The Dream Horse SearchI recently went searching for my dream horse to discover that the amount of horses available for sale was not going to be the problem. What I did realize quickly was that my criteria needed to be clear first. I thought my dream horse wish list was simple: under the age of 3, a boy, the less training the better, a quarter horse breed. Turns out you can easily be swayed by the free horse ads, then the person who can’t really prove the age or horse breed or the picture of the horse that just looks so darn cute! Whoa there! I had to say to myself! And then I was reminded of my experiences and the advice I tell others. Owning a horse is a big financial commitment. If you will be boarding your horse at a facility, there is your first monthly expense. From there you have hoof care, equine dentistry, unforeseen and routine veterinary expenses, training/lesson fees and tack purchases to name just a few. The last position you want to be in is being unable to have your veterinarian come because you cannot financially afford it. You can compare the privilege of owning a horse to playing the game of golf. There are always fees involved and the dues keep going up!
Before you buy the horse of your dreams, make sure you read this!
Before Buying a Horse#1. Be honest with yourself and know what training level you are capable of dealing with. Young horses require more training savvy than an older school horse. But this I know for sure of any horse for sale, you will need to work with what you get. The really great well trained horses are not usually for sale, people keep them for themselves! Or be prepared to pay more, for they are worth their weight it gold!#2. What kind of disposition should your dream horse have? Are you comfortable with the high energy more dominant horse breeds and characteristics or would you prefer a gentler disposition from a horse who is easily handled? The best advice is here, always look for the disposition that you are most comfortable with otherwise you will find yourself in many frustrating situations that you cannot solve yourself. Then suddenly that great deal you just got on that dream horse becomes a huge training expense. #3. Most will ask you first to answer the question, “What kind of riding will you do with the horse? Reining? Eventing?, Dressage?, Jumping?, Pleasure Riding?” But I disagree with it being the first. It belongs here at number three. It does need to be answered because that is where the horse breed is a consideration, yet amongst all horse breeds there are different levels of disposition and their training level to be considered. #4. Stick to your list! Get referrals! There are many horse adoption societies breed specific that know the history of the horses they have too. Check them out. #5. Have your veterinarian do an exam. An injury or illness found now will save you allot of despair tomorrow. #6. Check your local Human Societies too, there are many recued horses in need of a good home and many can be rehabilitated back to health. Here is Red who was adopted from our local Human Society.
Happy dream horse hunting! Equine Now - Helping People Buy and Sell Horses
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