There's a first time for everything.
2007-01-20 06:03:00 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Take riding lessons before you buy a horse. A good riding instructor may also go with you when you are looking for a horse and help you buy the one that is right for you. Especially if you or a loved one with little experiance will be riding the horse. I have seen horses (and ridden them) that appear to be calm, and are spooked and take off at the smallest disturbance.
But if you are really going to jump off on your own here are some tips:
Look at the quality of the coat. If it is dull and shabby that is not a good sign.
Watch the horse walk and make sure their is no limping or stumbling.
Ask how the horse handles for what you want it to do
Ask about the horses temperment. What kinds of riders have been on it.
You should not be able to see the ribs sticking out profusely.
Check the horses eyes and make sure they are clear and alert.
Teeth and gums should be in good condition relative to the horses age.
Check the condition of the withers.
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE BEFORE BUYING A HORSE:
HAVE A VET COME TO CHECK THE HORSE OVER!!! No honest seller would be against a vet check. It is a normal practice, before spending alot of money on a horse.
2007-01-20 06:11:06 · answer #1 · answered by frenchie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well first of all look for a healthy one, if u do not know very much about horses bring someone who does with you if u can. check to see if the horse is friendly and trusting towards people. make sure they do not for example swish their tails too much when you come near or anyone for that matter because that indicated aggravation. and check to make sure that they are paying attention to you, ie, look where the ears are directed...flat ears means "get the hell away from me" ears towards the person: "hmmm I'm curious and respecting you by giving you my attention" make sure the horse is at ur riding level. ask extensive questions about it's history. who were it's previous owners, who trained it and what methods were used to do so. because these will give you a better understanding of ur potential horse's personality. if u have some experience with horses well then the horse itself will tell you everything you need to know about it. and of course ride the horse a few times before making any final decisions and be sure it is capable of doing what you want it to do. eg, if u want a horse so you can learn how to jump, then get one that has been well trained because a novice horse and a novice rider are never compatible...good luck, horses are amazing!!!
2007-01-20 14:46:26 · answer #2 · answered by Angel R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Training/Well broke to do what you want to do with the horse. Soundness. Good Conformation. Not all horses are perfect, but some conformation flaws one can live with depending on what you are doing with the horse. Clean bill of health...no vices that you don't want to deal with (coming from a owner of a cribber/wood chewer!!)
Most importantly, look for a reputable and helpful seller that won't screw you over because he is just looking to make money off the deal.
2007-01-20 20:39:41 · answer #3 · answered by Lotsa Lops 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should look for nice comformation, friendlyness, picks up feet well,can walk behind without being kicked,good teath,nice coat(not colour but roughness=sick and shiny=healthy), not 200 years old(if you want a good starter horse go from 12-25 years), leads well and is a good ride.If you don't want to ride get a friend to or you'll be on your butt with a horse you can't return.
And if you don't no what I'm talking about with comformation,don't get a horse yet and go to the library,get books or go to a ranch!
2007-01-20 14:54:22 · answer #4 · answered by powerraceygirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, u dont want it over 5, because then u wont have any time with it, as in they die around 20. You want to make sure they are at least 5 because u want it trained. Before buying make sure u c the horse, incase of a picture in which shows the horse with no scratches or marks, because u dont want it to have been hurt and know not calm. Make sure you meet the horse first. Then u will know if u made the right desishion.
2007-01-20 14:09:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You do not look at colour when buying a horse.
2007-01-20 14:10:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always know what you want and never settle for less. The website I listed will tell just about everything you need to know.
2007-01-20 23:02:59 · answer #7 · answered by jakesbell87 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get one that is your level.
one that looks appeling to you.
take riding lessons before buying.
Good Luck!
2007-01-20 14:05:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The color or speed if you are looking for one to race.
2007-01-20 14:09:03 · answer #9 · answered by Lexi C 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