| The time has come and you are finally ready | | | | The right breed, or range of breeds, is |
| to go out and buy a horse of your own. But | | | | another important consideration. Some |
| how do you know what to look for? It might | | | | disciplines are very specific to certain |
| seem simple at first to state what the | | | | breeds or horses. Others are more flexible. |
| perfect horse would be, but is it a realistic | | | | Consider what you plan to do with your horse, |
| possibility? | | | | and choose a range of breeds that will work |
| | | | for your needs. Sometimes the best horse may |
| When looking for your first horse, you need | | | | not be your favorite breed, but once again, |
| to be brutally honest about what you need. | | | | this will give you somewhere to start. |
| This may not be easy, so be sure to set aside | | | | |
| any preconceptions you have about finding | | | | Once you have an idea of what you want, you |
| your equine soul-mate and start from the | | | | need to decide what aspects are most |
| beginning. | | | | important to you. All too often buyers spend |
| | | | years searching for the right horse because |
| First of all, consider your riding ability. | | | | they are too rigid in their criteria, often |
| Have you primarily ridden in lessons, or at a | | | | passing up horses who may be perfect for |
| trail barn? If this is the case, you will | | | | their needs because the horse is the wrong |
| need to find a well-trained horse that will | | | | color, or is a few years too old, or isn't |
| not need a lot of extra training to get where | | | | quite as tall as they want. |
| you need it to be. If you are more | | | | |
| experienced, keep in mind that it is easy to | | | | Finally, when you have all your criteria in |
| become overfaced, so always look for a horse | | | | mind, consider price. While there are many |
| that you are comfortable with right now, not | | | | deals to be found, often what you get is what |
| one that will be right for you some day in | | | | you pay for. Pick an upper limit, and look |
| the future. You can always upgrade if you | | | | around to see what you can find that suits |
| need to. | | | | your needs. If nothing seems to be suited, |
| | | | you may have set your upper limit too low, |
| What does your ideal horse look like? While | | | | and should save up for a while before |
| this may be one of the least important | | | | continuing your search. |
| aspects of buying your horse, it can be a | | | | |
| great way to start narrowing down the field. | | | | Take your time to find the right horse, but |
| Pick a size of horse that suits your build. | | | | when you find something suitable, be aware |
| If you are barely over 5' tall, you don't | | | | that horse sales are first-come, |
| need a 17hh horse. Likewise, if you are over | | | | first-served. Don't be afraid to place a |
| 6' tall, a 15hh horse would look a bit silly. | | | | deposit if the horse seems to be just what |
| A stocky horse is better suited for a larger | | | | you are looking for. Sometimes it is better |
| boned individual, while someone fine, would | | | | to risk losing a few dollars, than to lose |
| look better on a fine-boned horse. | | | | the horse than was just right for your needs. |
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