Everything You Need to Know About Owning a Horse

Hi, aspiring equus caballus owners… I've written this guide to buying a horse to comprehend everything my family and I wish nosotros had known from the very beginning, so you can hopefully learn from our years of experience and avoid the many mistakes nosotros made forth the way!

If you are buying a horse for the first time, this like shooting fish in a barrel to follow, comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know almost buying a horse! For those who already take some experience in buying a horse, and just desire to make your next purchase as stress costless as possible… I'm sure you'll find plenty of useful tips too!

And then, what are we going to cover?

Things to consider earlier buying a equus caballus

Choosing the right type of horse for you

What to get ready earlier you search

The search

What to ask the seller when you enquire

Viewing the horse

Getting the horse vetted

Buying the horse

Bringing your new horse abode

Buying a horse – Summary

Useful links

Okay, lets fissure on…

Things to Consider Before Ownership a Equus caballus…

Daydreaming about buying a horse or pony is a by-time that most horse lovers spend a lot of time imagining… the sunny afternoons hacking across beautiful fields, birds singing overhead, and perhaps even a wall of brightly-coloured rosettes. Aye, of grade there are days like that, but you've got to retrieve at that place volition as well be cold, dark days with muddy fields – rain, meaning even more mud – and days when the mud sucks the wellies right off your feet and you want to scream – basically, a lot of mud! Having ridden and endemic horses my whole life, and worked freelance with them for about of the developed part of it – trust me, summers make upwards for information technology, but I tin can't stress plenty – exist prepared for the mud! So, permit'due south get downwardly to it – y'all demand to be realistic. Do y'all really take the experience, time, and coin to expect after a horse?

These are the three virtually of import to questions to inquire your self before buying a equus caballus…

Can y'all beget a horse?

Firstly, exercise y'all have the bachelor cash to actually buy a horse, and all the kit you're going to need? You lot might have £5,000 burning a horse-shaped pigsty in your pocket, but take yous considered that the kit y'all'll need (tack, rugs, etc) will set you back up of at least £1,000, and that's buying a lot of information technology 2d hand! So yous'll need to bear your overall budget in mind when searching for a horse (some equus caballus or ponies do come with tack and rugs, but not all that ofttimes, and what they come up with may not exist to your taste). Check out What practice I Demand for a Horse? – The Ultimate Checklist of Equine Equipment for a comprehensive look at all the kit you'll need.

Y'all too need to effigy out if your budget is realistic for the type of horse or pony that volition fit the bill for yous… for example: £1,500 – £4,000 might be realistic for a child'due south kickoff pony or a happy hacker/Riding Lodge equus caballus. And if you're a skilful rider with some experience looking for an all rounder to do higher level local competitions, and maybe fifty-fifty some affiliated, £4,000 – £8,000 should be a reasonable budget… only y'all'd demand to up this amount considerably for buying a horse to compete at top level competitions (and would probably need lots more quality kit besides).

If you lot find that your banking concern residue isn't going to cut information technology for the initial outlay, you could e'er consider loaning or sharing before ownership a horse.

The purchase toll, and accumulating all the kit yous'll demand, is just the beginning… the weekly costs tin easily mount up (mount up – go it?!). If you have lots of time and experience, you can continue the costs downward by doing much of the work yourself, but if y'all're inexperienced or lack the fourth dimension, you're going to need help, which isn't cheap.

There are lots of livery options, so yous'll have to weigh upward what's best for your situation, and if the price is worth information technology (prices vary according to the area you are in, what they offering, and what facilities they take – then it's worth ringing around you're local ones to become an idea).

Every bit a rough guide, in my area (the Dwelling Counties in England), on a grand with a ménage, Grass Livery (just grazing) starts at nigh £fifteen per week, DIY (stable and grazing) from £25, Part Livery (all bones daily intendance, hay and bedding) from £75, and Full Livery (aforementioned equally Part Livery, but usually with preparation and some exercise) from £100. I've kept most of my horses DIY (or assisted DIY where someone turned out for me each morn, and I did everything on my one evening visit to salvage me driving to the 1000 twice!). I've as well stabled office livery where someone turned out/brought in and did all the mucking out, which allowed me more than time to groom and ride, simply it was obviously a scrap more than expensive.

