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.