Horse Buying Tips

I feel positively like a crusader.

Slightly hysterical, determind, and either really smart or really stupid.
I never can decide.

Gawd, I go back to school soon! *sobs*
On August 15th, the summer is offically OVER. Ovveeeerrrrrrrrrr!
SHOOT.
Hey, at least I finally learned how to jump! HIGH FIVE!

So, I have added a tracking counter so I can count how many days till I get my own horse. That's my personal deadline, people. At least for the money. It's set till my birthday. You can see it under the goals section on the blog if you scroll down a little.
After I get the money, I have to order all the equipment and tack, buy a used Wintec All-Purpose (I LOVE THOSE SADDLES!!!!!!) and *squee* GO HORSE-SHOPPING!!!

Because I will soon (in nearly 7 FREAKIN' WEEKS! EEEK!) be doing this, I thought I'd give y'all some tips. Some may be kinda vauge, so I'll try to go into more detail.

1. Don't trust horsesellers with a twinkle in their eye. And they all do. What I'm saying is to be a bit wary. Even if they have the best of intentions, you do not want to get cheated. Most sellers just want to sell the horse. I'm not saying that most sellers are dishonest (but some are!) but their goal is to sell that horse. Sellers aim to present the horse in the best light. Some want to sell you a horse that is compatiable with you, but some also just want to dump a horse with you. When you arrive, catch the horse yourself, groom him and tack up. Then have the owner ride first to judge the horse. You don't want to hop on a horse you don't know owned by people you don't know before you make sure it's not too much horse for you. It sucks getting thrown! Make sure to always ask good questions and judge the horse as you see fit - or bring along a more experienced rider or friend. Your riding instructor, for example, can help you with this.

2. Make sure to always have a pre-purchase vet exam. You do not, not, not - I stress not - want to buy a horse that has medical issues far beyond your expenses or capabilites. You may be able to handle arthitis or founder, but a horse with heaves may be out of your limits. It's good to have an exam - you can't go wrong with one! ;) Even if everything is fine, it's an assurance to make sure you have the best horse for you. If the vet does discover a problem, the exam can save you hurt, frustration and money in the future.

3. Check out his conformation! A horse with good conformation has balance, symmetry and proportion. No single feature appears exaggerated or deficient. He should be naturally balanced, be able to perform athletically and can safely carry a rider. A horse with good confo is less likely to be injured, or aquire chronic conditions because his body works in harmony. So, basically, do not buy a horse that looks like Frankinstein.
Ideal conformation is usually breed specific. If you're interested in a certian breed, do some research on what attributes are desirable and preferred to your breed of choice.
Some conformation goes for all horses. Their body should be able to be divided into thirds - haunch, middle and neck. They should have nice, straight legs and flat knees. No behind the knee or knock-kneed horses! They should have a reasonable back, good hindquarters, and a good shoulder is preferred. And those are just the very, very basics. Try to train your eyes. Do good research! Conformation is important.

4. Don't settle. When you pick out a horse, stick to your list! Don't compromise on the important factors! Also, don't buy the very first horse you see. Go out, look at at least two more horses. If the first is *the one* then go for it! Just make sure not to setttle.

5. Be smart. No impulse buys, no buying a horse that wants to kill you, try not to ride on emotions when you look (pun intended) and stick to your buget.
6. Don't buy a horse you can't control. You would think this is very basic, but you'd be surprised how often this happens. As a general rule, don't buy a super green horse unless you have several years experince and a good mentor, and don't buy a horse that scares you. If you're a beginner, look for a horse that has more experience than you, and if you're advanced, the horse world is your oyster.

7.  Never, ever buy unseen. Besides missing out on all the fun of visiting new stables and trying horses, it's also very unpractical and can be dangerous. You could get scammed, or find out the horse is 20 years older than his advertised age, or that he's not a match for you, too much or too little of a horse, doesn't know how to be ridden, or whatnot. I have a friend who did this, and it worked for her - but you may not hit the pony jackpot. If you're buying a horse as a gift, just give the person a first-horse owner guide and a check.

8. Don't turn down a senior! Oldies make great horses, and can do jobs well into their 20's. Just because he isn't fancy and young doesn't make him an awesome horse. Maybe a little extra vet care, less rigourous riding, and some supplements are a good idea to make him comfortable and happy.

9. Have a list. And, as said before, STICK TO IT. State what you like, need or want, and what you're willing to compromise on. This is pretty important to be sure you don't go looking for a hunter/jumper, and end up with a green barrel horse. "But mom! He can be retrained!"

10. GET A WRITTEN AGREEMENT! Get all your proper documents in order - expecially your bill of sale. If you're going to take the horse on trial, get a written agreement. For anything, get a written agreement describing the terms of sale and on what you can return the horse. Otherwise, you could end up with a horse you don't want and a seller who doesn't want him back.


- Abbi