You'll also demand to tot up the costs of shoeing (approx £forty – £70 every 5-8 weeks), likewise every bit worming, insurance, feed/supplements, hay/bedding if not included in livery, fuel to and from the yard, yearly dentistry and back checks, and perhaps even maintaining a horse trailer, or horsebox, should you lot desire one, plus lessons and testify fees.

Besides, consider your goals… if you are buying a horse to be a happy hacker, basic facilities will be more sufficient, and therefore cheaper, but if you lot want to compete, it'll be a lot more expensive; y'all'll desire access to skillful facilities, and will probably desire your own transport.

How much experience do yous have?

Having limited experience doesn't accept to be a barrier to buying a horse, merely as mentioned earlier, it volition mean you'll need to have experienced people on paw to help you lot.

If you can, it may be worth looking into taking some courses, or sharing/loaning earlier buying a equus caballus to gain more experience.

For anyone inexperienced, I would always recommend stabling a first horse at a larger yard with plenty of people around to assist, and getting assisted DIY livery as minimum.

How much time do you accept?

Do you really have the time? If y'all're but used to a weekly lesson or two, y'all're in for a shock – horses are time consuming! A lesson is commonly an allocated 30-sixty minutes out of your solar day with the horse tacked up and ready to become. Unless you're stabled at an expensive full or contest livery yard, this won't be the case. Depending on your stabling arrangement, you'll demand to classify at least another one-half an hour/60 minutes, or more, on top of your riding time – and comport in listen, as keeping a horse tin can be quite expensive, you're going to want to get your money'southward worth – yous're going to want to exist at that place as many days as possible!

If y'all have a limited budget, but are experienced with plenty of time, you'll probably exist considering Grass or DIY livery. In this example, yous're looking at two visits to the yard each day (once in the morning and once in the evening) to check over your equus caballus, turn out, muck out/poo-selection the field, bring in, feed, change rugs, groom, etc – and of course, fit riding in as well! Trust me, information technology tin can be done – and if y'all love horses every bit much as y'all think you do, you'll even enjoy the mucky tasks as well!

Okay, so you have the time and the money, and yous've found somewhere suited to your needs to keep your new equus caballus/pony…

Choosing a Equus caballus… What Type of Horse or Pony is Suitable for You?

Your experience and power volition be the principal gene in making the determination of what blazon of equus caballus to buy – it really is such a common fault for people to 'over horse' themselves when buying a horse. Whether they're ownership their outset horse, or moving up from ane they've outgrown, there is often a huge discrepancy betwixt what you want, and what yous demand – retrieve about it, y'all wouldn't give a learner driver a Ferrari!

How Large?

What size and type of equus caballus are you lot comfy riding? How tall and heavy are you? An old guide for a suitable height horse is that their withers are no lower than your shoulder, and no college than the meridian of your head; though this can be taken with a pinch of common salt – shorter/rounder horses and ponies can 'take upwards more than leg' (so a taller passenger can wait okay on-board) – and then, as long as you're comfortable, and the equus caballus tin behave your weight happily, get with what feels right.

Many people make the mistake of thinking, the taller the equus caballus, the more than weight it can behave. However, weight-carrying is usually calculated on the 'bone' (measurement around the cannon os of the leg) – there volition be some xiii.2hh cob type ponies that could easily comport more than a xvi.2hh Thoroughbred! So consider what you are comfy riding and handling, as well as your own height and weight.

For children, unless they are super tall, it'southward ordinarily wise to stick to 14.2hh or under, as many shows separate horse and pony classes, and juniors in affiliated competitions and showing are unremarkably restricted by height classes (although some, such equally the BSJA, exercise run 'children on horses' classes) – this will be less of a cistron if you don't intend to compete.

How One-time and How Experienced?

