You get a horse by first figuring out what you need. Then, you look in many places to find one. Next, you check the horse very carefully. Finally, you complete the paperwork and take your new horse home. This whole process, from deciding to buy a horse to finally acquiring a horse, takes time and good planning. Getting a riding horse is a big deal!
Planning Before You Buy a Horse
Before you even start thinking about buying a horse, you must plan. Getting a horse is a long-term job. It is not like buying a new toy. You need to know why you want a horse and how you will care for it.
What Kind of Horse Do You Need?
Different jobs need different horses. Think about what you want to do with the animal. Do you want to ride fast? Do you want to just walk around? Are you a beginner?
Match Horse to Rider Skill Level
Beginners need calm, steady horses. Experts can handle younger or more spirited animals. Never buy a fast, young horse if you are new to riding. It is not safe for either of you.
| Rider Skill Level | Recommended Horse Type | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Schoolmaster, Older Horse | Calm, experienced, forgiving |
| Intermediate | Adult, Well-Trained | Willing, has some energy |
| Advanced | Young Horse, Show Horse | Energetic, needs expert handling |
Consider Size and Breed
Horses come in many sizes. If you are a tall, large person, a small pony is not right. If you are a small child, a giant draft horse is too much.
Breeds have different traits. Some breeds are known for speed. Others are known for being very steady. Research different breeds to see what fits your needs for obtaining a horse.
Budgeting for Your Horse Purchase
The cost of buying a horse is just the start. You must plan for ongoing costs. This is key to successful horse acquisition process.
Initial Purchase Price
The price for purchasing a pony or horse varies greatly. A young, untrained horse might cost less. A seasoned show horse costs much more. Be ready for this first big cost when buying a horse.
Ongoing Care Costs
These costs never stop. You must pay for:
- Boarding: Where the horse lives. This can be a stable or pasture rent.
- Feed: Hay, grain, and special supplements.
- Veterinary Care: Yearly shots and check-ups. Emergency vet bills can be huge.
- Farrier Care: Trimming hooves every six to eight weeks.
- Equipment: Saddle, bridle, blankets, grooming tools.
If you cannot afford the monthly costs, you cannot keep the horse safe.
Where to Find Horses
Once you know what you need and what you can spend, it is time to look for where to find horses. There are several good paths for sourcing a horse.
Online Listings and Marketplaces
The internet is a huge place to start your search for acquiring a horse. Many sites list horses for sale.
Specialized Horse Websites
These sites focus only on selling horses. They often have good search filters. You can filter by age, breed, location, and price. Look closely at the videos and photos provided.
Social Media Groups
Many local groups exist on social media for buying and selling. These can be good for finding local deals. Be extra careful here. Scams are more common on these less official platforms when sourcing a horse.
Working with Professionals
A good trainer or established breeder can guide you to finding a suitable horse. They know the market well.
Horse Trainers and Coaches
Trainers know what their students need. They often know which horses are coming up for sale that match your skill level. They can help you check if the horse is truly what the seller claims. This service is vital when getting a riding horse for the first time.
Reputable Breeders
If you want a specific breed or a very young horse, breeders are the best source. They raise the horse from birth. They know its parents and its full history. This often means a higher price but less risk when buying a horse.
Horse Sales and Auctions
Auctions can offer lower prices. However, they are very risky for new owners.
Public Auctions
At an auction, you often get very little time to look at the horse. You rarely get to ride it first. Most experts advise against using auctions when buying a horse for the first time. You need more time to evaluate the animal.
Consignment Sales
These are safer than auctions. The horse stays with the seller (or a facility) until sold. You usually get a chance to ride and inspect the horse before the sale day.
Evaluating Potential Horses
This is the most critical step in the horse acquisition process. You must check the horse thoroughly before you agree to any purchase. This helps in finding a suitable horse.
The Initial Meeting and Handling
When you first meet a horse for sale, watch how it acts before you even touch it.
Temperament Check
Does the horse seem relaxed or frantic? Does it stand quietly while you approach? Does it get upset when tied up? A good horse will stand still while you look at it.
