Your first horse
You’ve decided to buy a horse. Unfortunately there are no horse department stores and those classified ads are confusing. How do you go about finding the perfect horse? We have tried to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contact highcountrystables@gmail.com with further questions or let us help you find your perfect first horse. If you are seriously looking and are wanting a horse as a Christmas present we are offering a special for the month of December.
It's all about respect and trust!
| Board your horse with us before the first of the year and we will provide one month of training free. (Requires 6 month full board contract) |
How old should your first horse be?
There are good reasons for buying an older horse. It’s tempting to want a young horse because you think you might bond with it if you train it, or so the kids can grow up with it. But that’s a bad idea. Even an 18 or 20 year old horse can have 5 good years of use with proper care (and ponies even longer).
Five years is a long time, and your interests can change. The horse you bought because you wanted a trail horse is no longer suitable because now you want to learn dressage. Or in five years your life might change dramatically and you no longer have time to ride four nights a week and can only ride a few times a month. Buy a horse that you can get on and enjoy right now, even if it is an older horse.
Young horses are often less steady, and have less training and experience. Their reactions are not as predictable as an older ‘been there, done that’ horse. Young horses need riders or drivers who can foresee problems before they begin. Beginning riders rarely have the foresight or knowledge it requires to deal with a young horse safely.
Some older horses may have physical conditions that require extra care. But as long as the horse can be maintained so it is comfortable and the treatment isn’t draining your bank account you may decide the extra effort is worth it. The pre-purchase exam should reveal what is entailed in maintaining any horse with any unsoundness.
What is the best breed and sex?
While some breeds may be more suitable than others for a beginner rider there are always exceptions to the rule. Quarter Horses often make great beginner horses because of their even temperament, but some can be quite “hot” or energetic for a beginner. Arabians are reputedly hot. But many are quiet and trustworthy. So there is no right or wrong breed for a beginner. The individual temperament of the horse and its training are more important than its pedigree.
Many new owners like draft crosses and draft breeds. These horses often have a quiet demeanor that beginners and some older riders enjoy. The downside of drafts and draft crosses is their size. Sometimes saddle fit and tack sizing can be difficult. For a rider with shorter legs or decreased flexibility just getting on and sitting on the horse can be a challenge. The larger the horse the larger the feed bill as well.
Many new owners and riders are attracted to gaited breeds like Kentucky Mountain Horses and Icelandic Horses. These horses are bred for good temperaments and hardiness. But again, much depends on individual temperament and training.
Geldings are preferred over mares,
Make her first horse something she will always remember.
What Should I Know About Soundness?
Ideally you should buy a horse that is in perfect health and soundness. But many horses have slight unsoundnesses. Should you buy it anyway? That will depend on your goals. Many horses are retired from competitive sports because of a slight soundness (health) issue that would get worse with the workload. With light riding the soundness issue may not be as important and vet will tell you there is no perfectly sound horse.
Side bones, slight joint degeneration, or a bowed tendon might mean the end of an intense cross country or race career but would not be a problem for light showing on the flat and trail riding. As long as you are willing to consider the needs of a horse with a slight problem these horses have a lot to teach a new rider in exchange for a little extra care. This is where a prepurchase exam is useful. A veterinarian should be able to give you an idea of the capabilities of the horse you are considering. If the problem is small perhaps regular exercise or treatment may be all it takes to keep your horse comfortable and useful. Of course, you don’t want to end up riding a horse who has a chronic condition that causes it constant pain. That is unfair to the horse and will be hard on both your heart and purse strings. Be sure to bring in a vet that is not connected with the person/farm who owns the horse. If possible take a trainer or person who has “horse sense” with you and let them play devils advocate.
How much will it cost to keep a horse?
Look ahead and research all costs involved with owning a horse. To board a horse at a facility can run anywhere from $80.00 a month for pasture board to $500.00 a month full board. Most pasture boards require you, as the owner, to buy the grain and hay and feed the horse twice and day. There may or may not be a riding ring on the property and the owners do not always live on site, a draw back to many horse owners.
Look for a facility to meet your needs. If you are interested in trail riding find a barn that has access to trails. If you are wanting lessons and to show look for a barn with a trainer who teaches the discipline you are wanting to learn. Make sure any stables is clean, kid friendly with well cared pastures and fences.
Other cost will be farrier, shoes for your horse, vet bills, yearly shots and coggins. Does your horse need vitamins or other supplements? Will you have to buy tack for your horse, saddle, bridle, halter, boots?