When you go to meet a horse, if the owner isn’t prepared to ride that horse, this is definitely a red flag. ![]() My friend took her on and she has a wonderful life. At the time I didn’t know enough to truly help her. It actually meant she knew pretty much nothing. She was GREEN broken and I thought that just meant she was just a little underexposed. Perhaps said trainer might also offer some advice about how you and this horse would move forward together with a training program. It is also a great idea to take a trainer with you to see if they can assess what kind of training the horse has had and if you are a match when it comes to education and experience. You won’t always get the truth, but can’t hurt to try. After all, it can’t tell you! Has it had injuries in the past? What are its feet and teeth like? How much bodywork and feed does it require? Just some of these smaller questions start to build us a bigger picture. What is its history?Īsk a lot of questions! It’s the only way to learn more about the horse and what kind of life it has lead. They corrected his fear of saddles and none of my horses ever had that issue again. What a find!Īll jokes aside I loved this horse and he led me to Natural Horseman Saddles. Reared when he was saddled, and didn’t float. See if the seller is willing to bring it to your property…better still, ask if you can somehow do a trial for a week or so? Paperwork and contracts may need to be done in this instance, but it pays to really investigate their nature on and off their home turf. What you’re really wanting to know is how does this horse behave when outside its normal surroundings? The only way to tell is to take it of the property. Their usual paddock mates are nearby, their sounds and sights are familiar. When we go and see horses for sale, we often head to their familiar world. Don’t risk it! Some horse brokers will assist in locating horses outside your area on your behalf, however find one you trust and who really knows what you need. ![]() While most horse sellers are honest, we know for a fact there are some who aren’t. Don’t fall into the trap of buying sight unseen. Meeting/seeing a horse in person is the only true way to know what you’re getting. Usually, this isn’t the case! In fact I highly doubt they offer click and collect anywhere when it comes to horses. In the days of e-commerce, it’s lovely to think horses may be among those things we could simply search and add to our carts. He was a beautiful Thoroughbred, but I was in way over my head.Ĭan we say hospital visit anyone? Where is the horse located? That may be so, but are you that rider? Be honest with yourself. Rarely will you read ‘this horse is a death trap waiting to happen’… More likely it will say ‘this horse needs an experienced rider who is willing to put in the work’. Remember, the seller will want to paint as good a picture as possible about the horse. ![]() It took me awhile to realise that ads are written to SELL something and not always forthcoming with the truth. When it comes to horses there are a lots of things to consider and definitely your skill level is one of them! You need to be realistic as to your own ability while you’re scanning those classifieds (or the magazine ‘HORSE DEALS‘ where I come from in Australia). Here is a quick checklist! Where are you at as a rider? What color do you love? What breed? Gelding, Mare…?Īs fun as it is, there are lots of things to think about before taking the plunge and handing over your money. If you’re looking to buy your first horse, congratulations! It’s an exciting time. My PONY doesn’t count as my first horse right? ‘Thunder’ was from the riding school I went to and I knew this little man was a true gentleman when we purchased him. It would have saved some heartache and drama for sure! And if I had my time again… These are tips I’d give myself. Honestly? It is fair to say I’ve had enough experience buying the wrong horse/s that I felt more qualified to comment on what NOT to do! In fact, I made mistakes on my first, second and third horses truth be known. Australian Team Member of Natural Horseman Saddles Things to consider when buying your first horse…
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