Buying your first horse? Best tips!

Buying your first own horse can be very scary and intimidating. Maybe you've already been riding at a riding school or leased a horse for a few years, and now you think it's about time you buy one of your own - this is a very exciting. However, if you don't know where to start, it can seem like a lot of work.

Though there are many things involved in the process of buying your first horse, this can be so much fun. In this article, we'll look at the most important things you should consider when buying your very own equine friend.

Consider finances and time

Let's face it - keeping a horse is expensive. Whether you have your own barn or you put your horse in a boarding barn, it's going to cost you. You should also take into account feeding costs, farrier, vet bills and the cost of tack.

After careful calculations, if you're sure that you can afford a horse and that you have enough time for one, start looking!

Make a list

When you're buying your first horse, it's important to buy one that's old and experienced enough for you. Though buying a young horse can seem tempting, youngsters are often much more difficult to handle and train, if you don't have the experience.

In addition to experience and age, you should consider what breed you'd like to buy. Warmbloods are usually great for showing in showjumping and dressage. On the other hand, quarter horses can be excellent for trail riding and western and ponies are a great choice for children.

Make sure to take your trainer with you, when you go test-ride your prospective horse. Your trainer will be able to look at the horse and tell whether or not he or she will be suitable for you.

Buy the tack

Your horse is going to need many, many things! You should buy at least the following things:

• Saddle
• Bridle
• Safety stirrups
• Brushes
• Blankets
• Boots

This can get to be pretty expensive, but you can always look for used tack online and save a good few thousand dollars (or euros).

Ask your trainer

Your trainer will be able to help you with everything you need. If you don't know an answer to something, be brave and ask! The more questions you ask, the more you'll learn.

Conclusion

Buying your first horse is a very exciting journey. However, there are so many things that can go wrong and make the fun experience into a terrible one. So when you're looking for your equine friend, take your trainer with you and ask for advice.