A horse's prime age generally seems to exist considered from when they've been cleaved in (usually around four years old) and been nether saddle for a couple of years, to a few years before they are considered a veteran (at 15 or over) – so it would exist from 6/7 years onetime (depending on when they were broken and the level of preparation) to about 12 years onetime.

Don't let this put you off the veterans though, specially for kids ponies or if you are looking for conviction giver to 'teach you the ropes', as they tin take lots to offering and usually know their job within out. A lot of summit dressage horses are well into their teens. I have a real soft spot for the oldies, and if well looked afterwards, I've know horses in their xx's, and even some ponies in their 30'south, still happily doing their job!

I think everyone has had the romantic dream of bringing on their own youngster from scratch, but this isn't realistic for about people – you need lots of time and experience (forth with the patience of a saint, and a god-given ability to bounciness!). Unless yous have the time, experience, and possess these qualities, I would recommend fugitive anything immature or 'light-green'. (There are of course exceptions to every rule, and you'll find some youngsters with an old caput… and indeed, some oldies who still remember they're three!).

For most people, I'd say stick to buying a horse that has a few 'miles on the clock', and is at to the lowest degree well established in the basics – hacking out, schooling, jumping, and has been taken out and nearly. If you are inexperienced, lack confidence, or are looking for your start equus caballus or pony, the more established and more experienced the horse, the better… you can larn and progress without having to railroad train the horse too. (If you're both inexperienced information technology can be a flake of a case of 'the blind leading the blind', and end upwardly with y'all, and your horse, losing confidence!).

Nosotros would all dearest to find that 'equus caballus of a lifetime', and for those with limited ambitions, or who only desire to leisure ride and hack out – this is realistic, as the horse that will adjust y'all now, could nevertheless be correct for y'all in years to come. Nonetheless, if your ambitions for the futurity outstretch your current ability, this tin can be a much harder task (– the dream would be a schoolmaster that is happy to step down a few levels while you learn, then step back upward equally you progress. But finding a horse like that is like finding hen's teeth… and they usually have a toll tag to match their rarity!).

Focus on finding something that suits you now, something yous tin can proceeds confidence on… you lot just demand to realise and accept that if your ability and ambitions do outgrow your equus caballus, you may accept to consider buying a horse that is more advanced in a few years time – sadly for most of us, that means having to discover a new home, or in other words, sell :(, our beloved friend.

What Type/Breed?

As a sweeping generalisation, each brood carries its own traits and characteristics (much similar dogs!), and the more native/chunky types are more often than not considered more easy going, while the ones with more 'blood', such as Thoroughbreds and Arabs are usually more 'hot-headed' and suited to experienced owners. This is just a rough guide though, and of grade non all individuals fit their stereotypes!

Some horses also have expressive or large movements, which can be hard to sit to for less experienced riders that don't have a well established seat. Spanish horses, Warmbloods and Welsh Section Ds are particularly known for this, once again though, not all fit these stereotypes.

If your horse is going to be living out, it's worth considering the native, hardier types (I'm not saying finer breeds can't cope living out, I knew someone who kept a Thoroughbred out all year with a field shelter and hefty carpet – it's merely that in general the native types will be happier and easier to keep this way).

Before embarking on your search, consider all the factors higher up and write down a list of what yous're looking for, and deal breakers, such as non hacking out alone. My list, for case, would include that information technology must be good to load (don't even get me started on that one!) and afterwards years of being a groom, it would probably also rule out greys (even though they're stunning), equally I've spent so many mornings scrubbing stable stains and also many evenings washing off dirt! Although I'd probably be swayed for the right one!Just utilise your list to set some bones parameters for your search, such as rough size, preferred blazon/breed, crude historic period, level of training/feel and the temperament suitable for you, plus your upkeep and how far yous're willing to travel for viewings. I've known clients miss some lovely horses because their listing was and so specific (e.grand., must be a black, 16.2hh, Dutch Warmblood mare, inside a half an 60 minutes bulldoze!).

**What to Accept in Identify before y'all Embark on your Search…**

Before you start searching for your future equine best friend, make sure you have the basics in place.

