Need advice-Buying 1st horse

[Jillyy]

I'll admit that i'm still probably under the catagory of a novice rider. I mean, i have been riding for a while now, but i certainly still wouldn't consider myself as anything special.

Anyway, so far, i have never done anything but horse share.
Although, i'm now starting to feel held back with sharing. I don't feel i'm benifiting from it much anymore and i would really like to have my own horse now to progress further and more independently (if that makes sense!)

Anyway, sinse only having shared, i don't have a great deal of knowledge about buying a horse. I obviously know the costs involved etc, and that side of things is not a problem. But actually purchasing, how to know its right for me, if i decide its right, then what? etc etc!

Please, some advice and help would be very much appreciated! =D

Thanks!!

 

[Boxers]

Do you have an instructor or knowledgeable friend to go along with you to see horses?

First, think about what you want to do with your horse, what your budget is etc. Don't forget that not all horses are sold with tack and rugs, so you will have to budget for that too.

Will you want it vetted? A 5 stage vetting will cost somewhere between £200-£350, so budget for that too.

Don't feel that you have to make a decision on the spot when you do view a horse. Take your time, go home and think about it. If the seller pressures you with tales of other people wanting to come and see the horse, don't feel pressured, if they sell to someone else, then so be it, another one will come along.

Don't expect to buy one next week - we took 4 months looking for out daughter's pony. And when we sold our previous one the buyers tried him 7 times and took 3 wks to decide!

Good luck!

 

[Jillyy]

I have heard a few people mention about having a budget. What do you think is a reasonable budget to have first time round for a horse?
Money isn't too much of a problem, so i could comfortably have a reasonable budget for the horse, then also have money for rugs, tack etc put aside if needed.
When looking at Ad's prices seem to varey quite considerably, and its quite confusing!

 

[Coffee_Bean]

What age/height/standard of horse are you wanting?

If you're wanting say a 15.2hh RC allrounder type about 10yo who will look after you I'd say maybe 4-5k?

 

[Jillyy]

I'm riding a 14.2hh at the moment.
As for age/height and standard of horse, i honestly don't have anything particular in mind. I want what would best suit me, look after me, so i felt 100% confident.
Having only ever shared, I'm not really sure what i should be looking for, or which direction is best to go in. I'm certainly not looking for a horse to start competing with or anything like that. I just basically want one to bring on my riding further, hacking, and also companionship too. Nothing serious to be honest.

 

[jinskymeg]

Hi there, I was in the same position as you a year ago, at last was able to buy a horse but was very nervous that I would make a bad choice - although it was my dream finally coming true I actually found it quite stressful (!) I spent a while looking and bought my mare, she was 11, and has been a total confidence giver without being boring. I was lucky to get her on a week trial first.

I would say take someone experienced with you and be realistic about what you want, maybe an ex point to pointer/racehorse etc might look fab but be a bit much for a first horse...see as many as you can, maybe make more than one visit and don't let anyone pressure you... good luck with your search, let us know how it goes, and enjoy your new horse, it's out there somewhere waiting for you!

 

[Scottish_Miss]

GLad to heare thatyou are taking the plunge -and yes it can be daungting. Get someone who is aware of your abilitys and get them to come with you - some one who is honest! Better first time to be under horsed than buy somethinng that will cause problems further down the line.
Ideal for what you say an older horse may suits and also then be a bit easier on the purse strings to buy. Tack, vetting transport etc all to be considered.

Try the horse out in all different senarios that you will be doing, traffic, hacking, first or last on a hack, school etc etc to get a good feel for them. Dont be afraid to go back more than once - TBH I would prefer that some took the time and effort to know if he/she was The right one. .. Anyone who cares enough for their horse will be understanding. Spend time in the stable and also handling the horse as much as possible.
You will know when you have found the right one........

main point is get someone experienced and knows you and your ability.

happy hunting, take your time.

Price wise can be confusing but try to do all your homework and see whats is on offer around your budget. Might be an option to look further afield - I got my boy for 2.5K in Wales when up here in Scotland he would have done 4K.... eeeak 700 miles round trip. but worth it

let us know how it goes