New horse owner (to be!)

[AlessaPapa]

I was actually really nervous to write on here but everyone is so positive that I am taking the chance!
I’ve been riding since I was little and have known pleeenty of horses (foals,mares,stallions,green,experienced etc).I know all about their care and have ridden a lot of different ones.
Now I’m taking the chance to go for it.
I’m going to be studying part time and working part time and I think I’m ready to buy my very own horse finally!
I have found a lot of different ones and I’m trying to suit them to my level of experience,what are some of your tips on buying a horse and what should I look out for when I actually go there to ride them ?
Thank you so much!

 

[Shay]

Take a very experienced friend or your instructor with you.
Never sit on a horse you have not seen ridden first - before you buy you will also want to see it caught and tacked up.
Never buy with your heart.

Ah... just seen you are in Greece. I don't know how much the horse buying etiquette changes there - but taking an experienced friend is a good idea regardless!

 

[AlessaPapa]

Eh I think it’s pretty much the same as the rest of the world!
The “not buying with my heart” thing is something that I should do because I know me 🤣🤣
I’m trying to keep myself positive and motivated but there are some moments of negativity and serious doubt,is that normal ? I feel disheartened! 😭

 

[Darbs]

Whilst I am no horse buying expert, I can offer my thoughts following our purchases over the past few years.

Yes, its perfectly normal to have doubt. Its a huge commitment in terms of time, effort and money.

As mentioned above, don't buy with your heart, if there is even the slightest thing that you are concerned about just walk away. We did this and have ended up with a fantastic pony, because we walked away from some that were OK, but not great. (I should also add that we made a fundamental mistake with the pony before that, because he was too young, but we live and learn. Having said the we loaned him out and he went to the best home on the planet and is now doing really well!)

Some things to look for when viewing:

When viewing

• Is it easy to catch (or is it already in stable at viewing?)
• Try loading onto a trailer or lorry.
• Does it let you, as a stranger, pick up its feet.
• Does it attempt to bite or nip you.
• Is it hot or sweaty, as if its been ridden before you got there to take the edge off it.
• Any issues fitting head collar (such as not liking ears touched). (We have a friend whose horse gives you one go at getting the head-collar on, mess it up and he's gone across the field!)

Questions to ask seller:

• Previous activities and competitions horse has done?
• Does it get nervous/excited at shows?
• Does it buck?
• Does it nap?
• Does it rear?
• Is worming up to date? If not why not?
• Are vaccinations up to date? If not why not?
• Do they have the passport available to show you?
• Do they own the horse?
• Passport history - is the current owners name on passport?
• Will it ride straight from field?
• How is it with traffic & farm machinery?
• Is it happy jumping?
• Will it hack out alone or does it need company?
• How is it with open spaces?
• Any health issues, sweet-itch, laminitis etc
• Does it live in or out currently?
• Any special dietary requirements?

Whilst some of these are basic questions, they are the type of thing that its worth finding out about before you actually get it home!

 

[FestiveFuzz]

I’m trying to keep myself positive and motivated but there are some moments of negativity and serious doubt,is that normal ? I feel disheartened! ��

Totally normal, also be prepared for the "oh poop what have I done?!" moment once you get them home.

Echo taking an experienced friend or instructor. Also don't feel rushed into buying anything even if the seller says they need to know if you want to buy immediately or that they've got another buyer waiting in the wings, if it's meant to be it'll be

Trust your gut, if you're not sure of something there's probably a reason.

When looking at adverts, look for what's not said rather than what's stated and ask questions around it. For example if they say it's good to hack in company ask what's it's like hacking on it's own.

Others may not agree, but I always feel when buying your first horse it's best to get it vetted. I know it's only a snapshot in time, but I think it's worth it for peace of mind.

I'm sure others will be along soon with more to add, but these were the first things that sprung to mind.

 

[AlessaPapa]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write all those questions!
I’m trying to not let the impatient owners get to me as I’m a really easy-to-read person and they find my buttons real quick.

 

[AlessaPapa]

Of course I’m going to get it vetted as I want to be sure of my choice and on every aspect!
Thank you so much for replying!
It’s good to get some support and positivity because I’m freaking extremely anxious.

 

[AlessaPapa]

I just have my doubts if the x horse I’m going to pick is going to be the right one and if I can actually afford the huge expenses as I’m going to be a part time college student and also work part time.Do you think it’s going to work ?
I’be talked with all the Yards around the city I’m going to be studying,do you have any recommendations on what I should look for in a yard besides the friendly people ?
There’s a week left until I go see 6 horses in total and I’m so nervous,you can’t imagine!

PS totally newbie and I thought I had answered to both messages individually,please excuse me 😂

 

[Darbs]

The cost is a major consideration.

I am not exaggerating when I say add up everything you can think of, then double it. Especially if you are starting from zero, so need all of the tack and stable equipment as well.

There will be lots that you haven't thought of and plenty of things that you have to pay for but hadn't planned. A good example from the UK this year is hay. Last winter we hardly used any hay, then this winter and spring I was filling my trailer with hay every couple of weeks at €100 a go because the winter went on so long, was so wet and the grass wasn't growing.

I would suggest talking to other horse owners on local yards about what it really costs them.

Having said that, it does depend a lot on what you want to do with your horse. If you only want to hack out from your yard that costs a lot less than competing, travelling and being away with him. The two things that horses are very good at doing is eating time and money!

 

[AlessaPapa]

Thank God the food is included in the price the yards have given me.
I keep on looking even though I think I found the one because I’m trying to keep myself grounded!
It’s so hard!😭

 

[FestiveFuzz]

The finance side of things is a tough one to be honest. You can keep a horse on a relatively small budget depending on how you plan to keep it, but all it takes is a rogue vet bill for the costs to quickly mount up, even with insurance.

Even the monthly costs can add up, so don't forget to factor in things like insurance, wormers, physio, saddle checks (especially if the horse you buy comes with its own tack as it often doesn't fit), dentist, vaccinations, replacement rugs when something gets ripped, shoeing, fly spray during the summer, lessons, the list goes on... basically I'd factor in an extra €100 to whatever you've budgeted per month so you have a bit of a buffer for when something unexpected crops up.

Could you join a local Facebook page so you can ask fellow horse owners in your area what their costs are like?