1st time buyer tips

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zoe101982

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Hi guys,

I am buying my 1st horse this week, Ive always loaned before. Just wondered if any of you have any tips or anything you wish someone had told you when you bought your 1st?
 
Don't believe what people tell you - only buy what you can see in front of you.
Don't buy because you feel sorry for it/it is nice and close by/you like the colour etc. A horse will cost a fortune regardless so pick one that is actually what you want.
Enjoy the search! Try not to rush it or worry that you don't find one straight away, the right one is out there, but it can take alot of searching out.
Work out a list of things that are essential, and don't budge on them. A list of essential/desirable/def not will help you asses wether the horse you are seeing could be the one for you.
Good luck!!
 
You've prob done it already but get it vetted!!! theres too many good horses out there to end up with one that could have a problem and dont rush in to buy the first horse you see!
 
Get someone experienced to come with you, another set of eyes on the ground is invaluable. Ask every question under the sun, ideally in front of a witness. Never get on a horse the owner is unwilling to ride themselves. Don't be hurried into a sale because "Three other people want him and I can't hold him for you". No horse is perfect but try to be realistic about what kind of drawbacks you could cope with and what kind you can't.
 
Take someone with you who knows what they are doing. Don't let a seller rush you into a decision, there are plenty of horses out there. Make sure you see the horse ridden, all paces and jumped before you get on. Arrive a little early just in case they are wearing the horse out before you get there. Tell them you want to see the horse caught and tacked up, look out for signs it has already been worked. Under estimate rather than over estimate your riding ablity. You will progress further on a plod than on something you can't stay on.

Good luck.
 
Ask lots of questions.
How long have they had it. Why are they selling. What is it like if it has to be on box rest. What is it like if it hasn't been ridden for a few days. Is it good with other horses in the field/on hacks/at shows. Has it ever been lame. Does it load/travel ok. Will it be suitable for what I want to do. Is it good with the farrier.
Be very prepared to walk away, in fact go thinking it probably won't be the right one. Don't be put off by distance if it sounds right. And be patient, the horse of your dreams is out there.

Two things I absolutely do - one fault (if not too awful) is acceptable, two faults and it's out. AND, I always ask them if there is anything they think I need to know.
 
Be sceptical about everything. For example, if he's already tacked up when you get there, why? Same with him already being in the stable, already had his feet picked out. I stupidly thought my sellers were being kind by helping me get on. I didn't realise that they were actually holding her down or I wouldn't have been able to get on oops :eek:

Look at it's passport, look at how dirty the stable is and make sure it doesn't have white legs :rolleyes:
 
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