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Buying a horse that's right for you.

111K views 219 replies 151 participants last post by  poncHo4321 
#1 ·
Okay, folks, I think it’s time we get realistic about buying horses and what you need to look for when you are buying.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, recognize your experience and ability for what it is. Take a scrutinizing look and quit lying to yourself. If you can semi-confidently w/t/c around an arena on a school horse, that does not mean that you are an experienced rider capable of taking on a green horse. You need to be looking for a finished horse that knows his job but needs a rider that can ask properly. That way, when you are riding correctly, he’ll do the job right and he’ll let you know when you are riding poorly by doing the job poorly.

Between the horse and rider, there needs to be a combined ability level of expert. What I mean by that is this, if you are completely new to riding, then you need a horse that has been everywhere, done everything, and has proven himself cool and calm in even the most exciting of situations. You need an old schoolmaster. As the rider’s ability and knowledge increases, they can safely begin to ride horses that are less than finished.

There is a good reason for the old saying “green+green= black and blue”. A new rider paired with a green horse will almost always end up with one or both of them hurt and/or ruined. If the horse knows nothing, then the rider better damn sure know what a good horse is and know how to create one.

Next, make a list of what you want and need in a horse. If you are wanting a good trail horse that you can relax on and gain some confidence with, then don’t take a second look at the reject barrel horse that is being sold because he flipped over backward and broke his last rider’s leg.

Make a list of the things that are a necessity, things that would be nice to have but aren’t a “must”, and things that will be avoided at all cost and stick to it.

Example:

Must haves: Neck reining, trail experience, arena experience, good stop, good leg yield, calm with crowds and large groups of other horses, okay with kids, clips, ties, loads, not spooky.

Nice but not necessity: Solid flying changes, consistent sidepass, patterned on barrels or poles, started in dressage/reining/cutting/jumping/etc.

Avoid at all cost: Cribbers, biters, kickers, buckers, buddy or barn sour, aggressive with other horses in turnout.

Stick to your list, no matter what, and don’t compromise. Don’t horse shop with your heart because your heart will fool you into thinking that you can handle something that you are not ready for. Don’t shop strictly for color, either. While there is nothing wrong with having a particular color in mind, don’t compromise on the conformation, temperament, training, or ability just to get the color. You’ll be much happier with a plain chestnut that has a great personality and is a proven winner than with a buckskin that bucks you off in the ring and bites when you try to pet him.

“But Sparky is so pretty, I’m sure I can help him to get over his problem with rearing”. No, you can’t and you’ll end up hurt if you try. Leave the beautiful Sparky for someone who has dealt with a rearing horse successfully before. The fact is, the first time you handle a horse with a particular problem like rearing or bucking or bolting, you need to have someone there who is experienced who can tell you what to do and give advice on what works and what doesn't.

If you are on your own and have never dealt with an aggressive horse or a horse with a serious and dangerous vice like bucking, bolting, or rearing, don’t bring one home with the hopes that you can figure it out as you go along. Even more importantly, don’t bring home a monster with the deluded idea that you can “cure” him with love and end up with a “majikal bond”. It doesn't work that way. The horse will get worse and you will get hurt.

“I want to get a young horse so that we can learn together”. That is the most naive and asinine idea that there ever was and someone will end up hurt. Young horses are completely unpredictable and unpredictability with an inexperienced rider or handler is always dangerous.

It happens all the time and I can currently think of at least 3 open threads about this exact thing and the stream of them seems to be never ending.
“I’m a beginner and I am trying to train my horse but they are doing <insert misbehavior here>. What do I do?”

I know that many people who know nothing about horses tend to jump in head first without checking to see how deep the water is and that’s why I’m writing this post, in hopes of maybe educating some people so that they can save themselves, and an innocent horse, a lot of trouble.

I enjoy books and movies like The Black Stallion, National Velvet, My Friend Flicka, and the like as much as anyone but I think it’s time we get realistic. Love doesn't train a horse. Nobody can take a horse that has behavioral issues like bucking, bolting, rearing, biting, kicking, charging, etc, etc, etc and re-train it to be a perfect, respectful companion with nothing but hugs and kisses and sugar cubes. It simply doesn't work that way.

9 times out of 10, that horse that you brought home because he was free or just really cheap will cost you much more money in the long run (between trainer costs and hospital/vet bills) than if you had just went ahead and spent a bit of cash on a well broke horse to begin with.

The most important rule that any potential horse buyer can follow is this: DO NOT buy a horse that is beyond your ability to handle and/or ride.