Make certain you have somewhere to keep it…

Don't presume that the perfect m you lot've spotted online volition accept infinite… some have year long waiting lists! And don't be disheartened if the best places are full, remember, yous tin always put yourself on the waiting list and find a compromise until a space is bachelor.

Make sure they offering the type of livery you want and the thousand has all the facilities you lot need (e.g., a ménage, year round turn out, decent hacking). For more in depth reading on types of livery bank check out Types of Livery Explained – How Much Does it Cost to Stable a Horse?

Too, think websites can be misleading, and many yards, particularly the smaller ones, may not be listed online, so check local saddlery notice boards for adverts, and even ring local Riding Clubs and Pony Clubs for recommendations.

It's essential you visit the yard prior to agreeing to a spot, to get a feel for the place, and ask plenty of questions almost their rules and day to day routine – for example, do they restrict turn out in winter? Do they allow early/late visiting? How busy is the ménage? What'due south the hacking like? And and then on! My friend ended up on a DIY yard that didn't allow owners on site before vii.30am, or after 8pm, and the ménage was chock-a-block every evening; considering she worked from eight.30am-6.00pm everyday, information technology didn't allow her much fourth dimension to squeeze in all the daily tasks at the yard and accept time to ride – she ended upward having to make three visits a day to shoe-horn in a ride during her lunch break (luckily she had showers available at her piece of work!).

Once you've constitute a suitable place that has a space bachelor, reserve your spot! Some yards will require you to pay the total price of the livery to proceed the stable open, just most will only accuse a pocket-size holding fee each calendar week.

Register with a local Equine Vet…

The yard you lot find will usually be able to recommend the vet that they use (and it is helpful if you lot annals with the aforementioned one, equally quite oft fees tin be shared for routine visits such every bit vaccinations).

Find a Farrier…

Farriers are oftentimes in loftier need with busy schedules, so information technology's worth having one lined up!
The yard you lot find, peculiarly if information technology'south a larger i, will probably have a farrier they use who is scheduled for regular visits. If not, take a conversation with other owners at the yard and detect out who shoes their horses.

Anything else, such every bit saddle fitters, etc, can be arranged as you get along.

The Search!

We'd all love to find our Mr or Mrs Perfect by word of rima oris or recommendation, merely sadly that's usually a rare turn of luck. If you're not so lucky, or don't accept the contacts, you lot'll have to be more than proactive when ownership a horse…

Local Enquiries

Locally is a good way to kickoff, especially for first fourth dimension buyers… bank check out the notice board at your local saddleries, you could even consider popping upwardly a wanted advertisement (but practise be cautious of unscrupulous sellers calling you with 'the perfect' horse!).

Failing that, particularly for a first horse or children's ponies, it can be worth ringing effectually the branches of The Pony Gild and Riding Clubs in your surface area to see if whatsoever of their members are selling something suitable.

Online Searches…

This modern age of the internet is making finding and buying a horse then much simpler; there are several 'horses for auction' websites available at our fingertips, and about of the magazines we used to have to look for to thumb through the classifieds, now have websites where horses and ponies are posted for sale every day.

Y'all can usually refine your searches for height, age, sexual practice, etc, and the area you want to expect in when buying a equus caballus, which makes narrowing down your search results much easier. A couple of the near popular websites in the U.K. are – HorseQuest and Horsemart .

In this modernistic age of social media, you'll probably even be able to find local Facebook pages and groups that will have adverts with horses for sale (and permit yous post a wanted ad too).

Dealers…

They frequently get a bad wrap, just for every questionable one out in that location giving them a bad proper noun, there's a good one making an honest living dealing in some lovely horses. A benefit of buying a horse through a dealer is you tin often have more come-back if the equus caballus doesn't turn out to be right for you and there will oft be good facilities to try the horses, and in some cases, at that place may be more than one suitable horse or pony to try in one place.

Just do be wary, every bit mentioned, there are some really unscrupulous ones out in that location – earlier visiting a dealer, be sure to look upward how well established they are, and read reviews and forums to see what other people have experienced.

