Advice

An older horse, who has seen the world, makes a great first time beginner horse. Beginners might shy away from a horse into their late teens and twenties. But many healthy, sound horses can be ridden well into their senior years.

For many riders owning their own horse is their ultimate dream. However, before buying a horse there are many things that need to be considered very carefully as owning a horse requires a big commitment in terms of time and finances. Finding the right horse to buy can be difficult and care should be taken to ensure that the right decision is made

Don't be afraid to ask the seller for a trial period. Most private owners want their horses to go to good homes, and are confident about the type of person they feel can handle the horse. Some dealers may agree on a trial period, or help you find another horse if the one you are looking at doesn't work out.

Most people who aren't professional trainers or who haven't spent their life with horses don't know how to evaluate a prospect. If you buy a horse based on a 'feeling' or impulse decision you may come home with a horse that doesn't fit your abilities or personality - but by golly, he sure is a pretty color!

Horse ownership is a big responsibility. Horses don't stop eating and drinking on the weekend when you want to go away. The expenses don't stop because you want to spend the money elsewhere, or you've been unable to work. Be honest about the time and money you are able to spend on a horse.

There are even places on the Internet to buy and sell horses. Most people are well intentioned and wouldn't purposely mislead you, but they may not tell you the whole story unless you ask.

Horses are easy to buy and hard to sell. Good horses will sell any time of the year by word of mouth. Bad or even average horses may take years to sell. Screen them out on the phone before you go look at them.