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.
- These salt blocks are 100% natural and were mined in the Himalayan Mountains
- This rose colored rock salt is renowned for its high mineral content of iron, potassium and magnesium which are vital for equine health
- The high density of these pure Himalayan salt licks resist breakage and biting and last longer in weather elements
- The purest form of salt available and is safe to be left out for horses to access as desired. Rope (included) can be adjusted to the right height for your horse
- Salt blocks help reduce boredom while giving your horse a nourishing electrolyte replenishment
- 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!
- 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
- Now made of wider unbreakable vinyl coated nylon
- One side estimates the horses weight in both pounds and kilograms
- Reverse side measures horses height in hands and centimeters
- Also serves as a quick efficient daily conditioning guide
- Quick grip for easy roll up
- RESTORE AND PREVENT DAMAGE caused by dryness. Helps to prevent cracks, splits and contracted heels.
- ABSORBS FAST to condition hooves quickly and protect against dryness.
- MOISTURIZING FORMULA WITH AVOCADO OIL to penetrate deep and stimulate collagen production at the coronary band.
- INCLUDES GLYCERINE AND MINERAL OIL to attract moisture and keep it locked into the hoof.
- ENHANCES COLOR, SHEEN AND TEXTURE of hooves.
- ♞【Package contains】You will get a set of professional horse grooming set,Face Brush,Mane and Tail Brush,Grooming Sponge,Dandy Brush,soft finishing brush,Curry Comb,Steel Comb,Hoof Pick with...
- ♞【long-lasting and durable】Horse Brushes Set each product is made of high-quality plastic, silica gel and nylon, which is firm and durable.
- ♞【Portable horse grooming tote】horse grooming tote bag keep your horse supplies and accessories in the horse tack room ,horse tack box or anywhere, and the high-end and atmospheric appearance...
- ♞【Perfect gift】High-end horse care set for horse groomer，equestrian enthusiasts, horse friends, riders, stable owners, adults ,women,girl,children and horse stuff for real horses.
- ♞【professional service】If you have any questions with horse tack and supplies, please contact us in time, we will be happy to solve you, to your satisfaction
- 【Horse Stickers 】: 100 pcs horse themed stickers, using different elements to create various horse scenes, expressions and actions; they are cute, cool, and powerful
- 【Horse Stickers for Kids Teens Adults】: All of these horse stickers have no inappropriate content and are friendly to kids and teens; cute horse stuff for horse lovers, horse party favors, horse...
- 【Well-made Horse Stickers】: High-definition printing, die-cut, matte finish; clear patterns, comfortable to touch, strong adhesion and waterproof
- 【Cool Horse Decorations】: Horse stickers can decorate a variety of items, such as water bottles, laptops, tablets, scrapbooks, handmade cards, crafts, cups, and more
- 【Easy to Use】: These horse stickers are perfect for sticking to a variety of smooth surfaces; self-adhesive backs, simply peel and stick
- 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.
- 【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
- Horse Gifts for Girls Women Premium Materials: Our Modern Classic Barn Hair Don't Care Ponytail Hat Soothes in 100% Cotton Comfort While Maintaining Proper Balance for Those Who Enjoy a Natural...
- Horse Accessories Hat Adjustable: Barn Hair Don't Care Baseball Hat Circumference : 21.65-23.22 inches (55-59cm); Hat Brim : 2.75 inches (7cm); Hat Height : 3.54 inches (9cm). Baseball Cap Women Use...
- Great Gift for Horse Lover: Gift Idea for Horse Women Equestrian Rider Horseback Riding Lover Theme Birthday Party Christmas Holiday Mother's Day Present for Horse Lovers Riding Instructor Trainer...
- Horse Lovers Gifts for Women : Funny “Barn Hair Don't Care” Logo, and a Soft Feel Bring Both Fashion and Comfort to Your Day. Funny Animal Dad Baseball Hat Pre-curved Visor, Protect Your Skin from...
- 6 Panels and 6 Ventilation Holes Comfortable & Breathable: Just A Girl Who Loves Horses Washed Hat with Cotton Sweatband is Engineered to Absorb Sweat and Wick Moisture, and Fit the Head Circumference...
- Safe for your pet: This cow scratcher brush is designed to relieve the discomfort caused by animals' seasonal sideburns' hair loss, mosquito itching, and other problems;The scratch pad features a...
- Perfect size for farm animal: This cattle scratcher is 14.17 inches long and 11.81 inches wide, the perfect size for pets;Suitable for cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and other animals to massage and...
- Multi purpose:As well as being a mat for your horse to rub against itchiness, it can also help administer medicine immediately; If your animal has dermatitis, the medication can be applied to the top...
- Easy installation: Our cow brush scratcher posts are very easy to install, each pad comes with 16 nails 3 cm long for easy installation on the wood surface; Our design allows multiple pads to be...
- Multiple application scenarios: Our anti-itch mats are flexible and durable enough to wrap around a post or corner, or they can be mounted on a plank wall and are less likely to split; Easy to remove,...
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.
