Any advice for someone thinking about buying?

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kateo

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Hi,

I'm 32, been riding (lessons and hacking, no competitions) on and off since I was 8 and had some half-loans over the years. I've always wanted to buy a horse but haven't because I worried that it wouldn't be sensible because of the time and expense and also if it would be fair on the horse (I wouldn't want the horse to be wasted with me if I don't compete etc)! I know other people manage it so in theory there's no reason why I can't but I don't want to rush into it.

I'm also worried that I don't know enough to own a horse, is it something that you learn as you go along? Everyone seems to know so much and I find it really daunting. :confused: I'm following the BHS reading lists to improve my knowledge / maybe reassure myself that I do know some things!

I don't know any horsey people and wouldn't know where to start if I did buy. I'd be grateful for any views / advice that people could share. (please be gentle!) :)
 
You probably know more than you think you do! iv found the key is knowing what you DONT know, then finding out! i started by finding a nice local yard, then deciding the type of horse i wanted. then i got insurance quotes, estimated feeding and shoeing costs etc. so nothing would be a surprise! then its just a matter of finding the horse you want:)
If you find a good yard there would be people there to help, and you could try full livery at first so your confident on how to manage your horse?
I hope some of that is relevant and that you find your ideal dobbin :)
 
You have a LOT more experience than many, perhaps most people when they get their first horse.

I would go for it!

It's a bit like driving a car once you pass your test and you are all alone for the first time behind the wheel. Scary but survivable!!

Def try to find a yard with a supportive YO (maybe one who is also an instructor) and who can maybe provide part livery to start with, so you can concentrate on bonding with your naglet. Thats what I did, and after many happy years with horse no 1, I even got a youngster to back with her help!

Remember everyone will offer you advice, but they dont know it all either. And that horses are unlikely to dissolve or explode if you make a few mistakes!

good luck!
 
First of all, you don't have to compete! Horses are only "wasted" in human eyes, the horse couldn't care less what he does as long as he enjoys it.

You sound as though you have about as much experience as you can get without actually owning a horse, so if you are sure you can afford it then I would go for it.

I would start by finding a good instructor who has a schoolmaster that you can have lessons on. Not because you particularly need lessons (although we all need lessons when we can aford them!), but he/she will be able to advise you on the sort of horse you need and would probably be willing to come with you to see prospective mounts. First rule of buying - always take an experienced person with you! Is there a local riding club that you could join as a non-riding member and help out at training sessions, competitions etc. That's a good way to make horsey friends and also get recommendations for decent livery yards.

Perhaps if you gave an idea of the area you are in, someone on here could recommend a good instructor?

Good luck!
 
I started sharing a horse about 35 years ago (the horse was eventually lost in a gambling debt by the owners father) at a yard in North London. After 2 further shares I bought my first horse who I merrily hacked around North and Central London (never competed) and had 17 years of fun with him. I learnt alot about stable management when sharing the horses and continued to learn even more when owning a horse. Provided you have the time commitment and sufficient income/money to support your horse you will have a load of fun. I made loads of new friends and also went hunting, did some endurance riding and Le-trec but still love my hacking. Good luck!
 
Hi Kateo,

I bought my first horse just over 12 months ago - and cant believe I waited so long. Like you - I had so many doubts about whether it would be fair to the horse to have a novice owner. Just take your time to find the right horse and be honest about your experience when searching. Mine also lives on part livery, with a great YO, which has been a godsend.
But - you need to be fully prepared for everything and willing to make the commitment. My lovely boy got a leg injury late last year and is now in a nearly 12 month rehabilitation program. The horse I had carefully selected because he didnt need regular riding now needs exercise 6 days per week, and spent 12 weeks on box rest needing twice daily visits for walking in hand. I find a way, but 5am vists to the yard are becoming a regular occurrence.
Dont let what I've said put you off. Buying him was the best decision of my life
 
Would say that the simple fact you are so quick to question your knowledge and experience, means you are most definitely ready to own a horse!

Far better to think you know nothing, and be open to learn as you go, than to think you know it all and close your mind to learning at all!
 
