So, you are looking into buying a horse? Well, there are a couple of things that you need to be aware of first, since buying a horse is in many ways like buying a used car – it takes a lot of research to be able to correctly assess if the horse in question is the right one for you, as well as some experience and smart buying strategies in order to buy the horse that is right for you. Also, some preparation needs to be done beforehand in order to be sure that you accommodate the horse the right way.
All of that being said, if you are inexperienced and this is your first horse, don’t worry – in this article, we are going to tell you everything that you need to know!
First things first
Now before we get to the practical tips – it’s important for you to understand that buying a horse is not something that you should do impulsively. A lot of thinking and planning needs to be done first, and as much as horses themselves are lovely, not everyone should really own one. And we’re not even talking about random people – not even every horse lover should actually own a horse.
So, before opting for buying one, you want to make sure that you are able to provide everything that is necessary and are committed to doing so long term. Horses are a huge time commitment, as well as a huge emotional and financial commitment, and if you are okay with that – let’s proceed to the practical tips.
Necessary purchases beforehand
There are a lot of things that are in some way connected to different aspects of horse maintenance, but let’s talk about the most important things. One of the most basic things is a halter and lead rope. Secondly, you should buy a grooming kit, and this kit should consist of everything necessary in order to maintain your horse’s hives and main. So, different brushes for different purposes, as well as hove pick and different products that go on your horse’s hooves in order to keep them strong and healthy.
Accommodating the horse
Quite obviously, keeping a horse means that you need to have a place where you can accommodate it, so you need a shed. Keeping horses from the weather conditions such as snow, rain, extreme heat and hail will benefit not only your horse’s health, but ultimately your ability to train, ride, compete on and enjoy your horse as well. That being said, the most important purpose of a shed is protection, but as experts from designersheds.com.au point out, there are many different ways to go when it comes to building a shed. It’s really up to you, your preferences and the space you have, so, time to get creative!
Deciding what horse do you need
It’s extremely important for you to be clear on what purposes you are buying the horse for, as well as the type and temperament you require for those purposes. So, be honest with yourself about your ability and how much time you have to invest in the horse and your skills on how to ride the horse.
We can’t stress how important this is, for the reason that so many people make the mistake of buying a horse that is just too much for them. If you are a beginner, a young, untrained horse will probably be hard to handle. That being said, sometimes, an older schoolmaster type would be better, however much you want a four-year-old.
Try the horse before buying it!
We have already stressed how big of a commitment buying a horse really is, so, don’t rush into purchasing before trying the horse first. It’s really important to try the horse as many times as you need, do not be rushed. If possible, it would be best if you were able to take the horse on trial for a week. Be sure to ask your seller about this, since it could offer you a lot more time to assess it.
Have the horse vetted
Vetting is basically a series of different medical checks that a vet will carry out in order to ensure that the horse is fit for its purpose. Not only is it practical to do so, so that you know that you are buying a healthy horse, but it can also save considerable heartache and expense in the long run.
To sum things up
In the end, it all comes down to research and commitment. And now that you have gotten to the end of this article, you are aware of the most important aspects that need to be considered beforehand, so – if you are ready to buy a horse and are able to provide everything that is necessary, go for it!
