughbred horse if you just want to ride on weekends or if you are a beginner. Choosing a horse that is unsuitable may take the fun and excitement out of horse riding and may make it dangerous and unenjoyable. So what mistakes should you avoid when choosing your horse?

Choosing an Untrained Horse

This is something that is, unfortunately, seen regularly by experienced horsemen and horsewomen. As it is often the case that untrained horses are cheaper, many untrained riders will decide to buy untrained horses. Training a horse is only really suitable for extremely experienced, professional trainers, so don’t buy a horse thinking that you can train it yourself as it can be incredibly dangerous if it is done incorrectly. If you want to buy a horse that you can start riding right away, choose one that is fully trained. You will be happy that you did.

Only Choosing a Young Horse

Many people think that by choosing a young horse, you will get more years of enjoyment out of it and it will be easier to ride. This is often not the case. A horse that is slightly older and who has more experience often makes for an excellent beginner horse. Many horses are able to be ridden well into their senior years, and, in fact, light exercise may even be beneficial to them. So don’t dismiss the older horses without finding out a bit more about them first.

Certain breeds are also better for beginners; something colder-blooded such as a quarter horses may suit a beginner. However, some breeds are more suited for experienced riders, so if you are looking for something hot-blooded, there are many Arabian horses for sale that may fit the bill.

Buying a Young Horse for a Young Rider

Again, thinking that a young horse is the perfect match for a young rider is most likely not the case. It is another example of mixing the untrained with the inexperienced. If your child is a beginner, then it is best to pair them with a mature, well-trained horse that they are able to ride as soon as you bring it home. An older, well-trained horse will be able to handle itself in a variety of situations which its beginner rider may not be confident in. So if you are hoping to teach your kids to ride, then an older horse will help them to learn safely and enjoyably.

Buying a Horse on Impulse

This one is simple. Do not buy your horse on an impulse. This also includes buying your horse at an auction (unless this is something that you have a great deal of experience with) as many horses can appear calm and relaxed when they are really frozen, confused, or drugged. It is important that you are able to take the horse out a number of times and ask any questions that you may have. It is also important that you can compare the horse with others to ensure that you are choosing correctly.