I might be buying a horse soon -- what are some things....?

Question

that I need to ask the current owners and things on the horse that I need to examine. I don't really know anybody that is really experienced with horses (my aunt-- but she lives in another state). So I don't have anybody to look at the horse with me. I used to take riding lessons (for 9 months twice a week) but that was 2 years ago.

PLEASE NO JOKES -- MAKE THE ANSWER AS LONG AS YOU WANT -- DON'T RUSH -- I WANT A GOOD ANSWER, PLEASE!!!

Answer 1

Don't let these people who say you should not get a horse get to you. Everybody who has horses now had to have alot of help with their first one. Some things you should think about. Where do you plan to keep it? If the answer is on your own property, may I suggest you find a willing "horse buddy" near you who can help you set up a safe environment for your new horse and help with the four thousand hands on questions you are going to have once you get it home. Find out who the local vet is that treats horses and pay him or her a visit. Most vets will be glad to put you in touch with other horse owners in the area. Also, try your county extension office for more leads. Local rescue groups will be glad to share knowledge in return for some of your time helping out.(and you might find your first horse as a bonus) If you plan to board your horse with someone else, decide what facility you want to use first. Find out where your local feed stores and tack stores are and visit them. Most have bulletin boards which will give you a wealth of contacts, and may let you put up a notice. As far as choosing your first horse...DO NOT BUY A YOUNG HORSE. You are essentially a begginer and you need an animal that can educate and take care of you, not take advantage of you. Do your homework on who you are buying the horse from. I hate to say it but there are alot of sellers out there that could not care less about either yours or the horses welfare, they just want the money. Again, talk to the vet, feed store operator etc. Another good way to meet people is to go to a few local horse shows of the disipline of your choice. Even if you only want to "trail ride" this is a good way to meet people. Most horse people are more than happy to help someone get started. Start taking lessons again if you can and tell your instructor your plans. He or she should be your best advisor. Read...Read....Read..everything you can get your hands on about the care of horses. They are very complicated and fragile animals and require a serious commitment of both time and money, oh yes, lots of money. Finally, don't get in a hurry. I know the temptation is great, but take your time and do your homework first, you really will be glad you did.

Answer 2

Find a trainer who you'd like to work with, take a few lessons so they can determine your skill level. They may have horses for sale that would be a good match for you, or know of others to look at. Perhaps try a lease first. If you are fairly new to horses (and it sounds like you are), this is a great alternative to having your "own" horse, but still learning what to do!

When looking at a horse, aso have your new trainer rider it. See if you can take it on a 2 week (a least) trial, if really interested. Then, you'll go thru the pre-purchase exam with your vet. You pay them to find things--so don't be worried if the report says "slight ringbone", or "possible navicular"--these are just precautions, and would only be if the conditions are right. But, you'll know that they will possibly show up down the road. Also, ask questions during this process!

Answer 3

There is some great advice up there for you, but I thought I might suggest doing something with horses before you buy one. I realise that you have had lessons, but there are many facets that only experience can teach you. I would suggest leasing a horse before you buy it, that way if you feel like you're getting in over your head you can hand the horse back, with no harm done. Another thing would be to volunteer at stables or something. Stablehands are always needed, and that way you'll learn about what it means to own a horse, and how to spot various problems that you might face when you own one yourself. I found getting into that scene invaluable, it's a great way to meet horsey people, without having to fork out too much money, and the wealth of information is worth it.

short of that- get a vet check- a vet will tell you of any physical problems present or future , make sure that you can handle the horse with ease, and ride it comfortably, don't hop on first-get the owner to ride it first, ask what it gets fed daily and what conditions it is accustomed to ( temperature wise- is it rugged?) (so you don't change it's diet or conditions too quickly- this can increase the risk of illness). Find out as much history as you can (preferably phone numbers for reference), and don't buy it on the first day you see it. Sometimes we get soo excited about buying a horse, that we rush into buying one. Let all the good and bad info weigh up in your mind and make a level headed decision.

Last of all- have fun :) It's always exciting when your buying a new "partner in crime".

Answer 4

If you cant find anyone whos experienced with horses to go with you, take an experienced VET. Never buy a horse without being vet checked. Ask the horses age, and if papered look closely at the papers to mak sure they match the horse. Ask when the last time the horse had shots, and coggins testing. Ask if the horse has had any serious injuries while they had it. Some injuries can cause arthritis later on in life. Ask about foundering, and if the horse has ever foundered. They can never completely recover from foundering so be careful about that. If you cant find anyone to go with you that has experience, then make sure to take a vet. They should be able to help with the questioning and making sure the horse is sound.

Answer 5

Ask if the horse has had a recent coggins test and when the last time it was seen by a vet and why. You also need to have documentation of the horses age and any shots. Ask if the horse has ever had it's teeth floated if its over 6 years old.Make sure and ride the horse to see how he does. Also ask about any hangups the horse might have. Good luck and be cautious. I have 2. One was purchased and 1 was a rescue. Talk to local equine groups for some tips on where to get a good horse.

Answer 6

I'm sorry you don't have someone close who can help you. I have several suggestions for you. First, join your local 4-H club, they are everywhere. This will get you in with horse people right away, and it's a great place to begin gaining more experience. There I'm sure you will find a mentor. Don't be afraid to ask, horse people are very generous with their time and are more than willing to share what they know.

