How to Buy Your First Horse

You've decided to buy a horse. Unfortunately there are no horse department stores and those classified ads are confusing. How do you go about finding the prefect horse? It's easy to let your heart rule your head, so choose carefully to pick just the right horse. Here are the answers to questions you might have about looking for and buying your first horse.

• What type of horse should I look for? Learn what type of horse you should look for when you're buying your first horse. Remember, there really are lots of horses to choose from, so don't buy the first one you see.

• How old should a horse or pony I buy be? I like to say, older horses for new riders. Older horses who have been there and done that are by far the best horse for a beginner rider.

• What should I know about physical soundness before buying a horse? While ideally you should buy a perfectly sound horse, there are a few issues that can be forgiven when you're buying your very first horse.

• What's the best breed for a beginner horse owner or rider/driver? There are a few breeds that tend to make better horses for beginner riders and owners. Find out what the best breeds for beginners are, keeping in mind that there is an exception for every rule.

• Where do I find horses for sale? Again, there is no department store for horses. Learn where and where not to look for your very first horse.

• Who can help me find or choose a horse? It's a good idea to take an objective and experience horse person with you when you look at horses. This person can help you look past the pretty colors and beautiful, beguiling brown eyes.

• How long will it take to find a horse or pony? My advice here is take your time. How much time? As long as it takes not to make a hasty and regretful decision.

• What do I need to ask when I am looking at a horse or pony to buy? There are lots of questions you need to ask why you buy your first horse. Here are some of the things you'll want to learn from the horse's previous owners.

• What is a pre-purchase exam and is it necessary? Learn about getting a veterinarian to do a pre-purchase exam for any horse you want to buy.

• Once I've decided on a horse or pony, what do I need to do? If looking for a horse is exciting, actually making the decision to buy is even more so. Here are the steps you need to take to get your new horse stepping on the trailer and heading for its new home with you.