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
- WORLD’S #1 PATENTED GROOMING TOOL: SleekEZ horse brushes for shedding is the perfect horse deshedding tool for your horse supplies. It is an essential horse comb/ cattle brush for all pet supplies &...
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- 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!
- Enhanced Grooming Experience: Our pet grooming gloves provide a unique and enjoyable way to groom your pets. The soft silicone tips gently massage their skin, promoting blood circulation and relieving...
- Easy to Use: The gloves are designed to fit most hand sizes comfortably. With these gloves, grooming becomes a breeze. Simply put on the gloves and run your hands through your pet's fur.
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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.
- 【Saddle Charm】Crafted for the rider's safety and her steed's well-being, our saddle jewelry imparts a spiritual blessing during every equestrian escapade. This exquisite horse-themed adornment...
- 【Saddle Heart Charm】Measuring an elegant 7 inches in length, this charming ensemble comprises a cross, feather, horseshoe, and a heart-shaped pendant adorned with an inspiring quote.
- 【Saddle Charm】Crafted with meticulous attention to detail using durable suede strips and premium metal, our saddle charm is built to withstand the test of time. The charms are firmly attached to...
- 【Saddle Heart Charm】Effortlessly clip this sparkling accessory onto any saddle, infusing it with a touch of sophistication and personality.
- 【Protect This Rider And The Horse She Rode In On-Saddle Charm】Please note, each piece is handmade, resulting in subtle variations that add to its charm and uniqueness.
- 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
- 【Horse Stickers 】: 100 pcs horse themed stickers, using different elements to create various horse scenes, expressions and actions; they are cute, cool, and powerful
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- 【Easy to Use】: These horse stickers are perfect for sticking to a variety of smooth surfaces; self-adhesive backs, simply peel and stick
- 【Necklace Meaning】This lucky horseshoe will invite good fortune into your life. Wear your necklace as a reminder that the more you believe, the luckier youll be.
- 【Inspirational Message Card】 Start with a good quality greeting card to show that you value your lover, family, best friend and more. We hope everyone get the best wishes and the sincere words...
- 【Size】Chain length 16.5in +1.9in and fashion necklace for women jewelry. Match with suitable apparel for different occasion.
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- Usually given for anniversary, for her birthday, Valentines, Christmas, Thanksgiving Day and more.
- 【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
- 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.