What to Ask the Seller When You Phone to Inquire…

I recommend writing downwards a list of everything you lot'd like to ask, to salve getting flustered on the telephone. I've rang lots of sellers in the by and its like shooting fish in a barrel to lose track and just stop up chatting, especially when someone is selling their beloved family horse – in the early days, I once spent an hr on the phone listening to an possessor tell me about all of her surgeries for back injuries and how sad she was having to sell considering she could no longer ride; when I finally put the phone down, I realised I'd arranged a viewing because I liked the lady but I didn't actually know much about the horse, other than he was 'such a lovely boy', and had to remember armed with a list of questions!

Firstly, is it notwithstanding bachelor! If then, double check the location to ensure information technology's within the altitude you're willing to travel.

Ask the horse or ponies name, as this makes the rest of the conversation easier 🙂

Confirm the equus caballus's size, age, height, brood, sex, etc.

Why are they selling? – you can oft become a expert feel for how genuine they are with their answer, and it can exist useful, for instance, if you are a novice looking for a first horse, and they say they were 'over-horsed', information technology probably won't be right!

With the nuts out of the way, at present'due south the fourth dimension to ask the questions about any 'bargain breakers' you may have, to relieve both y'all and the seller time if there are any, e.g., if the only hacking in your area involves busy roads, you need a horse that is skilful in traffic, or if you intend to become out competing every week, you need a equus caballus that is good to load, etc.

Enquire if they have whatever behavioural problems or stable 'vices' (such as cribbing or weaving), and if they are good to catch, shoe, prune, load, hack out, etc.

If at that place are no bargain breakers and they are 'adept to exercise' with no vices (or you tin live with any of the issues and are happy to work on them), inquire all of your other questions. Such as, what competition experience do they have? SJ? 90? Dressage? Are they well behaved out hacking, solitary/in company, open fields/traffic? Are they strong/forward going/more than laid back? And so on – compile your own list to fit your needs.

Ask if the equus caballus/pony is in full work, when some horses become fitter they can get sharper, so behave this in heed.

Enquire if you can you bring your trainer/instructor with you, and if they are open to vetting… if the answer's no, this is a major red flag – steer well clear!

Ask if the horse has a passport and is up to engagement with vaccinations… if the reply'south no, this is another red flag! A passport is absolutely essential, and while vaccinations aren't technically a legal requirement currently, they are highly recommended, and nearly yards require you take them. If a horse you lot purchase doesn't have them, you lot will need to get-go a total class of Influenza and Tetanus vaccinations from the beginning (your vet can suggest yous nearly this).

After these questions have been answered – talk about your requirements, ability level and what you are looking for, and see if the seller thinks their equus caballus could fit the bill; 18-carat sellers who want the best dwelling house for their horses will unremarkably be very honest, merely much like responses to wanted ads, be cautious, as some people will say anything to make a auction!

If all seems well and at that place's potential, arrange a viewing – notice out what trial facilities they accept (e.m.: ménage, floodlights, jumps, hacking, etc). My parents and I in one case drove well-nigh 4 hours to encounter a pony and there was simply a 15×15 meter muddy pen with two rusty barrels and an one-time branch to spring – in that location wasn't even hacking every bit it was right off a duel carriageway… needless to say, it was a wasted trip and a mistake we never made once again!

Ask if there is a rider bachelor and so you can spotter the horse being ridden, if they say there isn't, this tin can be dangerous because you can't assess it earlier riding it yourself, and therefore another potnetial cerise flag (unless yous're buying a equus caballus as a broodmare or an united nations-backed youngster of course!).

Likewise be prepared that the seller may ask yous questions, especially someone who is looking for the all-time home for their horse – (I was one of those sellers, and wouldn't sell to the wrong home – we were in one case offered the full toll for my second pony, and refused, instead nosotros sent him on 'permanent loan' and eventually gave him to the lady, who was perfect for him, and offered him a life long home!) e.g.: they may want to know your experience or if you'll have help if you lot're less experienced, if you lot'll be keeping the horse at habitation/livery, if you have a stable for winter, if it'll be with/without company, what you lot are hoping to do with the horse… don't be offended, they want a the right abode every bit much as y'all want the correct horse!

