What to Look for When Buying Your First Horse

Congratulations on deciding to buy your first horse! It’s an exciting and rewarding experience, but being well-prepared before making such a big commitment is essential. Buying a horse for the first time can certainly be daunting. Understanding what breed, size, temperament, training, and other factors in a horse are ideal for you can make the searching and decision process more manageable.

Determine What You’re Looking For in a New Horse

The best way to find a great match is to identify your ideal dream horse beforehand so that you can quickly sift out non-negotiables and isolate your decision process to a few standout prospects.

Breed

When considering the breed of a horse, it’s essential to keep in mind that different breeds have different characteristics and are suited for different disciplines and purposes. A horse’s breed significantly impacts its temperament, size, conformation, and propensity for specific disciplines. For example, Quarter Horses are mild-tempered, sturdy, and well-suited for ranch work, whereas Warmbloods tend to be more high-strung, athletic, and best suited for jumping and Dressage.

Popular breeds tend to have more horses available for sale, making them easier to find and potentially more affordable. However, popular breeds may also have higher demand, making them more expensive. Less popular breeds may be harder to find but may also be more affordable.

Pedigree

When considering a horse’s pedigree, you are examining the horse’s ancestry and bloodlines. If the horse comes from a long line of successful competitors in a specific discipline, there is a higher chance that the horse will have similar abilities and potential in that discipline. Bloodlines can also be a decent indicator of confirmation and temperament.

Some breeding programs are well-known for producing horses with certain qualities, especially as it pertains to a specific discipline. Knowing the breeding program can give you an idea of what to expect from the horse.

A horse’s pedigree can also indicate its potential for specific health issues. Look for any patterns of health issues in the horse’s bloodline and consider the potential costs of treating or managing those issues.

While pedigree can be an essential factor to consider when buying a horse, it is not the only factor. A horse’s temperament, soundness, and abilities should also be considered.

Age

The age of a horse is a more significant variable than you might think when buying a horse. For example, if you’re brand new to riding and owning a horse, getting a horse that’s in its late teens to mid-twenties might be a great way to go: this horse likely has plenty of lived experience with being ridden and handled in a stable or on a ranch, has a credible history of temperament and skills, and is often the least afraid and the most forgiving. The downside is that you’ll have fewer years of riding as they near the end of their life.

A great age range for intermediate to advanced riders is 5 — 15 because these horses are still in the prime years of their lives but also have some training and experience and also have acclimated to things that younger horses would be afraid of on the trail or at the barn or show grounds. Temperament and prior training will play a massive role in the degree to which these horses are suited to intermediate vs. advanced riders.

If you’re looking to get a young horse—from a foal to just started under saddle between 3 and 5—you’ll have the benefit of providing the horse with most of its training.

Size & Conformation

Size and conformation—or build—play a role in buying a horse that will be suited for its job. Depending on your height, you may need a taller or shorter horse. Conformation can also play a role in tack fit and long-term chronic conditions.

Soundness

Doing a pre-purchase examination before committing to buying your next horse is essential. Take a detailed history and ask the current owner to provide you with any pertinent medical records. During a pre-purchase exam, the veterinarian will look for red flags in the horse’s health and biomechanical movement.

It’s worth noting that some breeds are more prone to specific health issues than others. For example, Thoroughbreds are more prone to specific leg injuries, while Draft Horses are more prone to weight-related health issues. Research any health issues associated with your desired breed before making a purchase.

Color

Though superficial, you may want to consider color when deciding what you want in your next horse! Horses come in many colors, including black, grey, chestnut, bay, dark brown, black, roan, and pinto (among other colors).

Gender

It’s no secret that mares and geldings fall into certain temperament stereotypes—mares being moody when they’re in heat and geldings more mellow and consistent in their moods.

Mares can sometimes be more challenging to win over yet very likely to bond deeply with one person, whereas geldings are often amenable to most people.

Stallions can be exceptionally challenging, as they’re much more assertive and dominant in their behavior.

Experience & Training

After age, a horse’s training and experience is perhaps the most crucial consideration when buying your first horse. Unless you want to train your new horse, find out as much as you can about the horse’s foundational training and experience outside of its home environment, such as trail rides, shows, cattle working, etc.

Some breeds are specifically bred for specific disciplines, such as Thoroughbreds for racing and Quarter Horses for western riding. If you have a specific discipline in mind, it’s important to research which breeds are best suited for that discipline.

Temperament

Different breeds have different temperaments. Some breeds, such as Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, tend to be more energetic and excitable, while other breeds, such as Draft Horses, tend to be more calm and docile. However, general breed temperaments don’t hold true for every horse. Consider your own personality and riding style when determining the temperament that matches your own.

