| - Every horse has niggles - just be sure that your | | | | position to do this yourself. |
| chosen one has niggles that you can put up with and | | | | - Try to negotiate a trial loan during which the horse |
| that won't lessen your enjoyment. | | | | can be returned if it does not suit. |
| - Take an expert with you, someone who is aware of | | | | - Always be realistic when purchasing a youngster, |
| your capabilities and weaknesses. Ideally take | | | | ask yourself if you have the required experience to |
| someone who is able to spot {whether the horse is | | | | bring it on. Another thought is that, an older horse may |
| lame} lameness or any illnesses. Or even your trainer | | | | just have the stability and maturity to give you |
| who can tell if the chosen horse is suitable for the way | | | | confidence and teach you the ropes. |
| you ride - your level of skill and confidence. | | | | - Don't feel pressured to purchase the first one you |
| - Always check any relevant papers and passport. | | | | visit and don't be pursuaded by the many other people |
| Remember the passport is not legal proof that the | | | | that are waiting to purchase the horse if you don't - |
| horse is actually owned by the seller so ask if there is | | | | more than likely this is just a ruse to rush you to make |
| a receipt to prove purchase. It is against the law to | | | | an impulse purchase. Take your time when buying a |
| buy or sell horses that don't have a passport. | | | | horse. |
| - Check if all innoculations are current. A course of | | | | - Once the sale is agreed take out insurance on the |
| innoculations can cost a lot of money and take many | | | | horse before you moved it to its new home. The |
| months to come into effect if you wish to compete. It | | | | majority of injuries happen in transit or whilst introducing |
| will not go down well if you move a horse to another | | | | a new horse into a new yard with other horses. |
| horse if it is carrying an illness with it. | | | | - Trust your judgement - if you believe the seller is |
| - Once decided on your horse, engage a qualified vet | | | | concealing something from you then they probably will |
| to carry out the most thorough check that you can | | | | be. |
| buy. Do not let your heart rule your head or be | | | | - Be mindful that your horse is a major investment of |
| pressured into buying if you feel you need the horse | | | | both your time and your money - so make sure you |
| checked out by your vet. | | | | have considered a budget for every future expense |
| - Try to watch your chosen horse or pony carrying | | | | that you are likely to encounter. |
| out the trials you would like it to do. Retraining a horse | | | | Finally, enjoy your new horse and look forward to |
| will add considerably to the total cost if you aren't in a | | | | many hours of horse riding fun! |