How to Buy a Horse

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate: (31 Ratings)

A horse requires tremendous care and commitment, so be sure you're ready to meet the challenges before you buy one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

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

Step1
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.
Step2
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.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.
Step6
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.
Step7
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).
Step8
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.

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.

Comments

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on 6/23/2007 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.

Quatro said

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on 12/20/2006 Picking a horse - It is amazing to me all the experts. First thing, there is no such thing as a Bomb Proof Horse. The only bomb proof horse is a dead one. Secondly there was a comment that the only good horses for Dressage and Hunters were warmbloods. How many of you know that a Quarter Horse is a Warmblood? OH YEA and they are being registered as warmblood stallions by certifying organizations. In a lot of cases it is the conformation, athletic performance and temperament. I agree with a lot of people. Look at performance, ride the horse and make your own decision. But be sensible, do not expect to be in the kentucky Derby with a Quarter Horse but don't rope a cow on a thorobred. 10 years ago a horse trainer and stable owner told me to sell a horse because he was crazy and would not amount to anything. 6 years later I saw that same person at a horse show with my horse that had just become Circuit Champion. In some cases limitations are established on bad advice and ignorance. PS Quarter horses are winning in dressage and hunter. Hmmmmmmm????

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 1. Be sure to research what you want. Depending on what it is you want to do with your horse, select a breed to match. For example, don't by a Warmblood or Thoroughbred if all you want to do is trail riding.

2. Be sure to take along someone who knows a lot about horses, preferably someone who has previously bought a horse.

3. Always get the horse vet checked. The vet is more likely to pick up things you have missed.

4. If the owner of the horse seems really rushed and tries to convince you against a vet check, then chances are there is something wrong with the horse.

5. Ride the horse more than once, and if possible take it on a trial first. About two weeks is long enough to know if you are suited.

6. Try not to buy the first thing you see. Look around and check that it is really the best horse for you.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 Do remember, when seeking advice on your horse, that the people who rush forward with information are not necessarily suitably qualified to comment. With regard to horses and people, it seems that a little knowledge tends to go a long way, so make sure that you find someone who does know what they're talking about.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/29/2006 When you buy a horse make sure that he fits your needs. If you plan on doing dressage, find a horse that has already excelled at this sport. If you plan on endurance riding or trail riding find a horse that is bombproof or isn't spooky to the last gun shot. It will count in the future if you get a horse that has already performed in the sport you're choosing, it will also prevent a lot of injuries and heartbreaks when it comes to selling that beautiful partner you chose for jumping when really the only fences he's seen is the one that keeps him in his pasture.

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eHow Article:  How to Buy a Horse

eHow Pets Editor

eHow Pets Editor

Category: Pets

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