Once you've fabricated the decision most buying a equus caballus or pony, it'southward very piece of cake to get impatient and rush effectually looking at everything with four hooves, but don't. Take your time, it'southward ameliorate to ask lots of questions, spend months searching and accept years of enjoyment with the right horse, than have the firsthand gratification of an occupied stable, followed past the head and heartache of realising your impulse buy was unsuitable.

Viewing the Horse

On the day, I generally like to arrive 15 minutes early so you tin see the atmosphere of the yard, and tell whether or non they are 'putting on a show' before you arrive!

Wear your usual riding kit, (have some wellies in the car also, just in case!) including your up-to-standard helmet, and I'd recommend a torso protector too if you're comfortable wearing one. I wish I'd had mine when I tried a re-backed ex-racehorse who was described as 'bombproof in traffic'; he went beautifully for the possessor and for the get-go ten minutes I was on board, and so a car backfired in the yard and what followed could merely exist compared to rodeo. I stuck information technology out for a bit, then was catapulted in spectacular fashion. Luckily I was wearing my helmet and was just a bit bruised and winded –but the fall could've been worse. Only remember, horses can exist unpredictable, so safety first, specially with unknown ones!

Ideally you want to meet the equus caballus caught, groomed, tacked up, etc, so you lot can get an idea of their temperament – depending on the time of 24-hour interval, or the routine of the 1000 you lot are visiting, this may not always be possible (yous can always arrange a second visit for this if you fall in dear!).

Sentinel the equus caballus's general demeanour/personality whilst being handled and look over their conformation (do they brand a nice overall picture show – direct limbs, sloping shoulder, even hooves, etc), and check them over for scars/lumps/bumps. Pick up a leg or ii equally if you were picking out the hoof to meet how they conduct, and also wait at the shoes – extremely worn or loose shoes can indicate they haven't been looked afterward every bit well equally you lot'd hope.

If y'all know what y'all're looking for, or have someone experienced with you, you could as well inquire to have them trotted upwards to expect at their movement (do they move straight?), and check for whatsoever signs of lameness.

Brand sure you notice someone else riding the horse first, and that the surround is safe, eastward.1000.: well fenced and a decent surface (likewise make sure that you take insurance with personal accident cover for horse riding – a BHS Golden Membership will normally cover this, bank check out their website here).

When y'all come across the equus caballus ridden by someone else kickoff, observe how it goes… does it stand up withal to mount up? Does it look lazy/similar it's beingness kicked along, is it pulling like a train, is it chilling or tense, is information technology whizzy, does it work in outline, does the rider seem relaxed?

The 'Test Ride'…

Right, if the equus caballus/pony looks safe and you feel confident to climb aboard… now it'south your turn! Earlier mounting, check the tack and girth and adjust the stirrups as you normally would.

In one case on board, walk away, then (this bit is surprisingly often forgotten, but very important) test the brakes! Spend a few minutes getting comfortable and getting a experience for the horse… remember you're not there to show off your riding, you're there to endeavor the horse, so don't exist self conscious. Once you lot're happy, put the horse through their paces – do some walk, trot, canter, transitions and circles on both reins, and popular a few jumps if you plan to jump (first over a trotting pole, and gradually build up – the height isn't necessarily important, their attitude is).

If possible, try the equus caballus out hacking too, again y'all ideally want see it ridden out first, and don't go solitary; have someone ride or walk with you to keep an eye out.

And so You lot Like the Horse, What's Adjacent?

I strongly recommend a second visit, buying a horse is not a small-scale purchase (y'all may accept seen the equus caballus on a actually good solar day and it's useful to see if they behave any differently – visit at a unlike fourth dimension of twenty-four hour period too, to see if that affects them). In that location is a risk of someone else coming along betwixt your visits though, and then effort to arrange this for every bit presently as possible!

