I started this blog to help anyone new to horses. I want to give the new rider, those new to horses, and parents of beginner kids information to navigate the horse world as confident and successful as possible. I’m hoping you stay open-minded as I give my advice about horse ownership. This blog is my own opinion from my personal and professional experiences. Anyone new to horses should seek a professional from the equestrian world who has references and experience in your specific needs.
If you are a parent reading this blog, your child must be into horses or has the desire to be. In this circumstance, I am talking about your child and you as their parent.
1. Don’t rush into owning a horse, be prepared
As a horse professional, I know I am not alone when I cringe at the thought of a person or parent who is new to horses saying they want to buy a horse. I want a potential horse owner to think hard and consider every avenue available before going into horse ownership too soon. Give yourself time to learn and become experienced. It will help to alleviate the pain and sorrow of a bad experience.
You should take your time and save your money. Learn the many alternatives to buying a horse. These might include paying part board, leasing, working student, or grooming, etc. These alternatives can be a great introduction to owning a horse. You should be patient. No matter your level of riding, you need to be prepared and knowledgeable before purchasing.
If you haven’t already done so, start riding lessons. I am a proponent of starting a reputable riding lesson program, no matter your age or a child’s age, before buying a horse. The first step of owning a horse is learning to ride and care for horses. Next, you should learn about horsemanship skills such as feeding, healthcare, and barn work. You should also know what tack is needed and how to fit the tack on your horse. Have a health savings account and plan. Learn the monthly costs involved with horses and the unexpected expenses.
I think lessons are essential even if you rode as a child and want to get back into horses. After a 20 year break to raise my kids, I found many changes in the horse world. Although I read as many up-to-date periodicals, I still found that terminology and technology had changed in the real world. The equine world had improved with new inventions for equipment as well as medical and drug therapies. Ways of training and instruction had improved immensely with more empathy directed to horses and riders. So it’s a good idea to re-introduce yourself to the horse world.
2. Don’t be pushed into buying a horse
Please understand that no one should push you into making such a large commitment. Some barns owners want you to buy a horse through them so they can charge you board and lesson fees. They also will most likely make a commission off the sale. It is so easy to get in over your head. You should always find a long-time horse owner, or better yet, a professional equestrian to help guide you through the process. Let them help you decide if you are ready or not.
3. Find a professional equestrian to help you buy a horse
I see more and more Social Media posts that tell beginners that it is a great idea to buy a horse. People on social media are not as experienced as they should be to be giving advice properly. Most of them should not be advising a first-time horse owner or a beginner rider. It’s nice to receive favorable reinforcement, but those people don’t know you, and you don’t know them. They may not even be involved with horses. They may not know what to look for when buying a horse. Heaven forbid that they give you the wrong information that puts you and your horse into a bad situation.
Find an equine professional to help you make an informed decision when buying a horse. I saw a post the other day about a young lady who brought a new horse home. She immediately went to social media and asked questions about possible health issues her new horse may have. She should have already known the answers to those basic health questions before buying a horse. I also read that a lady was bucked off her horse multiple times. She went to Facebook for answers to the problems with her new horse. Once again, these new horse owners were not prepared to get a new horse.
A good, thoughtful, and respected professional trainer/instructor will encourage you to start with lessons before horse ownership. Then move on to leasing a horse. All while continuing lessons and learning practical experience at the barn. You might be able to find an owner that needs help with their board. They may exchange board with riding time on their horse and might agree to teach you how to care for the horse too. Then when you are knowledgeable and understand the commitment and responsibility of owning a horse. Let your trainer help you find the right horse.
Skinny Auction Horse 
Horse at Acution
4. Don’t buy your first horse from horse auctions or save a horse from slaughter
I see so many beginners say they are going to rescues or horse slaughter auctions to purchase their first horse. They want to be a hero and save a horse. Once you make that decision, you are in it for the long haul. I have seen and heard too many auction horses turn out with unforeseen problems, like health issues, discipline issues, behavior problems, and more. There are many more reasons they are selling at the auction. Because something wasn’t right with the horse, and someone could sell it. It is a rare occurrence you will find that fairy tale ending you hope for at a horse auction.
After you are a horse owner for a while, you may find yourself better prepared to buy an auction horse or adopt one from a rescue. It just is not a good idea for a beginner who is purchasing a horse for the first time.
5. Do not underestimate the time horse care takes on a daily basis
Whether you board your horse or have them at your home, it takes time to own a horse. Taking care of horses at home can take up as many hours as a part or full-time job. It also can physically be demanding.
Many horse owners find themselves adding to the herd, which adds more hours of work. Be careful. Horses are herd animals but only need one other horse to keep them happy.
Chores may take an hour or two in the AM and PM. Daily barn chores may include stall cleaning, disposing of the manure, cleaning water buckets, feeding, and turning out. Everyday farm chores will include fence and pasture maintenance, cleaning water tanks, mowing, and more. You will also need to include horse care, tack care, misc—jobs, and finally, riding time, lunging, and groundwork. Finally, consider the time holding your horse for the farrier and veterinarian and the unpredictable emergencies that will come up.
Now you may say I am painting a grim story. But, I have lived it both ways. Boarding and having a farm of my own. And I will tell you this list is most likely incomplete. When life at work or school gets busy, you cannot put caring for your horse off until tomorrow or next week. They need attention every day of the year, rain or shine. Like the mailman, you have to fight all the elements of weather and levels of sickness to get the job done.
Boarding a horse can be less stressful and can allow for more time with your horse. Also, being boarded at a barn can prevent having to buy another horse for a lonely horse. Boarding barns can be where you take your lessons too. I always recommend first-time owners, especially if they are beginners, to board their horse at a lesson barn until they are ready and prepared to have their horse at home.
6. Plan a horse budget before buying a horse
Preparing and saving money to buy and maintain a horse is vital to your ability and success to keep a horse. The average cost of a horse per year can place you into financial difficulty. Insurance is not uncommon among horse owners these days. Horses are like humans, they can be easy keepers, and they can be hard keepers.
Each horse comes with its health requirements as well as its level of accident-prone behaviors. Find a local veterinarian and get an estimate for the horse’s yearly maintenance costs. Find a farrier and chiropractor costs as well. Be prepared for emergencies such as colic, lameness issues, cuts and scrapes, abscesses, lost shoes, allergies, eye infections, skin ailments, infectious diseases, and more.
Don’t forget that you will need riding attire and gear that will add to your fashion budget. Safety gear is a must for you and your horse. Everyday maintenance adds to the budget as well. We are always adding to our tack box full of grooming tools.
Consider reading my other posts in my “I want a horse series”
Let’s talk about horses:
Are you or would you ever consider buying a horse?
Do you take riding lessons right now? Please talk about your lesson program and goals.
You can put your answers to the questions or any questions you may have in the comments below.