Body Condition Scoring
Look at its weight. Is it too fat or too thin? A thin horse might be sick or overworked. A very fat horse might have trouble moving. Use a system to score its body condition. This tells you about its daily care.
The Pre-Purchase Veterinary Exam (PPE)
Never buy a horse without a vet check, known as a Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE). This is non-negotiable when purchasing a pony or horse. You pay the vet, not the seller.
What the Vet Checks
The vet looks at the whole horse. They check the teeth for age and wear. They check the eyes for clarity. They feel the legs and hooves for swelling or heat.
Flexion Tests
The vet may ask the horse to walk and trot on hard ground. They may also do flexion tests. This means bending the joints tightly for a minute or two. If the horse seems lame (walks poorly) afterward, it shows pain in that leg or joint. This check is vital for getting a riding horse that will stay sound for your needs.
Watching the Horse Move
You must see the horse worked under saddle, if possible. If you are not riding yet, ask the seller to show you.
The Lunge Line Test
The seller should work the horse on a long line (lunge line). This lets you see its movement from the ground. Look at its rhythm and if it seems sound. Does it favor one leg?
Under Saddle
If you are experienced enough, you must ride the horse. Note how it responds to your aids (hands, legs, voice). Does it go forward willingly? Does it stop when asked? Does it listen to your seat?
Trial Period
The best way to ensure you are getting a horse that fits is to have a trial period.
Lease to Own Options
Some sellers allow you to lease the horse for a month or two with an option to buy. This is a great way to see how the horse behaves in your barn and with your routine. It is the safest step in the horse acquisition process.
Finalizing the Purchase and Paperwork
Once you choose a horse and the vet gives the okay, you move to the final steps of buying a horse.
Negotiating the Price
Be ready to discuss the price. If the vet found minor issues, you might ask for a price reduction. Be polite and fair. If the seller won’t budge, you must decide if the horse is worth the asking price.
Sales Contract
Always use a written sales contract. This protects both you and the seller. The contract should state clearly:
- The full price paid.
- The horse’s description (name, color, markings).
- The “as-is” clause (most sales are “as-is,” meaning you accept the horse with its faults after the vet check).
- The date of transfer of ownership.
Do not sign any papers you do not fully comprehend.
Transferring Ownership
You need legal proof that the horse is now yours.
Bill of Sale
The bill of sale is the document showing the exchange of money for the horse. Keep this document safe. This is proof you legally completed the process of obtaining a horse.
Registration Papers
If the horse has official papers (like for Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds), the seller must sign them over to you. You then register the horse in your name with the appropriate breed association.
Caring for Your New Horse
Congratulations, you have completed the process of acquiring a horse! Now the real work of ownership begins.
Moving the Horse Safely
Transporting your new companion needs care. Hire a professional horse hauler if you do not have a suitable trailer and towing vehicle. A stressed horse can hurt itself in transit. Make sure the trailer is safe and well-ventilated before sourcing a horse for transport.
Settling In at Home
Give your new horse time to adjust. Keep the first few weeks quiet. Let it get used to the new sights, sounds, and smells of its new home.
- Introduce slowly: If you have other horses, introduce them slowly over a fence first.
- Stick to its diet: Do not change its feed right away. Ask the seller what it was eating. Change its food slowly over ten days or more.
- Vet and Farrier Info: Get records from the old owner. Call the old vet and farrier to let them know the horse has moved. This helps keep its medical history complete when sourcing a horse.
Tips for First-Time Horse Owners
If you are just starting out, remember these simple rules for owning your first horse.
Find Good Mentors
A good mentor is worth their weight in gold. Find someone local who has years of experience owning horses. They can help you spot small problems before they become big ones. They help you interpret what the horse is telling you.
Continuous Education
The learning never stops in the horse world. Take lessons regularly, even if you are just trail riding. Read reputable books and watch reliable training videos. This supports your goal of safely getting a riding horse.