If you are a complete beginner, then you do not want to go buy, adopt, or take home the first horse you see that’s “pretty”, especially if it’s an unhandled yearling, or worse, a stud. A free horse is never free and if a young, pretty horse is being given away for free, then there is some reason for it. Normally, it's not a good one either.

Maybe the horse is unhandled, in which case it is certainly not suitable for a beginner; maybe the horse is lame or sick, in which case it is not suitable for a beginner because there are many things that come with caring for a lame or sick horse that a beginner doesn't know or understand and that could cause more suffering on the horse’s part.

More often than not, young horses that are green broke or advertised as “broke” are being given away for free or very small charge because they are dangerous or have serious vices or behavioral issues. None of those things are suitable for beginners.

Also, let me clarify one thing. Just because you have been taking lessons or riding broke horses for 5 or 10 or 20 years, that does not automatically qualify you to buy an untrained horse and train it yourself. There is a very big difference between being able to recognize/ride a made horse and being able to create one. A person should work their way up to working with untrained horses.

All children and beginners should start out with a horse very much like this one, very well trained and responsive but at the same time, docile and a bit lazy.


As a person gains experience and ‘feel’, then they can begin working their way up to green horses. The best way to do this is by working under a trainer or hiring a trainer to work with you.

I had been riding for about 10 years before I ever set foot on a horse that was less than finished. It was about 5 years after that when I successfully trained one from scratch (under the watchful eye of a professional trainer). I trained one other on my own a couple of years before that but I’ll be the first to admit that it was a mistake. I wasn't ready and the horse paid the price. Thankfully, I had the means to give him a forever home so he didn't end up on a killer truck.

I’ve been riding now for about 25 years and training (mostly my own horses until recently) for a little over 10 and I still don’t know how to handle certain things that come up with green horses: for instances like that, I still have my professional trainer to turn to. To believe that someone who had been riding a schoolmaster for 5 years would know when to push and when to back off on a greenie by themselves is ludicrous.

There are a great many things that simply cannot be taught over internet forums or chat rooms.

Will be continued in next post...too much text.
 
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#29 ·
Lovely post and I wish I would have been able to read this three years ago when I got a 2 year old as a 13 year old girl who had just started riding again.

Can I just say though...the little boy?
C-U-T-E!
The way he rode and said "yes m'mam"? Gah, too adorable. Also, when they asked him who taught him to ride and he was like "Mom, uhh.. Dad.." I wonder if Pops was waving his hands off camera XD
 
#30 ·
Thanks for the pointers. I've been looking at Rocky Mountain horses and been trying to decide between 4 yr. olds with professional training (2 mos.) or a 13 yr. old. One problem I can see is that the 13 yr.old was only gelded 3 yrs. ago. He's fine with the horses he's been with but I don't know what he'll be like with new friends. He's ridden regularly and has a solid gait so I at least feel that I can handle him. BTW, I'm a novice. KC
 
#31 ·
Also, let me clarify one thing. Just because you have been taking lessons or riding broke horses for 5 or 10 or 20 years, that does not automatically qualify you to buy an untrained horse and train it yourself. There is a very big difference between being able to recognize/ride a made horse and being able to create one. A person should work their way up to working with untrained horses.

Read more: http://www.horseforum.com/horse-training/buying-horse-thats-right-you-88638/#ixzz1PqbizSGL



That quote is so true! I hear that all the time, ive been riding for x amount of years so im going to buy a project horse to train myself so well have a wonderful bond yadda yadda yadda. Its a terrible idea and I think many take for granted they have been riding well trained horses for their x amount of years of riding! I hate to see people get in over their heads, so when asked my opinion im very conservative as to what Id say they should get simply because I dont want someone to lose their love of horses because the bought the wrong one! I started out taking lessons, moved up through beginner through more advanced level horses, then got asked to help take well trained flat horses and teach them to jump. From their I then started riding green broke, but all the basics very established, then moved on to more green broke less established horses, and now train horses from scratch. Until moving out on my own (with horses) about 4 years ago, I worked with a trainer every time I rode. They guided me through how to teach the horses to jump, get used to aids, etc etc every step of the way, I didnt just start doing training on my own. Am I amazing, NO, im still learning, but do I know what im doing, YES, and most importantly I know WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP from someone more experienced. I have trained several horses and have had good outcomes, but Im better at some aspects of training than others, and I dont have tons of experience dealing with problem issues. However, I feel that I did things right, I started riding on a horse you could ride while sleeping and worked my way up the ladder over the years. I still need to learn a lot but Im well experienced and more importantly I know what my abilities are and I dont go out of that range without a trainer. Everyone always has more to learn, so its a shame so many get defensive when corrected/instructed.
 
