8 Tips for horse buying
Buying a horse can be fun, exciting – and frustrating. In this post, we share 8 tips for horse buying that help you avoiding mistakes to find the right horse for you.
1. Stay analytical. Emotions are a seller’s dream. Think with your head and leave your emotions at the door. Stay analytical and have a clear picture about what type of horse and training state fits the skills, you are looking for. So you are less in danger to fall in love with the wrong horse.
2. Color. You may have a favorite color or always to wanted a palomino or looking for some “in” colors. That’s putting the emphasis on a very incidental thing. And a bad horse with good color is still a bad horse. So make the color, not a deal-breaker.
3. Suitable to your skills. If a horse you try seems like more horse than you can ride or handle, pass him up. You’ll find another one more suitable for your needs. It doesn’t bring you anything if you cant ride or work that horse.
4. Gender. Doesn’t matter, if mare, gelding, or stallion they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Mares can make great horses, and if you want to breed one day you have the option. But some can be “mare’ ish” during their heat cycles, meaning cranky, sore-sided, and distracted; that’s a risk you take with a mare. Be sure to ask the seller about a mare’s behavior when she’s “in season.” Stallions are dangerous in inexperienced hands. Even the best-minded stud will constantly test you. They also require special living arrangements. They are dangerous in the wrong hands. Geldings are for sure the best bet you can go with. This doesn’t mean they are without flaws.
5. Take your time. Doesn’t matter if you are in a big hurry or, you may be tired of looking. Take our time to properly evaluate each horse you look at, you’ll best ensure you end up with a horse that’s fits to your needs. Think about that you will keep the horse for many years on your side.
6. Collect Data. Keep a written record for each horse, collect data, videos and pictures to keep track of horses you’re interested in, and have looked at. That way, you’ll know exactly what you liked– and didn’t like – about a particular horse so you can make the best decision. Or decide between 2 or more horses.
7. Avoid shopping under bad conditions. If you can choose days for shopping, where you have the good circumstances, like good weather and enough enough time. Or you end up rushing and missing steps, that are crucial for good desicion.
8. Pretty horses. Dont skip over a really good horse that’s kind of plain, but has the great work ethic, in favor of a pretty with a bad mind. That’s a huge mistake. A pretty horse with a bad mind, is still a bad horse.
Use these 8 tips for horse buying, then enjoy the shopping process.