Regular Health Maintenance Schedule
Set a strict schedule for routine care.
| Routine Care Item | Frequency | Who Does It |
|---|---|---|
| Hoof Trimming | Every 6-8 weeks | Farrier |
| Vaccinations | Yearly (sometimes bi-annually) | Veterinarian |
| Dental Floating | Yearly | Veterinarian or Equine Dentist |
| Deworming | Based on fecal testing | Veterinarian |
If you stick to this schedule, you minimize surprise illnesses and costs associated with buying a horse.
Alternative Paths to Horse Ownership
What if buying a horse outright is not right for you right now? There are other ways to enjoy horses without the full commitment of ownership. This is helpful when determining how to get a horse without the full financial burden.
Leasing a Horse
Leasing means you pay a monthly fee to use someone else’s horse. This is a great way to test the waters of horse ownership.
Full Lease vs. Partial Lease
- Full Lease: You take on all the costs and responsibilities of the horse, even though you do not own it. It lives at the owner’s barn.
- Partial Lease: You share costs and riding time with the owner. This is less commitment.
Leasing is a gentle introduction to the daily life of owning a horse.
Horse Sharing (Co-Ownership)
This involves two or more people sharing the cost and responsibility of one horse. You must have a very clear, written agreement on who pays for what and when each person gets to ride. This requires excellent communication between partners when sourcing a horse together.
Volunteering at Rescues
If your main goal is just to be around horses, volunteer at an equine rescue. You help care for horses needing homes, which often includes grooming, feeding, and light handling. You get horse time without the financial risk of buying a horse. Some rescues may even offer you first refusal if a horse you bond with is put up for adoption.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Acquiring a Horse
Many new owners make the same mistakes when buying a horse. Avoiding these pitfalls ensures a better start to your journey.
Buying the Wrong Horse
This is the biggest mistake. People often buy a horse based on looks or speed rather than their actual skill level. They buy a flashy jumper when they only want to walk trails. Always prioritize temperament over looks when purchasing a pony or horse.
Skipping the Vet Check
Thinking you can save a few hundred dollars by skipping the Pre-Purchase Exam is foolish. A hidden lameness issue or heart problem can cost thousands later. Always get the PPE.
Not Budgeting for Emergencies
A horse will get sick or injured. It is a fact of horse ownership. If your budget has zero room for a $3,000 colic surgery, you are not ready for horse ownership yet. Plan for an emergency fund just for the horse.
Buying All the Gear at Once
It is easy to get excited and buy every pink saddle pad and fancy brush set. Wait. Ride the horse a few times first. Borrow gear if you can. Buy only what is essential for safety (helmet, saddle, bridle) first. Then, build your collection slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Horse
Q: How much money do I really need to buy a horse?
A: The initial price for buying a horse can range from $1,000 for a rescue to $20,000 or more for a well-trained mount. However, you should plan to spend at least $400 to $800 per month after the purchase for basic care, regardless of where you are sourcing a horse from.
Q: Can I buy a horse from an unknown person on the internet?
A: While you can, it is very risky when obtaining a horse. If you must buy remotely, hire a trusted local trainer or veterinarian who lives near the horse to conduct the vetting and inspection for you. Never send money without seeing the horse or having a trusted agent see it.
Q: Is purchasing a pony harder than purchasing a horse?
A: Sometimes. Ponies often have stronger, more set personalities. They can be very stubborn. Because they are often ridden by children, they must be extremely safe, which drives up the price for a good, safe pony. Finding a suitable horse that is a pony requires just as much scrutiny.
Q: How long does it take to go from deciding to buying a horse?
A: A well-prepared buyer might find their horse in three to six months. This allows time for research, budgeting, looking at several options, and scheduling the essential vet checks. Rushing the process often leads to regret.
Q: What is the difference between a lease and buying a horse?
A: Buying a horse means you own it forever, and all costs and decisions are yours. Leasing means you pay to use someone else’s horse for a set time. You do not own it, and the owner still has final say on major decisions.
Q: Do I need a trailer if I am buying a horse?
A: If you plan on keeping the horse boarded at a facility, you may not need a trailer right away. However, you will need one eventually for vet visits or moving the horse. You can hire transport services when needed until you are ready for the full expense of owning a trailer and truck.