If you’re not a seasoned equestrian, purchasing your first horse can be a perplexing experience. Even people who are intimately familiar with these animals make a number of rookie mistakes when it comes time to buy one. Fortunately, many of these blunders are easy to avoid – provided, of course, you arm yourself with the proper knowledge. Sellers often take advantage of buyers who aren’t well-versed in the basics of horse-shopping, frequently resulting in disastrous consequences for ill-prepared owners. To ensure that your first horse buying experience is a pleasant one, remember to take the following factors into account.
Buying Horses at Auction
Unless you’re a seasoned rancher or knowledgeable equestrian, avoid buying horses at auction. While it’s true that buying at auction is among the cheapest options, it can also have disastrous consequences. Spotting a good horse at auction requires a level of knowledge and expertise that many people simply do not possess. Additionally, ornery and excitable horses often appear docile and well-mannered at auction because they’re confused – and in some cases, drugged. Buying at auction may be tempting, especially if you’re on a tight budget, but it’s strongly discouraged for all but the most confident horse experts.
Buying Horses That Haven’t Been Trained
Buying an untrained horse is practically asking for trouble. Like buying at auction, this may seem cost-effective, but it’s a choice you will quickly regret. Unless you’re well-versed in horse training or are willing to pay top dollar for a good trainer, avoid purchasing horses that haven’t been trained. Furthermore, training can take a very long time and prove extremely perilous to the person administering it. You’ll be much happier with a trained horse, particularly one that’s covered by comprehensive horse insurance.
Refusing to Buy Older Horses
Many first-time owners opt for young horses because they want to raise them from a young age. While this sentiment is understandable, it’s also somewhat misguided. Older horses that have received abundant training and have been ridden for years make much better beginner horses than younger ones that lack significant experience.
Horse ownership can be a tremendously rewarding experience. The special bond that many owners form with their animals can last a lifetime. However, buying your first horse can prove relentlessly stressful if you aren’t in possession of the right facts. Prospective horse owners who are eager to simplify the buying experience would do well to carefully consider the information discussed above.
