How to Buy a Horse
A horse requires tremendous care and commitment, so be sure you're ready to meet the challenges before you buy one.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Feed/water Buckets
- Hoof Picks
- Horse Vaccinations
- Grain/oats
- Horse Illustrated Magazine
- National Horse Magazines
- Horses
- 8-foot Lead Rope
- English Saddle
- Western Saddles
- Bridles
- Horse Comb/brush Set
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1
Check auctions, horse farms or classified ads in the newspaper for horses for sale. Talk to local veterinarians. Or call your humane officer, who will always know of an unwanted horse in need of a good home.
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2
Become familiar with horses before you put any money down. Go to horse auctions, visit local horse barns, read books about horses or explore a few horse Web sites.
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3
Get some expert advice. It is difficult to pick out a sound horse with a good temperament unless you have a great deal of experience in dealing with the animals.
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4
Check to see that the horse you intend to buy does not have badly cracked or deformed hooves, a runny nose or runny eyes. Also make sure it does not appear lethargic.
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5
Ask a horse veterinarian to examine the horse you've selected. This is the best way to ensure that you're buying a healthy horse.
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6
Consider the rider's size. If the horse is for a child or a short woman, choose a shorter breed, such as a Paint or a smaller Arabian. If this horse will be ridden by a tall or athletic person, you might opt for a quarter horse.
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7
Purchase a horse that's appropriate for the skill level of the rider. If you're a novice, don't buy a thoroughbred, a stallion or a skitterish, untrained horse. Warm-blooded breeds like thorughbreds are generally more high-strung, while cold-bloodeds are more docile. Neutered males (geldings) tend to be easier to train than females (mares).
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8
Expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000 for an 8-year-old unregistered quarter horse. The cost for a horse will vary in different parts of the country and depending on whether the horse is trained or untrained.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Think about your riding interests. If you want to spend most of your time walking and trotting, a Tennessee Walker offers a smooth, steady ride. If you want to barrel ride, consider a quarter horse. If you want to trail ride, consider a Morgan or Arabian.
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Comments
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Trelake L.
Aug 22, 2009
This article and laughable and makes horse ownership look simple. Do you have any idea how many horses end up in slaughterhouses because of naive firt time horse owners/breeders? -
Beadbug
Aug 25, 2008
Oops! I ment herd not heard! Sorry, and I have owned not owner, I was at a different computer and distracted by my Grand darlings! Also your list of things you need barley begins to scratch the surface! What happened to a Trailer! A Lunge Line, a Lunge whip Not to be used as a whepon, but as a training aid? What about Blankets? There's Saddle, Coolers, Winter and even Sheets! Then there are splint boots (I find these are very valuable must haves for any horse owner), shipping boots, leg wraps, vet wrap/tape...there are lotions potions and shampoo's to many to mention...so you see, you need to give your article as much thought as you would a paper for a class assignment, which by the way is exactly, the age group I would guess you'r in. That's not saying its a bad thing, its just I reccommend much more of an indept study of your subject next time. Tally-ho and all that. I should
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Beadbug
Aug 25, 2008
I have to agree with the other authors on your article. It sound as if to you took your advice by reading up on horse ownership without much in the way of practical know how. I maybe wrong, I am by fardnot an expert, but I do have 45 years experience and learned to ride from the ground up, on a draft horse team taking them back to the barn at noon meal time. I have owner Quarter Horses, Appy's, TB's Ponies, Arabians, Saddlebreds and more than I can recall...I have even had the great pleasure of being around Peruvian Paso's. I also am continualy amazed by my "heard" and am always learning something new from them.
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Beadbug
Aug 25, 2008
I have to agree with the other authors on your article. It sound as if to you took your advice by reading up on horse ownership without much in the way of practical know how. I maybe wrong, I am by fardnot an expert, but I do have 45 years experience and learned to ride from the ground up, on a draft horse team taking them back to the barn at noon meal time. I have owner Quarter Horses, Appy's, TB's Ponies, Arabians, Saddlebreds and more than I can recall...I have even had the great pleasure of being around Peruvian Paso's. I also am continualy amazed by my "heard" and am always learning something new from them.
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GoldenHorseRch
Jun 23, 2007
START AT THE BEGINNING. The beginning is NOT in the saddle.This is not a motorcycle.A horse is a living,breathing,thinking,being. Learn HORSEMANSHIP first before riding.Learn how a horse thinks,acts,responds, and how to become the herd leader before you even consider buying a horse. We have heard many a horror story from folks who underestimate the responsibility that the rider has in this relationship. You cannot rely on the horse to do it all. After all, is he as smart as you are? The beginning is learning what a horse IS, not how to ride it. Please, be safe and smart, protect yourself and your loved ones. THEN enjoy the many wonders that horse ownership brings.
