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