Buying or Leasing a New Horse
By Lindsey Partridge
Getting a new horse is very exciting! You get to experience a new partnership where you will learn a lot and the horse gets a second chance in life. When you rescue or adopt a horse you also get the satisfaction of knowing you helped save a horse.
Choosing a horse isn’t as simple as it may seem.
There are many things to consider – so follow these easy steps and tips:
- Know Yourself: before you go visit any horses, it is a good idea to know what you want. This might seem obvious, but take a few minutes to answer:
- What do I want to do with horses?
- How long do I want to have this horse?
- What training do I need my horse to have?
- Do I know who will help me with this horse?
- What size of horse am I comfortable with?
- Do I have any preference for breeds or colour?
- Are there any personality traits I want my horse to have – or not have?
Test Yourself: So you think you know what you want – but do you really know? Take some lessons with a variety of horses to get a real understanding for the different types of horses. Get a feel for what you like and don’t like. Some things to think about:- Manners: Some horses have them, some horses test them, and some haven’t learnt them.
- Training: Horses can be trained many ways and depending on what you want to do this can be good or bad for you. Get a feel for what style of training you like, and what discipline you like.
- Size: Get a feel for what size of horse you are comfortable with.
- Temperament/ Personality: Think about these three things – how dominant, sensitive, and confident the horse is. Decide what you like in a horse.
- Have a Plan: Your horse will need a place to live and will need other care like vet and farrier services. Think about your budget to get a new horse, and for the monthly maintenance of a horse. Then plan what, where, who and the cost for your horse’s care.
- Look at Horses: Now that you are sure about what you want and how you will care for the horse, go try horses! Try to find a horse you feel comfortable with. Remember to ask the owner/handler to give you a demonstration with the horse first – that way you have an idea of what to expect when you try.
Ask the Right Questions: It can be really heart breaking to choose a horse and then find out that it won’t be healthy enough to do what you planned. If you ask these questions and get a vet inspection you should have the information you need to decide if this horse fits your needs: - Any past health concerns or injuries?
- Any issues with their hooves like abscess, cracking, navicular, lameness, etc?
- Any issues with their legs like swelling, lameness, etc?
- Any history of breathing problems like heaves, roars, etc?
- Any allergies?
- Any issues keeping weight on the horse?
- Any history of founder?
- Any history of colic?
- Is the horse de-wormed and up to date with all vaccinations/health care?
- Any problems eating or drinking?
- Anything that would prevent the horse from being used for what you want to do (horses doing a lot of heavy trail riding, jumping, dressage, etc need to be in very good soundness)?
- What type of life is the horse used to? – living with other horses, in a stall, with a mixed herd, etc
- Check the Contract: Sometimes there may be extra fees or commissions. Sometimes there are clauses that restrict what you can do with a horse (like breeding or selling).
- Make a Decision: It is important to take the time to make the right choice, but if you find one that is perfect then make sure you seal the deal before they sell to someone else.
- Starting Life with Your New Horse: Congratulations! Now you can:
- Talk with your veterinarian: you’ll need to set up de-worming, vaccinations, dental, and other care for your horse.
- Talk with your farrier: you’ll need to get your horse on a trim schedule
- Get any new tack or supplies: you may need new things for your horse like blankets, skin treatments, supplements, tack, or basic items like halters and lead ropes.
- Set up a nutrition consultation: many local feed stores will offer nutrition consults for free. Check with your local feed store. This will help make sure your horse is getting the nutrients they need.
- Consider Other Equine Services: there are many equine professionals including trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, saddle fitters, dentists, and acupuncturists. Think about your horse, your needs, and what you want to do.