From a first time owner of a similar age, I would suggest the following:

The fact that you are so worried about whether you know enough is probably a good sign! Keep up with the reading and maybe think about doing something like the BHS horse owners certificate or stage one to reassure yourself.

Find a yard that offers full livery and has supportive staff on site. Work out whether you can afford it based upon those costs, you probably won't always want or need this level of service but it is useful to have the back up and to know that you can afford it if needs be.

It is really worthwhile having the back up of knowledgeable yard staff as there is bound to be a time when you feel out of your depth or overwhelmed and will be grateful there is someone you can trust to ask for help. Even the knowledge that someone is looking over your shoulder is reassuring.

Horses are a massive drain on your time, if you have a responsible job and/or family commitments you may well be glad of the opportunity to pay someone to do your horse. When it is part of the yard service there is far less worry about returning favours, making the right friends and general yard politics.

If things start to go wrong and you have overhorsed yourself or you encounter problems it is so much easier to deal with if you have help on hand rather than having to weigh up the possibility of getting a pro in to help or moving your horse.

Start putting the money aside now as a test to see whether you can afford it. It will build up a nice pot of savings with which to buy your horse.

Start making connections with instructors and horsey contacts now, get the word out that you are considering buying, something may come up without you needing to look too hard. Have your support network in place too.

But don't put yourself off buying your first horse, it is soooooooo worth while. It is genuinely the best thing I have done, she gives me so much pleasure. Just make sure you have all the support you need in place. You can always go DIY when you and your horse have built a relationship and you have experienced ownership directly.
 
Thank you so much for your kind words and advice :) It is scary but very exciting at the same time!

I will try to do some research locally to find yards / instructors etc and start saving some money!
 
Find the right yard that's very important .
Think about joining the local riding club as a social member at first to meet people and see what's going on .
Set your self the task of getting the BHS horse owners cert and your stage I
Ride at BHS approved school and perhaps consider livery there if they do it as it will give you access to lessons easily.
Save enough to buy the horse you need that's not to say the right horse will be expensive but you need to spend enough to buy a nice sound well trained alrounder.
Work out a budget for horse care then double the amount you calculate for unforeseen things it's just it always costs you a bit more than you think.
Chose the experianced person who is going to help you chose with care do NOT try to go it alone.
Always get a horse vetted
Consider loaning if the right horse comes along
Have fun and enjoy it.
 
Goldenstar said:
Always get a horse vetted
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By your own choice of vet! Do not use the sellers vet! Ask them who they use then approach a different vet, if you don't know any in the area and can't get a personal recommendation then ask on here.

Also do not be afraid to walk away without trying a horse if you aren't happy. Do not get on something just to be polite. Take someone with you who is blunt enough to say if the horse isn't right and who can ask the right questions when you forget because you are nervous/excited/in love with the pretty horse! ;)
 
Tr0uble said:
Would say that the simple fact you are so quick to question your knowledge and experience, means you are most definitely ready to own a horse!
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Agreed! Go to a good livery, ask questions, get a good instructor and away you go =- oh and please post photos here when you find the one for you!! :D:D
 
Kat said:
Take someone with you who is blunt enough to say if the horse isn't right and who can ask the right questions when you forget because you are nervous/excited/in love with the pretty horse! ;)
Click to expand...

ha ha! good idea, it's very possible!
 
I was extactly the same as you! I purchased my first owned horse at the end of summer 2011 (at grand age of 27!)

I too was worried etc but so far all is good! I purchased an easy going gelding who is a star! If im worried about something etc i post on here or i seek advice from books/net. I always research stuff before doing it.. ie feeding regime etc.

Do it!!! I wish i had years ago!!!! Seriously looking forward to the summer!
 
You will be fine - most people who say they don't know anything will do fine as they ask lots of questions and realise they don't know it all and get help. Anyone who thinks they do know it all are the ones I would be worried about.

Just a word of warning (though no-one ever listens) - owning a horse isn't necessarily living the dream or some Utopia as so much can go wrong and you will never have any money to spend on anything else ever again but if your addicted like most of us on here you'll keep going back for more. Good luck :)
 
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