Buying your next horse

Finding a new horse is something that, while exciting, can also feel like an overwhelming decision. The financial, emotional and time investment in keeping a horse, let alone purchasing one, is significant, so taking your time to make the right decision for your situation is crucial.

So, how can you go about finding that perfect partner, the horse who’s going to share your life and bring you joy and companionship? The answer lies in meticulous planning and approaching your quest in a cool-headed manner.

Things to consider before starting your search

Even before you start your search, it’s important to look at the fundamentals. Caring for a horse is a big commitment, and understanding the routine costs, as well as budgeting for one-off or unforeseen expenses, is really important. Compare this to your monthly budget, as this will affect the way in which you can keep your horse – for example at grass livery with no facilities, versus part livery on a yard with a floodlit arena –and may therefore also affect the type of horse you choose. A highly strung competition horse may struggle with infrequent work if you’re unable to ride due to lack of daylight in winter, for instance.

Next, consider the practicalities. What other commitments do you have and how will your new horse fit into your current routine? What change can or will you need to make to accommodate day-to-day care, riding or appointments with various professionals, or what extra help will you need to facilitate these?

Next, define your budget for buying your new horse – set a realistic limit and stick to it. However, remember that you may also have some up-front costs, such as tack, rugs and equipment, which could set you back thousands on top of the purchase price.

Deciding on a suitable type of horse

Having satisfied yourself that you’re in a position to proceed, it’s time to think about the type of horse you want. It can be tempting to be caught up in the moment and fall in love with the first horse you see. Similarly, if it’s proving hard to find the right horse, don’t rush into buying something unsuitable simply out of frustration. Consider the following…

1. What do you want to do with your horse? It’s important your new horse has the scope – even if not the proven ability – for what you’re aiming to do together.
2. What height and build would suit you best? Consider your own body type and shape – if you have long legs, a taller horse or one with a larger barrel will take your leg better than a lighter type, or smaller breed.
3. How much time to do you have? If you’re able to commit more time to lessons and training, bringing on a horse will be easier than if you’re short on free time, in which case a more experienced schoolmaster type might give you more joy.
4. Who will be riding and caring for your horse? If someone else will be providing regular riding or care, it’s important to take it into consideration.
5. How experienced are you? Over-horsing yourself is an easy pitfall, and one to be avoided at all costs. A less experienced, or more complicated, horse will not only need more skilled handling and riding, but could easily dent your confidence. If you’re unsure, speak to your instructor who will be able to give you an honest assessment. Equally, if you have the skill to bring on a young or inexperienced horse, your options are more open when shopping.

Starting the search for a new horse

Now you have a good idea of the kind of horse you’re looking for, it’s time to start your search. Check out ads online and in local equestrian stores. It’s also worth spreading the word among horsey friends and your instructor to see if they know of anything suitable.

Next up is that all-important phone call. When speaking to the seller…

• get a feel for them and trust your judgement
• have a consistent list of questions you ask each vendor – this will give you a better all-round idea of the horse, rather than allowing them to give only the information they choose to
• ask for photos and a video of the horse so you can see him in action
• briefly discuss your circumstances with the vendor to see whether they feel that you will potentially be a good match for their horse

Make a checklist of questions for the seller:

• Questions might include level of training and/or competition
• What is the horse like to handle in the stable/leading/when tied up?
• What is the horse like to load and travel?
• What is his trimming/shoeing routine, what shoes does he wear, how does he behave for the farrier?
• What he’s like to clip?
• Have his teeth been regularly checked?
• What is his current routine in terms of management and riding, and why?
• Does he hack alone and in company?
• What’s his veterinary history, including all treatment for non-routine procedures?
• If insured, are there any exclusions on his policy and what are they?
• What tack does he wear and why?
• Is he turned out alone or in company and why?
• Why is the owner selling?
• How long has the horse been with the current owner and what have they done?
• Does the horse have any notifiable vices, eg weaving or crib biting?
• Is the horse known to buck/rear/bite?
• Does he have any special requirements, eg diet, bedding, supplements?

Did you know?

Legally, a seller doesn’t have to divulge negative information to a buyer voluntarily but if you ask a direct question, they must answer it honestly.

Viewing and trying a new horse

If you’re happy with what you’ve heard, arrange to see and try the horse. If possible, take your trainer with you for another pair of eyes, and video the horse being handled, trotted up and ridden. During your visit you should…

• have had an initial overall assessment, including a trot up, checking the horse thoroughly for lumps, bumps and areas of tenderness, paying special attention to the legs and feet
• watch the horse being handled and ask to tack him up yourself
• see the horse ridden first before getting on board, including jumping if the horse has jumped before, whether or not that’s something you think you want to do
• ask to see the horse ridden away from the yard to check he’ll happily leave
• read the horse’s passport carefully not only for the information it contains but to ensure the passport belongs to the animal in front of you

This is also the perfect opportunity to ask more questions. Then, if all seems to be going well, don’t be afraid to request a second viewing, ideally at a different time of day, to do something such as going for a hack, and to see the horse being caught and brought in from the field.

TOP TIP

See the horse load and have his feet handled – or ask if you can do it yourself – as loading and farriery issues are among the most common problems encountered with horses.

Red flags to look out for

The following situations should flash up a warning to tread carefully…

• If a seller tries to pressure you, for example by saying there’s someone else interested
• There’s evidence the horse has already been ridden that day, such as a sweaty saddle area
• The horse seems lethargic or unduly quiet – the horse might have been doped or had water withheld to make him calmer
• The seller seems disinterested in your suitability for the horse – you should expect them to ask you questions, too
• The seller evades your questions, dismisses them or doesn’t know the answers
• You suspect the private seller might be a dealer – you have less protection legally when buying privately
• An older horse is described as having ‘potential’ – unless there’s a good reason, why hasn’t he reached it already?

TOP TIP

Always have a five-stage vetting, with a vet of your choosing, prior to purchase, including bloods. Carefully consider X-rays of the legs, feet and back, which, although seemingly initially expensive, pale in comparison to the cost of dealing with problems down the line.

TOP TIP

Try to attend the vetting if at all possible, so you can discuss with your vet what they see on the day.