Buying a Horse: What you need to know

Are you looking to buy a horse? Or maybe you’re just taking lessons but want to plan for the future. What do you look for when buying a new horse?

10 things you need to consider when buying a horse

I have been looking for a horse for quite a few years now (at least 6). I can’t say I’ve been insanely dedicated to it, but I was constantly looking online and on Facebook. I went to look at a few horses a year. None of them were “it”. I was willing to consider an OTTB, a younger untrained horse, or a foal. So I understand the hunt and prioritizing what you are looking for.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 very important factors you need to consider when horse shopping.

Budget

Since this is the Economical Equestrian let’s start by talking about budget for your new horse. Unless you’re one of the lucky few, budget is going to play a really big role in the horse you can and will purchase. Prices will range from free to hundreds of thousands of dollars (ok, millions in some cases).

Never forget that the people who say “there is no such thing as a free horse” — are not wrong!

The ongoing expenses of a horse are likely much larger than purchasing the horse. But you definitely need to consider what you can afford as a purchase price and stick to it. You hopefully already know the day to day costs of horse ownership, but if not, check out this post about how much it costs to own a horse.

If you haven’t yet decided to buy a horse, start saving now by creating a dedicated savings account for your new horse. Setting up a specific and separate savings goal for your horse purchase is a great way to practice saving and be ready to purchase a new horse when the right horse comes along.

Age

Age is important, but don’t be so focused on it that you miss out on a horse slightly outside the date range you were looking for.

Whether you are looking for a baby to mould into your future prospect, or an experienced school master, age matters. Horses are staying sound and happy later and later in life these days, so an older horse shouldn’t be intimidating, but rather should be given respect for everything they know.

Conformation

You will likely find varying opinions on the “best” conformation, and preferred conformation may vary depending on your intended discipline. A few conformation traits I look at includes straight legs, sloping shoulder and a round haunch.

Make sure you set ahead of time what your non-negotiables are for conformation. I would never buy a horse with crooked legs and think they can jump and stay sound for years to come.

If you work with a trainer, they should be able to help you with the best conformation for your discipline and narrow down the search if a horse cannot be used for what you want.

Training

What level of training do you want your new horse to have? Some people enjoy the blank slate of a youngster to take whichever way they want, while others are looking for a finished schoolmaster.

Sit down and think about how much training you are willing to do (or pay for) and it may be helpful to discuss this with your trainer before looking at a horse to purchase.

Breed

Breed may be important to you – certain breeds are *possibly* better at certain disciplines. For example, a well bred Quarter Horse may be better at western pleasure, or a thoroughbred may be better at racing.

If you plan to do grand prix jumping, you don’t want to buy a quarter horse. So you will likely want to get a breed suited to your discipline of choice.

I will say that I believe all breeds of horses CAN do everything, though you want to buy a horse capable of getting you to the levels you want to reach in your desired sport.

Some people are only interested in a certain breed or bloodline and that’s ok too, but you just need to plan ahead so you know what breed to buy.

Sex

While a horse’s sex shouldn’t be the only thing you consider, it may be important for your future plans. If you want to breed you will need a mare or stallion (depending on how that plan looks to you). Some people will not own a mare because they’ve had one with a bad attitude. Others only want a mare because they are able to be bred and they feel the connection is stronger. Whatever that reasoning may be for you, make sure you know why you are deciding on a certain sex and whether it is truly important.

I will tell you that I have been looking since the beginning of my horse search for a filly or mare only. I was obsessed with a filly or mare because of the bond I have with my mare. I adore her to the moon and back and she would do anything for me. But then I realized that was the only reason I wanted a mare/filly was because I wanted a horse just like her. But finding the right horse for me didn’t mean I HAD to go with a mare. I actually ended up being won over by the most adorable colt.

Physical Limitations

Make sure you understand what physical limitations you find acceptable or not. And I always suggest a pre-purchase exam! Especially if you are buying a horse that is older than a foal. Then you will hopefully find out about any limitations they may have. X-rays can also be helpful to give you an idea of what is physically going on with a horse. Have a vet you trust do a pre-purchase exam. If the horse is in another state – I recommend a vet other than the seller’s vet to do your pre-purchase so they go in with an open mind and no pre-conceived notions.

Personality/Temperament

When searching for a horse, their personality and temperament should be forefront when you are meeting horses if this matters to you. If you let them, horses have a large range of personalities and you want to find the one that fits what you want.

Are you looking for a sweet horse who wants your attention every time you walk up to the gate? Maybe you prefer not to cuddle a horse and just want one that will focus on their work? Think about the personality that best fits with yours and make sure you look for that when horse shopping.

When horses are listed for sale online they will often have a scale listed for the temperament of the horse – usually 0-10 with 0 being bombproof and 10 being hot as they come. Understand your limitations and what you want to deal with on a daily basis. Don’t take on more horse than you can handle as you could find yourself avoiding working with the horse if that’s the case.

Color

Is the potential horse’s color important to you? If so, make sure you decide what color (or which colors) are acceptable in your horse search. For some people, color is really important, others, it doesn’t matter.

It could also be important to get a certain color horse if you are looking to breed for specific colors. You’ll need your potential horse to have the genetic potential to produce the color you want.

“The Feeling”

Some of you will know what I am talking about, while some of you may think I’m crazy. I believe there is a feeling you get when you meet “the one”. I felt this with my first horse and the horse I recently purchased. It feels like you cannot be whole without them.

I have spent several years searching for an additional horse since my mare is aging more quickly than I’d like to admit. She made me absolutely obsessed with her when I met her and I couldn’t think of loving another horse like I do her. But I am happy to say that I finally found a colt who made me stop in my tracks and know I had to have him.

I am a strong believer that the right horse will connect with you and make you feel like you cannot go on without them. So trust your gut when horse shopping.