Price

The horse market fluctuates with supply and demand, even within breed and discipline. It’s best to determine your price range before you buy your first horse and shop accordingly. As you do preliminary research on your ideal horse, you’ll get a feel for the average value of the qualities you’re searching for so you can plan accordingly.

Where to Buy Your Next Horse

Several options for buying a horse include private deals, social media groups, and online listing and auction sites.

Private Deals

You can buy a horse directly from the owner. This option can be good if you know the seller and the horse’s history. A trainer can help you find a private deal, usually for a commission based on the sale price.

Social Media Groups

There are many Facebook groups and other online communities where horses are bought and sold. Be cautious when dealing with unknown sellers.

Online Auctions & Listing Sites

There are online listing sites that have horses for sale from all over the world. Be sure to do your research before buying from an online source. Dream Chaser Equine Auctions is your go-to site for trained and prospective Western horses.

Browse our current auctions.

Best Horse Breeds for Ranching

While the ranch horse may seem like a relic of a former era, it still holds its place in many stations in today’s society. The Quarter Horse is considered one of the best breeds for ranching due to their versatility, athleticism, and strong work ethic. They are known for their ability to perform a wide range of tasks, including herding cattle, cutting, and roping. Other breeds that are suitable for ranching include American Paint Horses, Clydesdales, draft breeds, Mustangs, Florida Cracker Horses, and Appaloosas.

Quarter Horse

The Quarter Horse is a breed of horse that is highly versatile and is known for its athleticism, speed, and strength. They are an American breed, developed in the 17th century from horses brought over from England and bred with native horses.

The Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the United States and is used for a wide range of activities, including ranch work, rodeo events, racing, and pleasure riding. They have a strong work ethic and are highly intelligent, making them easy to train and handle.

One of the Quarter Horse’s most notable characteristics is their ability to perform quick, short bursts of speed. This makes them well-suited for barrel racing, pole bending, and cutting activities. They also excel at working with cattle, as they are agile and able to make quick turns and stops.

Quarter Horses come in a variety of colors, including chestnut, bay, black, gray, and palomino. They have a stocky, muscular build with a broad chest and powerful hindquarters. Their height ranges from 14 to 16 hands (56 to 64 inches) at the shoulder, and they typically weigh between 950 to 1,200 pounds.

The Quarter Horse is a versatile and highly valued breed known for athleticism, intelligence, and work ethic. They make excellent ranch horses, rodeo competitors, and pleasure-riding horses.

Best Bloodlines for Ranch Horses

Several Quarter Horse bloodlines are known for their suitability as ranch horses. Here are a few of the most notable ones:

King Ranch Bloodline: This bloodline is named after the King Ranch in Texas, where the breed was first developed. The horses in this line are known for their athleticism, speed, and intelligence, making them excellent for working with cattle.

Two Eyed Jack Bloodline: This bloodline is named after the stallion Two Eyed Jack, a legendary sire in the Quarter Horse breed. Horses from this line are known for their versatility, intelligence, and good temperament, making them well-suited for various ranching tasks.

Doc Bar Bloodline: The Doc Bar bloodline is named after the stallion Doc Bar, considered one of the most influential sires in the breed’s history. Horses from this line are known for their athleticism, agility, and ability to work with cattle.

Poco Bueno Bloodline: The Poco Bueno bloodline is named after the stallion Poco Bueno, a champion halter and performance horse. Horses from this line are known for their strength, speed, and athleticism, which make them ideal for ranching tasks.

Overall, these bloodlines are known for producing horses with the traits and characteristics that are highly valued in ranching, including athleticism, intelligence, and the ability to work with cattle.

American Paint Horse

The American Paint Horse is a breed of horse known for its distinctive coat pattern, consisting of large patches of white and another color, such as black, bay, or chestnut. They are a relatively new breed, developed in the United States during the 20th century from the crossing of Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds with Paint horses of Spanish descent.

American Paint Horses are known for their versatility and are used for a wide range of activities, including ranch work, rodeo events, trail riding, and pleasure riding. They have a stocky build, with a broad chest and powerful hindquarters. Their height ranges from 14 to 16 hands (56 to 64 inches) at the shoulder, and they typically weigh between 950 to 1,200 pounds.

One of the American Paint Horse’s most notable characteristics is their good temperament. They are intelligent, easy to train, and enjoy working with people. They are also known for their strong work ethic, making them well-suited for ranching tasks such as herding cattle and working in rodeo events.

Several bloodlines within the American Paint Horse breed are known for their suitability as ranch horses. These include the Tobiano, Overo, and Tovero bloodlines. Horses from these bloodlines are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and good temperament, which make them well-suited for ranching tasks.

