“So you want to buy a horse...”
By Abbi Levin
Picture this: you are finally in the market for a horse, and with a pocket full of cash ready to spend, you see her. The beautiful palomino mare you've been dreaming of owning since childhood is listed at a price that is just within your budget. In the heat of the moment, you make a deal with her current owner; she’s so beautiful, and you can’t imagine letting this opportunity pass you by. Before the burning hole in your pocket cools, the mare is on a trailer and headed for a stall in your barn with her name on it.
As you lead her off the trailer, you recognize it. A noticeable limp on her right hind leg that you didn’t see in the sale videos. Your heart drops…
Entering the equine market can be an exciting prospect; however, many essential steps should be taken before and during the purchase process to keep a proverbial “horseshoe” from dropping after a purchase. Once a deal has been made, and your new partner arrives at the barn, it is too late to do your homework. To prevent a problematic situation for both you and your new equine friend, here are four manageable steps that can be taken to avoid unnecessary “horse remorse.”
Know your discipline & pedigrees. The current equine market is full of specialized animal athletes that excel in various disciplines across the showing and competition world. Additionally, there are numerous bloodlines suitable for swinging a leg over to gather cattle or to assist with branding and vaccinating your herd. While there is not one type of bloodline or pedigree that is best “overall,” there will likely be one that is best for you.
Look at conformation. The correct CONFORMATION will provide CONFIRMATION that you made the right decision. Conformation refers to the way a horse is put together, including its proportions and structure. This key part of your “horse homework” assignment ensures that a horse can perform to your expectations and that your partner is more likely to remain sound throughout its working life. Conformation can be tricky, especially if you are new to horse ownership. If you are unsure how to evaluate, it is recommended to consult with a trainer or vet to help make an educated decision.
Handle AND ride the horse. It is critical that, when looking for a new horse, you can put your hands on the horse. Request to catch them in the pasture, lead them to the barn, saddle them, and ride them yourself. While not always the case (and there are exceptions), it is a red flag if a seller is hesitant to allow you to do these things. After all, this is your new horse, and you should be capable of working with them. This approach also helps ensure a horse does not far exceed your skill set. While there is some wiggle room in this, it is a disservice to the animal to pair a high-level equine athlete with a rider who is unable to rise to the occasion. Conversely, it is usually a mistake to place an untrained (green) horse with an unskilled (green) rider. Find a horse that fits you and your skill level. Again, if you aren’t quite sure how to make this judgment, consult with a trainer or an experienced horseman.
4. Invest in a thorough pre-purchase exam by a reputable veterinarian. Remember the scenario we walked through earlier? This could likely have been prevented if a well-educated large-animal veterinarian had conducted a comprehensive examination before purchase. A qualified veterinarian will perform various tests, observe the horse’s movement at multiple gates, and even conduct X-rays to identify issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. While recognizing a subtle issue or concerns that could impact the horse in the future does not immediately rule out a purchase, it is crucial to understand the implications of any discoveries. When you find an animal you love, it is tempting to remain in a state of ignorance. However, in this case, ignorance is not bliss when you’ve invested an initial $15k into an animal that immediately needs attention and work to be sound and rideable.
There you have it! While this checklist may seem overwhelming, it is essential to recognize that a horse’s lifespan can range from 20 to 30 years and beyond. Taking time to ensure the right decision is made for both you and the animal is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. After all, you deserve to have a long, happy relationship with your new equine partner, who is sure to thank you with their loyalty and friendship. Now that you are prepared for your search, LET’S RIDE!
