I'm trying to buy my first horse but I don't know what to look for.Where do I look?

Question

I'd prefer a hunter prospect or a trained trail horse but needs to be at least 15.0 hh.

Answer 1

ttp://www.allabouthorses.com/site/care/buyingtips.html
Here you go.

Answer 2

Stop and think about what kind of horse you want. Gelding? Stallion? Mare? What breed? Quarter Horse? Thoroughbred? How old do you want your horse to be? Young, middle aged, or old? And all those questions. It might be best to look into breeds and personality traits.

http://www.dreamhorse.com

That is a good website for buying and selling horses. The sellers usually give a good description of the horses personality and traits. Find a horse that you won't get frustrated with easily, and don't fall in love with the picture or bloodlines, etc. If you have anyone that has had experience in buying horses near you ask them to check acouple of horses out with you so you don't get a bad deal. I know I sound like a know-it-all right now but sometimes it's best not to over look the small things, that is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when you buy your first horse.

Good luck!! =)

Answer 3

If I was looking for a hunter prospect, I would go to a trainer that specialized in that field. If I was looking for a trail horse (and by that I am assuming you mean trail riding), I would contact the local trail group in my area and have them point you in the right direction. They are usually pretty nice people and are very wlecoming to new riders and stress safety first. So I think that they could be a huge help in finding you a good trail horse. What you are going to get posting on the local feed store bulletin board is every horse trader for 100 miles around that smells a "newbie". It will be like blood to a shark.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I would start by taking lessons then I would ask the trainer for help in locating and picking out a suitable horse. Most trainers are more then willing to help even if some do charge for their time. This way you have soemone with more experiance helping you out. So you know the horse should be sound. and they should have a good idea of the horses inthe area and your riding level. Now for cheap horses around these here parts (cowboyland and I ride english) you can go to any auction and pick up a cow horse that is good for less them 500.00 Happy horse shopping

Answer 5

I think all of the above advice is wonderful, and there are plenty of places to find horses. I only have one more thing to add... take your time. Once you start looking it becomes very exciting and you may become so anxious to pick a horse. Take your time, look at several, ride them, do your research. I have heard of a few people who bought too quickly, or because a horse was pretty, then they were sorry that they didn't learn more about the horse and/or its situation.

Good Luck!!!!

Answer 6

unless you have been riding for several years, I would advise you to get a horse that is not very young, say between 5-7 to start with. That way he is already trained and has a stable temperment and will be easier for you to handle as a first horse. Depending on the amount of money you would like to spend, you could buy one from a stable or breeder, or you could look into your local rescue group, as they will sometimes have english riding horses available.
I would advise you to first go and visit any stables nearby and ask if they have any jumpers available for sale. They should be able to show you some, and if not, they can usually refer you to someone who is selling theirs.

Answer 7

If you live in an area where horses are common, contact your local ASPCA.

Horses that are at the ASPCA are there for a variety of reasons...neglect, cruelty, owner turn-ins and so forth. All horses are given a medical screening and are given a clean bill of health before being put up for adoption. Temperment and training are assessed also.

Many seized horses are kept at such facilities and are awaiting adoption. There are horses of all ages, breeds, size and temperments. You could probably find a good match.

EMT

Answer 8

Well, your local feed store's billboard would be a good place to start. You need to make sure the horse is in good health (shiny coat, no ribs apparent, straight limbs, no nasal or eye drainage, no apparent cough/sneeze/wheeze, etc.) Do some research on horses. You're also going to want to factor in personality. Is this a horse you can get along with? What's your riding experience? If it's not much, you don't want to get a wildly spirited animal. You need to do a lot more research on this before purchasing an animal. Do some searches on google.

Answer 9

Quarter horses and Thoroughbred horses are very good all around horses. My best friend has two Quarter horse/ Thorughbred mixes (the youngest - 2 months old - is the daughter of the older - 17 years old). The 17 year old is a barreler (barrel racer - me and my bff call them barrelers.) and the 2 month old is a future show horse. Both breeds can also race, jump, trail ride, do dressage, and are very good in pleasure, both english and western. I think they are the best all around horses ever bred. And the fact that my bffs horses are a mix of these two extremely versatile, fast, and athletic horses makes them very useful and valuable.

Answer 10

first of all dont be in a rush to get a horse in the very first day , check around local stables new papers , sites anything mabe something will just pop up one day . hope you get a good horse ohh and check bulliten boards in stables there are usually signs for sale there and in tack shops.

Answer 11

Find someone you trust who already has horses and knows about them. Make sure the horse is sound, has had all vaccinations and coggins test. Also, visit more than once before you buy (preferrably one un-announced visit if possible).