Overall, the American Paint Horse is a versatile and highly valued breed, known for their distinctive coat pattern, good temperament, and suitability for a wide range of activities, including ranching.

Clydesdale + Draft Breeds

Clydesdales and other draft breeds are a group of horses that are known for their strength and size. These breeds were initially bred for heavy work, such as pulling plows and carts, and were often used on farms and in transportation.

Clydesdales are a Scottish breed that was initially bred for farm work. They are known for their massive size, with males typically standing between 16 and 18 hands (64 to 72 inches) at the shoulder and weighing up to 2,200 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with long hair on their legs and a feathered appearance.

Other draft breeds include the Belgian, Percheron, and Shire. These breeds also have a large, muscular build and are known for their strength and power.

While Clydesdales and other draft breeds are not typically used as ranch horses, they are well-suited for tasks such as pulling wagons and carts, as well as forestry work and other heavy-duty tasks. They are also used in competitions such as pulling contests and draft horse shows.

Overall, Clydesdales and other draft breeds are impressive horses that are known for their strength and size. While they may not be the best choice for ranching tasks, they are well-suited for other heavy-duty tasks and competitions.

Mustang & Florida Cracker Horse

Mustangs and Florida Cracker Horses are two breeds that are known for their ability to survive and thrive in rugged environments. They are both considered hardy, resilient breeds that are well-suited for life on the ranch.

Mustangs are wild horses that roam free in the western United States. They are descendants of horses brought over by the Spanish in the 16th century and have since adapted to their harsh environment. Mustangs are known for their stamina, agility, and intelligence, which make them well-suited for ranch work such as herding and cattle drives.

Florida Cracker Horses are a breed native to Florida and were initially used by Spanish settlers in the 16th century for cattle ranching. They are a smaller breed, standing between 13 and 15 hands (52 to 60 inches) at the shoulder, and have a lean, muscular build. Florida Cracker Horses are known for their agility, speed, and endurance, which make them well-suited for ranching tasks such as herding and cattle drives.

Mustangs and Florida Cracker Horses have a solid connection to the history and culture of ranching in the United States. Mustangs symbolize the American West, while Florida Cracker Horses are essential to Florida’s ranching heritage.

Overall, Mustangs and Florida Cracker Horses are hardy, resilient breeds that are well-suited for ranch work. While they may not be as commonly used as other breeds, they are highly valued for their unique characteristics and contributions to ranching culture.

Appaloosa

The Appaloosa is a horse breed known for its distinctive coat pattern, which can include spots, speckles, and other unique markings. They were initially bred by the Nez Perce tribe in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where they were used for hunting, war, and transportation.

Appaloosas have a muscular, athletic build, with a height ranging from 14.2 to 16 hands (58 to 64 inches) at the shoulder. They are known for their endurance and agility, making them well-suited for ranching tasks such as herding cattle and working in rodeo events.

In addition to their unique coat pattern, Appaloosas are known for their good temperament, intelligence, and versatility. They are used for a wide range of activities, including ranch work, trail riding, pleasure riding, and even racing. Appaloosas are also often used in therapeutic riding programs due to their gentle nature and willingness to work with people.

Several bloodlines within the Appaloosa breed are known for their suitability as ranch horses. These include the Western Pleasure, Reining, and Working Cow Horse bloodlines. Horses from these bloodlines are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and good temperament, which make them well-suited for ranching tasks.

Overall, the Appaloosa is a versatile and highly valued breed, known for its unique coat pattern, good temperament, and suitability for a wide range of activities, including ranching.

What is a Ranch Horse’s Job?

A ranch horse’s job is to help with various tasks around the ranch, including herding cattle, cutting, sorting, and roping. They may also be used for transportation and general ranch work, such as checking fences and tending to livestock.

Types of Ranches:

There are various types of ranches, including cattle ranches, horse ranches, dude ranches, hobby farms, and recreational stables.

Cattle ranches are focused on raising and caring for cattle, while horse ranches are focused on breeding and training horses.
Dude ranches offer guests the opportunity to experience ranch life and participate in activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and hiking.
Hobby farms and recreational stables are smaller operations focused on horseback riding and other recreational activities.

Where to Buy a Ranch Horse

It’s worth noting that Mustangs and Florida Cracker Horses are often acquired from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) through their Wild Horse and Burro Program. At the same time, Appaloosas are often sold through the Appaloosa Horse Club’s Sale Authority program.

These programs provide a way for individuals to acquire horses raised in a natural environment and may have unique characteristics and traits that make them well-suited for ranching.

Countless ranch horse breeders are specifying in certain bloodlines and disciplines, but they’re often very pricey. To find horses for sale without going through adoption or a breeder, you can search Dream Chaser Equine Auctions for transparent equine listings directly from the seller.