Buying a horse it’s a major step in every equestrian’s life. We most likely start by looking for our favorite coat color or breed. It happens very soon that we fall in love with one of the first horses that matches both of these traits. For professional riders, it may come very naturally to examine also every other physical and emotional aspect of the horse as well as its training level in the specific discipline it will compete.
For those who are experienced riders but still don’t have much knowledge about veterinary aspects or just approached the equestrian world, the ultimate situation you want to end up with is owning a horse that is not compatible with you or with the cares you planned to give him.
For this reason, here’s a checklist to keep in mind to help you find your perfect companion.
Why is the horse for sale? How many owners did he have? Where did he get the horse from?
How old is the horse?
What is the horse’s temperament like?
What work is the horse currently doing? Is it compatible with the activities you plan to do with him?
Has the horse ever had any injuries/illness? It is always advisable to ask a trusted veterinarian to run a general health check on the horse before buying it.
Would you be able to give him all the care he needs (nutrition, veterinary, stable) to continue or improve his current conditions?
Would you class the horse as a novice/experienced ride?
Did you try the horse in both the arena and on a trail?
What is the horse’s normal routine during summer and winter? Does he live in a paddock, alone, with a herd? Do you plan to continue to keep him the same way?
How does the horse behave with other horses, both when ridden and turned out?
Is the horse good to hack out alone and in company? If you are planning to do a lot of trail rides by yourself, make sure you get an experienced horse or a leading one.
Is the horse registered with a breed society or eligible for registration? The price should be reasonably related to the relevance and purity of the breed.
Are tack and rugs included in the price or available for sale? Especially for bits, make sure to check the bit the horse is used to wearing, and start riding him with it before moving to a new shape.
Does the horse have bad habits? Does he kick, bite? Not saying that you shouldn’t buy a horse that bites, but for sure you must consider doing a bit of work on him to make it go away.
Is the horse vaccinated and are these up to date?
