Whether you rodeo or love recreational riding, there are things to consider before you buy a horse that can make a significant difference to your success as a horse owner.
Reasons To Buy a Horse
Why do you want to buy a horse? It’s one thing if you’re buying a horse for barrel racing, roping, or reining competitions, and it’s another if you’re looking to keep a horse for recreational riding. If you’re buying a horse for competitions, you’ll need to thoroughly check out its pedigree, competitive history, and training, along with its current fitness and health. Recreational riders should be no less conscientious in examining a horse’s fitness, health history, and test results.
Ongoing Costs
Prospective horse owners should be aware of the ongoing costs associated with keeping a horse, including vet services, boarding, feed, and waste removal. Additionally, they should not overlook expenses for tack and supplies, transportation, and regular maintenance.
Documentation
Ensure all necessary documentation is in order before finalizing the purchase. Review the health records, proof of ownership transfer, and, if you’re buying a purebred, registration papers. Proper documentation is essential for verifying the horse’s history and health status.
Horse Temperament, Gender, and Age
Consider the temperament, gender, and age of the horse. These factors significantly affect the horse’s behavior and compatibility with the owner. A calm, well-trained horse is preferable for beginners, while more experienced riders may seek a horse with specific traits for competitions or breeding.
Vet Services
Regular vet check-ups are crucial for maintaining the horse’s health. Familiarize yourself with nearby veterinary services that specialize in equine care. Make sure you’ll have veterinary services available near where you’ll keep your horse. Ensure you are prepared for both routine medical care and emergency situations.
Boarding, Feed, and Waste Removal
If you cannot accommodate a horse on your property, research local boarding options. Understand the costs and services provided, including feed and waste management, to ensure they meet your standards and budget.
Tack and Supplies
Acquiring the right tack and supplies, such as saddles, bridles, grooming tools, and protective gear, is vital for both the horse’s comfort and the rider’s safety. Prioritize quality and suitability over price.
- A 7-piece assortment of grooming essentials in a durable nylon tote bag for easy organization and carrying
- Includes a comb, hoof pick, palm held curry comb, palm held face brush, mane and tail brush, dandy brush and sweat scraper/coarse curry combo
- Comfortable webbing handles, and an adjustable, padded shoulder strap
- Other features include a convenient top drawstring closure, plastic feet that protect bottom of bag, a flexible retaining strap and comfortable webbing handles
- Premium Natural Himalayan Salt Lick: Sourced from the Himalayan Mountains, our 100% natural salt lick contains 84 trace minerals in this natural rock. With no preservatives or additives, it provides a...
- Essential Mineral Supplies: These Himalayan salt blocks contain up to 84 trace minerals, including vital nutrients like Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Iron. These mineral supplies are essential...
- Versatile Treat for Various Animals: Our Himalayan salt lick is a natural and nutritious treat that animals love. It serves as a beneficial treat for horses, deer, goats, cows, donkeys, cats, dogs,...
- Adjustable Rope for Perfect Height & Lasting Durability: Our Salt on a Rope features a sturdy and long rope, providing optimal positioning and exceptional durability that outlasts nylon or cotton...
- Versatile and Enjoyable Toy: Our salt lick provides hours of entertainment and enrichment for horses, deer, goats, cows, all other livestock, cats, and dogs. It serves as a great toy that keeps your...
- GREAT TASTE GUARANTEED – If your horse does not find our Bite-Size Nuggets irresistible we will refund your purchase.
- GREAT VALUE – Over 300 horse treats per bag!
- PACKED WITH VITAMINS AND MINERALS – Packed with vitamins and minerals in each treat.
- POCKET SIZED HORSE TREATS – Small size is great for rewarding and training!
- APPLE FLAVORED TRAINING TREATS – No horse can resist yummy apple flavor!
- VERSATILE GROOMING TOOL: This multifunctional grooming instrument is essential for pet owners as it ingeniously fuses the features of a scrubber, a bathing brush, a massager, and a shower. This...
- PREMIUM-GRADE QUALITY: The equine bath brush, made from premium 100% silicone, provides enduring, flexible use, and delivers a thorough cleanse for livestock's coat and skin. Its high-grade material...
- ALL-IN KIT: This innovative bath brush with shower includes a 3-foot heavy-duty hose with included adapter for a garden hose for ease of use. Whether it's for horses, livestock, or a big dog, this...
- RELAXING BATH: Designed with adjustable high and low settings, the washing brush for pets, such as horses, allows you to control the water pressure for a relaxing yet thorough bath. Whether your horse...
