| An equestrian horse can be a wonderful friend but | | | | the qualifications of the trainer were. Find out what the |
| purchasing your first horse can be demanding of your | | | | horse's history has been as far as his use. Are you |
| patience. Go slow and follow some of the rules below | | | | looking for a horse for competition jumping or |
| and your chances of making a good purchase will be | | | | everyday riding? You will find that you will spend less |
| better. | | | | on a young, untrained horse because of the time you |
| Here are some general rules to follow. Talk with the | | | | will have to spend with your new animal. This could be |
| seller and find out how old the horse is. Horses best | | | | a good choice if your budget is tight and you have the |
| years are between the ages of five to ten. If you are | | | | background and time to spend with training. If you are |
| new to riding, a more mature horse is a better choice. | | | | a beginner and just getting to know horses you really |
| Make an early decision as to whether you want a | | | | should spend more money and get a well-trained |
| registered horse or whether an unregistered horse | | | | horse. An older horse can be a wise purchase since |
| would be acceptable. This is a personal decision that is | | | | they are generally less expensive but will most likely |
| made primarily on budget considerations. | | | | have been trained. |
| The size of the horse is important so inquire about his | | | | Here are some things you can do wrong when buying |
| weight and height. A horse's height is measured in | | | | an equestrian horse. Don't turn down and older horse |
| "hands" where a hand is four inches. A good size for a | | | | just because he is older. They are typically more |
| pleasure riding horse is about 15 hands. Measure from | | | | gentle and great for the new rider. You can ride a |
| the ground up to the withers of the neck along the | | | | good horse until he is well into his twenties. |
| front leg. Weight is not quite so critical. Some types of | | | | Never try to buy a young green horse for a young |
| horses can simply be heavier by nature. | | | | person. Your child should start with a more mature |
| Ask how many people have owned the horse. Find | | | | horse that is easier to ride. |
| out the reason for the sale. A horse with a bad | | | | Avoid auction horses. Horses sold at auction are more |
| personality or attitude problems is likely to be resold | | | | likely to have been sick or have been hard to ride. It is |
| often. Do a little probing to determine if this is the case. | | | | harder to research your purchase at an auction. |
| Point out to the seller that you will require a vet exam | | | | The horse's coat pattern and color should not be the |
| before buying. This may uncover some problems the | | | | primary factor in determining which horse to buy. Fall |
| seller is not telling you about. | | | | back on the above rules first in picking a horse. |
| Determine if the horse has had any training and what | | | | |