A second visit is also a proficient time to test anything that was missed on the outset visit – for example, did you lot meet the equus caballus caught, etc? Did y'all get to hack out in traffic? Take a canter/gallop in an open infinite? If you are planning to get out competing, etc, you lot may fifty-fifty want to see the horse loaded, or see it ridden over some XC jumps.

Some sellers may even be willing to offering a trial menses for a calendar week or ii, like a very short loan, usually staying at their ain grand and subject to a fee. This is understandably very rare, but fantastic if you get the chance (like a supercharged second visit!), as you can actually go to know the horse.

Once you lot are confident you lot take institute the correct equus caballus or pony for yous, now's the time to talk over leaving a deposit – I recommend having this in writing, and subject to vetting (refundable if the vetting fails).

Suit the vetting (run across the next section!). So spend the next few days making your fingers sore crossing them tightly, nervously awaiting the results 🙂

Vetting the Horse

Regardless of how lovely or cheap the horse or pony you have found is, I implore y'all… brand sure you have it vetted! Some insurance companies won't even provide embrace if you lot oasis't at least had a basic vet bank check done. Many years ago, when looking for a project pony to bring on and sell, I bought a scrawny petty mare directly from the field, (partly because I felt sorry for her) she had overgrown feet and a matted mane, just such a sweet nature; she was just £400 so I thought a vetting wasn't worth it. six months later she was going beautifully and proved to take a lot of talent, then I had her pre-sale vetted and it was institute that she had very mild heart murmur. It didn't stop her going on to take a lovely career doing pony order and show jumping, merely information technology did mean she was worth less than half of her potential as a top issue pony! – Even a basic vetting should pick this kind of thing up.

In that location a many unlike types of vetting; in the U.K. they range from a basic 2 phase vetting, upwardly to a full v phase vetting, and for very expensive competition horses, some people too opt to have x-rays and further tests.

Obviously a v stage vetting volition give you the almost peace of listen, and is essential for contest horses and those of a higher value. Yet, if you lot're merely looking for a happy hacker, a 2 stage may be sufficient. Check your insurance company's requirements for cover, and take a chat with your vet for some communication.

If the horse you've found is within a reasonable altitude, I would usually recommend using your ain vet for the vetting. However, if you've travelled further afield to view a horse, you will probably need to source one in that area, you can practise this past finding and ringing a well established 1000 nearby and request them for a recommendation, or by searching online for vets that provide equine vettings in the expanse, and select i based on reviews/reputation.

Once you've found a vet, detect out their available times/dates and liaise with the seller to arrange when the vetting tin take place.

Ideally y'all desire to exist present when the vetting takes place, but if you can't, it doesn't matter every bit the vet will report all of their findings and recommendations over the phone.

So, the vetting passed and the vet says the horse is fit for your purpose – bang-up news! What at present…?

Ownership the Equus caballus

Once you've agreed to buy the equus caballus, and bundled collection, information technology'southward worth asking more than questions. Find out its current daily routine and what feed information technology has, so you can make any changes gradually to avoid any problems (for example, sudden changes in feed can cause colic). Find out how well the horse settled in when they bought information technology then yous know what to potentially wait when it gets home with you. If y'all are buying a horse or pony that doesn't come up with any of his/her belongings, find out what sizes it needs for tack and rugs, etc.

Whether paying by banking concern transfer or cash, make certain that you get a signed and dated written receipt of sale, and the horse's passport and vaccination records, etc, including registration/convenance papers, freezemark and microchip details, if they have them (bank check with your yard for their vaccination requirements and worming protocol too).

What will y'all need if your new horse comes with none of his/her kit?

For picking him/her up, and the offset few days, all you'll need is a headcollar and leadrope, travel boots, and tail bandage and/or tail guard, a carpet suitable for travelling, plus a turn out rug (and maybe stable carpeting if stabling) suited to the time of yr, and a basic training kit.

Depending on the arrangements at your g and the type of livery you have, you may also need feed bowls/haynets, feed, hay, bedding, and mucking out tools, etc. Following this, at that place'll be a long listing of tack, rugs and other equipment (it may exist worth arranging a saddle fitter in advance, for a few days after the horse arrives, equally they tin can get booked up).