#32 ·
I honestly wish that someone had shown my mother this when she brought my first horse. She was eight, green, and I was eight and even greener. And I'm suprised that I never broke anything. She went off the advice of my old instructer, who did the wrong thing by us in selling her to us. She was such a nightmare, and me being the only horsey one in the family, had to deal with it. I now know how to do a fair bit of ground work, and play dominance games, all through trial and error. But urg she was a terror to own.

I find it funny, as I read your post, as I've found myself in a similar sitution, except said horse somehow found it's way to me, I wasn't even looking. I'm not a begginer rider, but I a begginer trainer, and I've learnt loads, but doing it yourself is tough.
 
#34 ·
Funny thing is, many novices & beginners wanting a horse will buy the "pretty" young unbroke horse because it's less expensive than the more expensive, less attractive broke one. I've always found, broke or unbroke, the purchase price (excepting world champions & the like) is the least expensive part of horse ownership. Parents, give your head a shake, is saving a few thousand dollars worth risking your child's physical health & emotional well being? In the end you will lose money and the child won't be happy anyways. You spend a few thousand more for better features on your new car, don't you? Leave the greenies for someone who can teach them properly, they deserve it & so do you. Excellent post SMrobs, I have a question though....what is a stickie?
 
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#156 ·
but there are a few exceptions to the price idea I have a flashy grulla paint and an even flashier tb mare both were cheep and only because their old owners were scared of them within a week I could ride them out on the road and farmland have dogs run after them and jump my paint about 3 foot they were cheep but perfect especially my paint who is my dream horse the one I truly bonded with she does a little western and speed loves trails jumps 4 6 at home 3 foot jumper shows 3 6 hunter shows she loves mini eventing and to top it all of bareback galloping in a field with clip on reins
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#36 ·
All children and beginners should start out with a horse very much like this one, very well trained and responsive but at the same time, docile and a bit lazy.
YouTube - ‪Wyatt Deary NRBC 2011‬‏

I very much agree with what I have read so fare. However I would venture to say that 98% of people buying their kids a horse can not afford a horse like this one.
 
#37 ·
That's true regarding the training level of that horse, however, it is that basic temperament that they should be seeking. Trained to the point where they will willingly do what you ask without resisting whether you are doing spins like that kid or plow-reining down the trail.
 
#38 ·
In reality most riders at the beginning level not just kids need more of the second type. The one that will take to the plow reining down the trail. If a parent went out and got a horse like the one in the video for a kid with little to no experience that horse would not work for them. This is truly the key. Finding the correct horse to fit the riders level. Yes this horse is well trained yes it has a great temperament and all that but I can tell you from experience. That not every inexperienced person could get this horse shown or really even ride it very well. That kid has been riding for a log time. Bet even before he could walk. This type of horse is a bit harder to ride them say just a nice well trained kids horses.

However once you do learn they are a blast to ride.
 
#39 ·
I wish I had seen a lovely compact list like this when I bought Abby. I googled all over the place and sat in Barnes & Noble reading books on what to look for in a horse when buying.

I, like Wallaby, have no idea how I haven't died. Abby's online ad just said, "7-year old buckskin mare for $700" and barely anything else. I emailed the lady to find out more about her and eventually when I to see her. When I rode her, she was very herdbound and completely ignored me. She also had a Tom Thumb put in her mouth that the lady knew she wouldn't like and she hadn't been ridden in 4 months either. I still bought her because for some reason she felt "right"..even though the horse I rode most of the time when I rode was a 17-year old deadbroke kid's horse.

In the 10 months I've had Abby thus far, she has taught me a lot. I have no idea how she didn't kill me in the first few months I had her. We were a hot mess. After some work, we got over the herdboundness and I taught her to neck rein, which, for my limited experience, I am proud of. Now I have an 8-year old mare with enough attitude to steer many of my friends away from riding her, but we get along most of the time and have an understanding of each other and that makes me feel so lucky about my less-than-educated decision.
 