Second, where you get your horse. I would like to suggest you go to an equine rescue group. There are many and they offer good horses at very reasonable rates. They are looking for good homes, they are not trying to make money off the animal. This way too, you will know right away what you're getting. These horses are well documented, and well cared for. Any problems with them, health or behavioral will be right 'up-front'. You won't be buying a 'pig in a poke', so to speak. Plus, you would get to give a deserving horse a great 'second chance'. Just a couple are: C.A.N.T.E.R. http://www.canterusa.org/michigan/sale/sale1.htm
http://www.4thehorses.com/relatedlinks.htm

The CANTER group is in many states, I just happen to keep track of the one in my home state. Good luck, and I hope this helps.

Answer 7

dude, are you serious? i think you need to have a really long think about what you are about to venture into - if you don't know what your looking at when inspecting a horse, how would you know if it was off colour one day if you owned him ? would you know how to nurse a sick horse? do you know the expense incurred in owning a horse? and the time it takes to look after one?
I am a horse owner and instructor and have come across many people who think about the good things about owning horses i.e. the riding part, but many ommit to take into account the early mornings / late evenings etc...
if you have read through this and thought yeah thats all cool i'm ready- then take this advice:
Go to your local riding school or livery yard where you are going to keep your horse (hopefully you will be keeping him somewhere where more expreienced personell can overlook the welfare of your horse) and ask the manager to come with you. points to consider when trying a horse out are 1. conformation (how well he is put together) 2. how suited he is for you and what you want him to do (i.e. just a happy hacker then think about a cob type ) 3. temperament- if you aren't all that experienced then a sedate horse is a good idea- larger build horses tend to be more dosile than highly strung thoroughbreds. 4. you will need to get him vetted by your vet - a five star vetting costs more but is more thorough. They will check everything from his heart to soundness. 5. you will need to ride the horse and also watch the owner ride him. Preferably watch the owner ride the horse first and then if you feel confident, you can have a go. This ideally should be carried out in a school/ arena. You should assess the horse in all three gaits and ensure that you can control the horse and feel happy that you will get on well with him. Also if possible take the horse for a small hack (as some horses are known to be slow in the school but get more exited out on a hack.)
6. ask as many questions to the owner as possible about the horses history (i.e. any previous illness/injury , his likes/dislikes, what his diet is, is he stabled?, how old!, what disiplines he has done, has he competed?, any vices?, good to shoe? box? clip? good on roads? )
7. ask to see any papers i.e. passport/ vaccination certificate.
finally good luck.- its not easy finding the right horse and if you are serious about buying one, it will be for the rest of the horses life i hope so make sure you take time to find the companion thats right for you. Please whatever you do though, don't keep him without someone around that knows what they are doing (i.e. a good livery yard.)
Check out www.bhs.org.uk they have a list of livery yards which are approved by the British Horse Society
Also on this website you can find information about extending your knowledge on stable management by taking BHS exams.. FOR THE SAKE OF THE HORSE!!

Answer 8

You should try to find a trainer or an instuctor to bring with you if you can. Also be sure to have a vet check the horse before you buy it. And there are alot of good horse books out there you can look at that will tell you things you can ask also just use common sense and don't buy the first horse you look at but a good thing to do if figure out why the horse is for sale. Also try to establish as mush as the horses history as you can. Does the horse have any vices? Ask about his temperment. Find out what bit he is usually worked with. Ask what type of feed he usually eats there are alot more but here are a few

Answer 9

first thing to look at w/ horses is always legs. if the legs are damaged you don't want it. feel the legs if the horse won't let you, its a bad sign. if you feel any extreme heat, the horse is injured. chek to see if the horse is limping. also the hooves they should not be very long and they should not have any splits or cracks. after that, move to the head. the horse should allow you to touch its head, if not, the horse is considered head shy and you probably wouldn't be able to ride it. also, the eyes should be clear and alert. if the horse lays his ears back when you go to touch it, it means he is either angry or very frightened. be sure to ask the age of the horse. you can also tell by how worn down the teeth are. if its your 1st horse, you probably want one at least 7 years old. anything younger is likely to be greenbroke ( not fully trained). ask the owner to demonstrate how well the horse rides. ask about behavior around other animals, cars, noises, and on trails. also, there are certain breeds not appropriate for beginner riders. Arabians and Thoroughbreds are both very highstrung horses. a better one would be a quarter horse. thats all i can think of for now. if you have any more questions, email me at [e-mail]

Answer 10

Make sure he is "sound." Ask for vet papers on him proving he's had all of the shots.
Pay close attention to his feet. Ask about his teeth.
Ask the owner to ride him and watch closely. Be sure he doesn't hold his head high, as this is a sign of a nervous horse. You want a relaxed easy going horse, one whose head is low most of the time.
Watch them tack him up, so you can see that it is easy for him and he stands perfectly still. Make sure he stands still while they are doing this. Ask what feed he is eating. Take your time and watch them ride him, see how easily he takes his commands. Ride him after the owner in a round pen or an enclosed area. Go on line and read everything you can!