What else?

Find out when the horse is due to exist shod side by side (a general rule of thumb is every 6 weeks, although some will be four-8 weeks), when the vaccinations are adjacent due, and when the horse final had his teeth and back checked past a professional (commonly every 6-12 months), so y'all tin can book appointments for these.

Before collecting your new horse make sure you take equine insurance – lots of different types of encompass are available, depending on the value and type of use. Shop effectually to detect the encompass nearly suited to y'all (as an absolute minimum, exist sure y'all have 3rd party cover!).

Once you've completed the auction, it's time to bring your new friend dwelling house!

Bringing Your New Horse Abode

Armed with lots of data, endeavour to make the transition every bit smooth and at-home equally possible for your new horse – remember, information technology's a massive change, and stressful for them too!

If you don't have your ain transport to collect your buy, some sellers will offering delivery. If non, you can either hire a self drive horsebox, or arrange commitment with a horse send company (take a search online).

Pretty mutual sense, but set up the stable! As they can be particularly restless on the first dark, I like to make an actress deep bed then they don't knock themselves, and give them extra hay (and perhaps fifty-fifty some boredom breakers, such as ii pocket-size-holed haynets double-layered, a lick, or carrots on a rope), to continue them occupied.

As mentioned, try to modify their routine and feed gradually to avoid upset.

When turning out at first, ideally you desire to introduce new paddock mates slowly, as not all horses will get on – if possible, the perfect solution is fencing off a small area with electric record and so they can become to know each other over a fence start (or even turning out in the neighbouring paddock). If this isn't possible, make an introduction in hand, with a fence or gate betwixt them, to minimise the chance of potential injury to both yous and the horses every bit they go acquainted, and so keep a close center on how they become on!

Have your time getting to know your new friend; spend time bonding with them from the footing – grooming, groundwork and lunging. When you ride for the first time, ride in a safe, contained place (ideally a ménage) with someone on mitt, hack in company a few times kickoff if possible, then peradventure take some lessons. Don't rush out to competitions, etc, until yous have built a human relationship.

Don't be surprised if it takes a few days, or even a week or then for some horses to settle in and resemble the angel yous fell in honey with at the viewing! Virtually horses I've bought have settled really hands. Surprisingly, it was my showtime pony, a cuddly ex-riding schoolhouse cob, who took the longest! I put this down to the fact that he came from living out with a couple of ponies on a tiny three acre semi-rural site, and the yard we took him dwelling to was hundreds of acres with 50 plus horses; he besides he had to stay in for 36 hours for the yard'southward worming policy, and so he was super excited at get-go, but he did settle dorsum to his cuddly self within a week. If you lot are concerned, or they don't settle, yous tin can always contact the previous owners and/or consult someone experienced to help assess what the outcome could exist (some sellers have been known to dope horses for auction!).

Most of all… enjoy it!

Buying a Horse, in Summary…

Be realistic – do you accept the experience, time and money to buy a horse?

Choose the right blazon of equus caballus for yous – don't 'over horse' yourself!

Cull the correct option for keeping your new horse, according to your needs.

Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, and accept your fourth dimension.

Stay safe, and take someone more knowledgeable with yous whenever possible.

Test out equally many situations every bit you can when trying potential horses.

Make sure y'all get a vetting! And a receipt from the seller, along with all of the horse's documentation.

Find out lots of data and get everything prepared before bringing the horse home.

Allow plenty of time for your horse to settle into his/her new home, and for you to go to know each other.

Savour it!

I promise y'all've establish this guide to buying a horse helpful… happy horse hunting 🙂

Some Useful Links…

Farther Reading:

Browse through this site, and check out these articles related to buying a horse for more than information…

How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Equus caballus? – The Ultimate Guide

What practise I Need for a Horse? – The Ultimate Checklist of Equine Equipment

Types of Livery Explained – How Much Does it Toll to Stable a Horse?

Basic Horse Treat Beginners

Organisations:

The Pony Society

British Horse Society

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Source: https://theultimateequestrian.com/buying-a-horse-the-ultimate-guide/