When buying a new horse?

Question

I am going to start looking for a new horse and I wanted to know if any of you had any advice for me? Anything you have had experience with, scams, how to buy a healthy horse, what should i do when I meet the horse and what should I do when I bring him home?

Anything at all, please help.

Answer 1

Make sure the horse has had a negative "coggins test" within the last year (it is required to transport). Find out if they have had immunizations, dental, any ongoing health concerns

Have a good idea of the kind of riding you want to do, and get a horse that fulfills those needs. Don't just fall for a pretty paint job -  heck, they're all pretty :)

Try to keep the horse on food they were used to at the previous owners.



Slowly introduce changes.Horses are creatures of routine.

Give them time to see their surroundings in daylight.

Don't mix a new horse in with a herd that already exists.

Slowly introduce the animals one by one to each other.

Probably best not to buy a horse on time payments.

Sounds like you might need to ask the second opinion advice of an experienced horse person, once you have narrowed down your choices. A vet, a lesson teacher - have it be someone you can trust.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I would make an outline of the qualities you want in a horse...the sort of personality you want, if it is more spirited or just plods along, what training you want it to have (English, Western, trail, driving, etc), height, etc. . Don't write down a color or a breed, any horse can have the right characteristics. Even age isn't always an issue. My first horse was 4 when I got her, and she was fully trained (english and western) and a wonderful horse.

I find a great place to find horses for sale is through a tack shop or feed store. they often have a wall with horses for sale on it. Another place to try is local, reputable stables (where the horses are well cared for). Talk to people. There are also numerous online classifieds.

So you found some horses that interest you, go visit them. Set up an appointment. Work with them on the ground, lead  them groom them, see if they cross tie. See how they handle people around and touching them. Ride it. Maybe have the owner ride first, then you get on.

If you are still interested in the horse, have a vet that you trust (and who does not work for the owner) check the horse out. (Pre-purchase exam). They will check the horse and take xrays to make sure there aren't any injuries that could cause lameness. Make sure that it has all its vaccinations. Also get a Coggins test which checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (there is no vaccine or cure).

Ok, so you found the horse. If you have your own property, you will need to find out what feed the horse is on (and how much), get  hay,  shavings, water bucket, feed bucket, wheelbarrow, pitchfork, shovel, halter, leadrope, stall mats, and make sure your turnout is appropriately fenced and free of debris that could hurt the horse. If you are boarding, you will have to find a barn that has the facilities you want and is in the price range you can afford.

You will have to find out what size halter, bridle (pony, cob, full size, draft) the horse needs, and what sort of saddle (narrow or wide tree for English) the horse needs. The owner should be able to tell you this info. Also, find out what worming schedule he is on and what wormer he gets.

Get a grooming box and a curry comb, a hard brush, a soft brush, a shedding blade, a hoofpick (with brush), a mane/tail comb, a sweat scraper, and a sponge.

Make sure you know the causes, warning signs and how to deal with laminitis and colic.

When you bring him home, if he is going to your house, put him in his stall. Let him check it out. If it is in the morning, turn him out in his pasture. (If there is grass and he is not used to grass, limit the area he is in so he doesn't founder).

If he going to a boarding stable, they will be able to tell you what they want you to do with him.

Good luck!