- THE JOY OF GROOMING: Find the perfect balance between thoughtfulness and practicality with the Aquapaw Equine Bath Brush. An ideal gift for your four-legged friend, it enhances the grooming experience...
- Unique Design: Exquisite handcrafted equestrian macrame wall hanging that seamlessly blends traditional weaving techniques with modern design elements, creating a captivating artistic centerpiece for...
- Handmade Excellence: Each piece is meticulously woven by skilled artisans, showcasing their craftsmanship and passion. This ensures that every artwork is one-of-a-kind, exuding true artistic value.
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- Straw covers cap accessories compatible with stanley cup tumbler 30 & 40 oz.
- Designed inspired by cowboy hats, this straw topper is so unique and distinctive.
- Food grade silicone material, BPA free, dishwasher safe.
- Black, white, pink, brown, 1 set of 4 colors, match as you like.
- Due to its unique style, it is a good choice whether for your own use or as a christmas gift.
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Just the right amount of incentive
- SECURE * - Wrist loop strap ensures riding crop will not fall off
- GREAT FOR TRAINING - With a loud yet painless snap, the thick leather popper gives just the right amount of incentive
- 【Material】Our Riding Crop for Horse is made of PU leather, strong and durable
- 【size】The horse crop length 18inch(45cm), will not cause you inconvenience while riding
- 【Multifunction Horse Whip】The riding crop for horses great is for daily training, and jumping racing
- 【Classical Design】The horse whip with ergonomic design, exquisite hand-woven texture, and non-slip handle is easy to hold and operate
- 【Best Gift】The riding crop for horses is best gift for friends and family who like horses
- 6 UNICORN SET: Breyer Farms Unicorn Magic Wooden Stable Carry Case is a high quality wood stable comes complete with 6 Stablemates Unicorns. Designed to be easy for small hands to carry, the wooden...
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains (6) Breyer Stablemates Unicorns, (1) Wooden Stable Playset with carry handle measures 6.00”H x 9.00”L x 2.5”D. Stablemates 1:32 Scale. Each horse...
- ACCESSORIES: Build an entire world with all Stablemates accessories (sold separately) which includes Craft Kits, Playsets, Barns, Vehicles AND Surprise Horse Blind Bags.
- HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and...
- TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the...
- Rugged knot reference guide for horse riding scenarios with step-by-step, color-coded knot tying diagrams designed to be easy to follow, including descriptions and usage tips
- Includes mini carabiner for clipping this pocket-sized equine knot book to your tack bag, or keeping it handy at camp
- A packable alternative to paper horse books or phone apps that covers the essential horse riding, horse packing, and horse camping knots
- Portable, durable, completely waterproof card format is perfect for use in dirty and muddy environments
- Printed on super thick premium plastic card stock for unmatched durability -- these things are designed to last
- Complete Horse Gift Set: This gift set features 8 different horse gift, including 20 oz tumbler mug, makeup bag, baseball hat, bracelet, hair tie, socks, gift card and gift box. This is a great horse...
- Elegant Daily Gifts: This 20 oz tumbler mug with a lid and straw serves as a reusable gift tailored for horse lover. The pure cotton makeup bag are spacious enough to accommodate lipstick, eye brushes...
- High-Quality Materials: All the items in this set are meticulously crafted using high-quality materials to guarantee that they are both practical and durable. For instance, the tumbler mug are made of...
- A Gift with a Horse Design: The natural stone bracelet with 8mm beaded natural stones and horse pendant,each bead is carefully selected and unique. Lavender candles designed by a horse will light up...
- An Ideal Gift Choice: Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or simply to express your affection, this horse gift set serves as a considerate present. You can place additional small items in the...
Transportation
Transportation is an aspect of horse ownership many overlook. Whether for moving the horse to different locations or attending competitions, having access to or arranging suitable transport is essential.
If you love trail rides, be sure to check whether your destination allows you to bring your horse in and park your trailer and what the rules are for trail riding where you’re going. For example, Big Bend National Park in south Texas is great for camping as a horse owner because it allows horses on its gravel roads and in limited areas in the Chisos mountains. However, you could not bring your horse on pavement in that park.
Taking a “Test Ride”
Taking a “test ride” can provide valuable insight into the horse’s behavior, gait, and compatibility with the rider. It’s an opportunity to assess firsthand whether the horse meets your expectations and requirements.
Thoroughly examining these considerations before you buy a horse ensures that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities and joys of horse ownership. Doing so will help establish a rewarding relationship between you and your horse, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.