Buying first horse!

Switcheroo

Switcheroo

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I've had horses on loan before and been riding for three years but this will be the first horse I've had all my own. I was wondering if anyone could give some advice about going to see a horse with a view to buy. I'm usually a fairly confident rider but with animals I don't know I usually lose my nerve slightly.

Any advice you have or a pep talk would be much appreciated. Very excited, going to see one tomorrow and he looks perfect, hopefully he suits :D
 
1) make sure u take someone more experienced with u
2) make sure the owner rides the horse first (do NOT get on first!)
3) don't get overexcited, take your time and go back a second time if needed
4) make sure u get at least a 2-stage vetting
5) make a list of questions to ask so u don't forget any

i know all this sounds obvious, hope he's a nice horse for u. when u find the right one we will require pics :D
 
As above. Unless you are a pro, nobody expects you to get on a new horse & immediately get it going as well as its regular rider. Unless you want a project or its cheap, chances are the seller will have warmed it up nicely so you can get on, have a few minutes to adjust & carry on. Good luck.
 
Thank you for the advice! Yeah, last time I made the mistake of getting on first... turns out the mare was a little out of my depth than as described in the advertisement! :p
 
As others have suggested really. Also make sure you see it in the field, check that it is good to catch, groom, tack up etc. and whether its happy coming in on its own.
Personally I'd suggest trying it twice if possible so that you can try it on the flat, jumping and hacking.
Fingers crossed it all works out for you! What are you looking for just out of curiosity?
 
How exciting - just been through this with a friend so sorry that this post is long.

As others have said...don't get on first and take someone with you.

Don't get carried away and buy on first viewing, go at least twice and then have the horse vetted...that will give you 3 opportunities to see the horses reactions to different situations.

Dont let the buyer pressure you with....someone else viewing! if its meant to be it will be...it's not worth rushing.

Take a list of questions and the original advert so that you can ask questions using the original advert (might show up discrepancies).

Try to establish if the horse has been in recent work....if he/she hasn't this could hide any underlying problems when the vetting is done (this happened to me :()

Think about where you will be keeping your horse, what is the current routine, can he/she fit in with what you have in mind (i.e is horse happy stabled or does it need 24/7 turnout)

There are lots more things to cover...if you have an instructor you trust I would take them to a 2nd viewing, experience is essential IMO.

Good luck and enjoy...horse shopping is fun! (sorry to make it sound so hideous)
 
How exciting!! :D:D

I would concur with everything already said, but the most valuable is another opinion! I know I got a bit 'starry eyed' when I was shopping and my 'knowledgeable friend' kept my feet on the ground!

Also, take loads of pictures and preferably a video to look at in detail when you get home!
 
me too!! :D :D :D

its all so exciting isnt it! Ive seen 5, nearly bought the last one, but it failed the vetting, so i'm back to hunting for one, seeing 3 tomorrow.

I've found that taking my amazing friend with me has been invaluable. I've actually got a list of nearly 40 questions that I ask as many as I can when I ring up about the horse to get a bigger picture of the horse before deciding to go and view (saves everyone time if its not suitable on paper!)

Then my friend and I have gone to see them, watched the owner groom, tack up, they ride first, pop over a fence, depending on the horse I get on next, do what I feel comfortable then if I like it my friend will get on it as well.

My friend takes photos while im riding so i can have a look at them afterwards.

lots of questions that I hadnt asked before and then if I like, arrange to go for a second viewing. I would see the same thing again but ask to go out for a hack the next time.

dont be suprised if the one you go and see isnt suitable, i thought it would be a lot easier to find my perfect partner!! hope it goes well for you!!

:) :)
 
I'm in the same boat and a bit nervous - people love to tell you the horror stories!!
I've lined up 3 to look at and glad that i will have someone else there as being new to it (always been lucky with loan horses from people i know) i don't want to miss something.
Good luck, hope we both do well!!
 
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God I remember buying my first, I echo everything everyone else has said. Take someone experienced, when I went shopping for a novice ride I only ever sat on 2 horses. My friend sat on a lot more who bucked, reared and canter sideways. Make sure the owner rides it first, always!

Don't get so carried away with the riding that you don't pay attention to handling, tacking up, condition, they are equally important :)

Have a list of questions ready so you get all the info you want/need.

I sympathise as I am shopping for my new ponio, currently waiting for videos of what could be my dream horse (actually see if you can get videos before you go and see unless really close, could save a lot of time)

xx

Good luck and on't forget to post for help on here and pics of any new ponios!
 
Princess Jess: I had a young horse out on loan for a long time. She was very green but improved loads while I had her, really calmed down and turned out to be a lovely, quiet mare. Her inexperience was the only thing that put me off; I wanted something I could enjoy, quiet and sensible, good hacking on roads/fields and can jump a bit. Nothing outstanding, just a horse I can enjoy. :)

haven't really competed much but if I gathered my courage I might try hunting in the future. Looks pretty mad though!

Thanks for all the advice to everyone else. :)
 
The only thing I'll add -

When you buy new horse please don't be alarmed if they arrive and are completely horrible... Barging, spooking etc... Give them time and firm but calm handling to settle in. A routine and daily handling is essential. They'll soon return to the horse you went to view but not enough buyers give their horses a chance to settle. It could take days, weeks or months but have patience :)

Hope you find what your after!
 
Before going viewing google the phone number of the seller.

A lot of low-lifes make a living by buying broken horses and selling them riding animals. They target them at novices and first time buyers.
Any dealer posing as a private seller should ring alarm bells.
 
Make sure you can pick out the horse's feet easily, and that it leads ok in a headcollar - both those things are really important I reckon! Agree with all the above too especially go with an open mind - there are plenty of horses out there - try not to fall in love with it when you see it!
 
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