#40 ·
I wish someone had said that to me, unfortunately I was told oh you will be riding that horse in no time he is such a sweety and don't get me wrong on the ground my gelding is and he learns real quick but after 30 days last year and 3 months of riding and then a winter in the pasture he has turned into a hot horse. I've owned him for 2 years now and have only been on him a handful of times. I mostly ride the horse that the guy who trained him owns and keeps at our place, I go to bed so many nights completely frustrated. I've gained a lot of knowledge about what not to do lol and I read every add with a view that someone is trying to put something over on me lol
 
#42 ·
I was one of the lucky ones. I looked at all the wrong horses. Thankfully all of them fell through. It wasn't going to be my very first horse but it was going to be the very first one I would own in my adult life. I got over excited while looking. I had looked at stallions, race horses, very young horses...you name it. In the end I found a match. He wasn't anything like what I was looking for really. He is in his twenties. He is a light chestnut which was not what I wanted. I told the people the truth. Told them I was looking for a good trail horse. That I had not rode in years and needed a calm and wise horse. Watched them ride the horse. Watched their six year olds ride the horse. I was happy was that point. But what really sold me is that if He did have any vices they would train him for free for life.
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#44 ·
Great job smrobs

I didn't even think about this stuff when I got Hunter. He was a neglected, awkward, undernourished 18 month old that needed a hernia operation and to be gelded and I wanted to help him. I, at the time, was leasing a big old friendly percheron and had been back into riding for a year and a half after 20+ years of very little riding. Although when I was younger I worked at a riding stable, took out trail rides 12 hours a day and rode the green horses in the evening AND had a welsh mountain pony. I couldn't resist my FREE palomino. Well I say thank you very much to my farrier/trainer. Without her help we would certainly not be where we are almost 2 years later. I was terrified of him at one point and almost traded him away (size doesn't matter he is only 14.3 lol). He used to charge me when lunging and bite and honestly I wasn't even enjoying having him. We are now on our way to hopefully many great years together and I wouldn't trade him for the world. I was just fortunate enough to have had the right people and the money to help even though we still have a long way to go. I still get my trainer out occasionally to ride Hunter and it helps. In 2 days we are off to our property 3 hours away for 2 weeks and am taking Hunter again - I can't wait!!!
 
#47 ·
I just have to comment on that link you posted for the video! I LOVE THAT HORSE! AND THE BOY IS SO CUTE!
I have to say I looked at very relible horses when I was horse shopping but I went with a seven year old GREEN gelding that threw me off the first time I rode him. I would not change anything, he became the horse with me with the help of trainers.
Great post Smrobs!
 
#48 ·
This exactly the information I have been seeking - thank you!

I bought my first horse in Dec'2010, knowing that he was well-trained, very experienced, and that *he* would take care of *me* on the hunts so long as I didn't do anything stupid. And taken care of me he has! In fact he has given me so much confidence that I had been strongly considering buying a younger horse that still needed a bit of training so that we could progress together. And then I could find a less expensive horse, right? ;) But then I read this post.

You have definitely confirmed my thought that what every rider really needs is an excellent coach. In my experience, finding a good coach has been a real challenge. I have yet to see a coach teach effectively in a lesson with 6 students. And I wondering how well one can trust buying a horse from their coach considering breeding is their primary source of income, and teaching is where they build their client base but brings in a much smaller percent of their overall proceeds.

So maybe the first step one should take before buying a horse is finding a great coach. But how to do so is a topic for another post. :)
 
#50 ·
I got my horse a few years ago in three days. He was a meant to be. I found hi on the internet Friday night, called on him Saturday, went to try him Sunday and he was home in my barn Sunday night. We've been besties since then. It's funny, i was a green rider when i got him and he acted like a saint, now i'm pretty good and riding some green horses and he gets fresh with me. :) But as soon as a beginner gets back on him the school horse mode shows through again. :) <3
 
#52 ·
Great advice everyone, this is what I learned frommy own experience:

Take someone with experience with you --> When I bought my mare, I took a 30+ yr experienced trainer in TWH with me. She has bred/shown/competitive trail with them for years, knows the minds of the TWH how to tell if they will be trainable, if they are talented and sturdy. If you're inexperienced in the breed/discipline, first and foremost have an experts knowlege to help you start the process right by purchasing a good solid minded horse. I can't say how glad I am I had the help I did as I ended up with probably one of the best suited horses for myself.

After the purchasing, if you are not totally confident in your training ability have/pay for an experienced individual in the breed/discipline to help you train your horse, the best way to learn is as hands on as possible. Having a trusted trainer there to guide you from the ground and occassionally help you get through the 'humps' allows you to execute properly while learning in the process and training properly.

If I didn't have the help I did, I likely would have bought a broke horse instead as green horses are a big undertaking and there can be so many mistakes in the process with green horses.
 
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