So you want a horse? Join the ranks of millions worldwide who aspire to the privilege of horse ownership. However, buying a horse is not to be taken lightly. There are several factors to consider, as the purchase of a horse is both expensive and will result in a long term commitment.

As the potential horse owner, you need to research and learn as much as possible about horses as possible, as well as get a realistic view of all expenses involved in horse ownership. These expenses include boarding, shoeing, and the veterinarian, to name a few. The best place to do this is the library, read books and magazines on horses. Check around for local horse farms and boarding stables that you can go to and talk to people there who own horses. Start up a conversation with any horse person and you will soon get an idea of what it is like to own one.

Assuming that you have done all this, lets talk about purchasing the horse of your dreams. Your new horse will be your partner, your companion, your legs, and your friend. Finding the horse that fits YOU involves finding a horse that you get along with physically as well as emotionally. A huge horse for a small child simply will not do, as a timid rider needs anything but a bold "hot" thoroughbred. The type of riding you plan on doing will also help determine the conformation of your new horse. Barrel racing does not require a large flashy gaited warmblood. Dressage riders may prefer not to get a "stock " type Quarter Horse. As in most other things, form follows function and vice versa, and we will discuss that in a later article. Lets focus on a few specific characteristics for now.

AGE- Depending on the age of the horse owner to be, the age is of the horse is a very important thing to consider. For a younger or less experienced rider, an older horse (age ten and up) is better. They have already seen the wind blow over the garbage cans, and have heard the firetrucks siren wailing down the street before. The older horse will be steadier and more sure of himself, and will impart that confidence to his new owner. I have known horses to be fully active and ridden daily into their mid twenties. A healthy horse lives to their mid to late twenties, while ponies are notorious for living "forever" ( well-a very long time, as in to their mid thirties). I implore all parents NOT to buy their young child a young, unbroken horse or pony. While these are fine for the experienced rider, it will more than likely prove disastrous for the young or inexperienced rider. These unbroken horses require both training and experience to turn them into the well behaved horses they will become after a few years of training.

Speaking of TRAINING-decide which discipline of riding you will be doing the most, then shape your search accordingly. A horse that has been trained to do what you want to do will save you a lot of time and aggravation. If you are going to ride western, look for somewhere that specializes in barrel racing, roping, western pleasure or equitation. These places will be able to help steer you towards a horse that is for sale or perhaps recommend a local dealer. Pleasure horses can be bought directly from the newspaper. Also look on bulletin boards in local tack shops and feed stores. Most people who advertise their horses there will include a description of the horse's training. For a first time horse owner, a former "school horse" or one that has given riding lessons would be ideal, so try local riding schools or riding academies.

Try to suit the breed of horse to your preferred style of riding. While many breeds excel at all disciplines, it is best to be on the safe side and match the breed with its intended use. Quarter horses were bred for the ranch disciplines of cutting, roping, and penning, and all quarter horses excel at gymkhanas, as they are quick and agile. However, their conformation doesn't mean that they will be the best event horses. For the best event horse look for tall, lanky, powerful thoroughbreds or warmbloods. Hunter/ jumpers and dressage require pretty much the same type although dressage looks for a fancier flashier mover, while the hunter is the epitome of the "daisy cutter"- long, low strides. Of course, jumpers can have any style, as long as they have the physical ability to clear fences in the allotted time without knocking them down . If you are planning on riding Saddle Seat, look for a gaited horse such as an American Saddlebred or a Tennessee Walking Horse. Arabians, Morgan and ponies are suitable for almost anything you ask them to do..be it riding or driving, English or western. Good ponies are almost worth their weight in gold, but worth it. I have but touched on a few of the most popular breeds..there are many more to research and learn about.

Take a knowledgeable friend or riding instructor along horse shopping with you. They will be able to point out things you may not see, evaluate conformation, and two pairs of eyes are always better than one. It may also help to have someone along to help fend off the pushy horse dealer who would send you home with a broken down old horse because "she has such a sweet face". Go look at many horses, ride them, try tacking them up and brushing them yourself. Pop back in unexpectedly and look at the horse again, see if his demeanor is the same, or if perhaps he was given a mild tranquilizer to calm him down for your visit. Avoid falling in love on the spot and feeling the need to buy the first horse you see. There are millions of horses out there, more than one will be your "dream" horse. Remember to size up the horses personality. A bold horse will require an advanced rider, and may hurt a shy one. The timid rider needs a horse that will inspire confidence with a nice even, calm temperament.

It is absolutely necessary to buy as sound a horse as possible. While no horse will be absolutely perfect, soundness is extremely important. The best, most wonderful horse in the world is useless if unsound or lame. Once you have narrowed down your search, ask the seller if it is acceptable to have a vet look at the horse. If they say NO, chances are you wont want it-there is probably something wrong with it Get an equine veterinarian to check the horse over. You can have different levels of prepurchase exams done by the veterinarian, at varying cost. The exam can include X-rays, endoscoping ( looking at the horses lungs), blood tests, flexion tests of the joints, to name a few. Your purpose for buying and purchase price will determine the extent of the prepurchase exam. There is no need to do a full work up on a thousand dollar horse meant for pleasure, but a twenty thousand animal meant for showing at high level shows will be "vetted" extensively. Your veterinarian will be able to help you decide how much work he should do in determining the physical suitability of the horse for your needs. This may seem unnecessary, but an "ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

After picking out your horse, dont be afraid to negotiate the price. Many people price their horses allowing some leeway for negotiating. That is part of "horse trading." Ask if the horse comes with any equipment. Most only come with a halter but some will come with all the equipment if the owner is no longer interested in horses. Ask if you can take the horse for a one week trial. Make sure that you have cleared things with a boarding stable (if you are going to use one) or make sure you have equipment and supplies on hand at home. Some people will allow you to take the horse for a trial period in order to see if the horse suits you and vice versa. Discuss liability during this trial with the owner and get any agreement in writing. Also find out if the horse has any vices such as cribbing, weaving, or digging, so you can be prepared. Many horse owners dont want a horse with vices stables in the stall next door to their horse, with just cause. It is always better to inform the barn manager that your horse has a vice than to let them discover it for themselves after the horse has eaten the wall of his stall!

Remember, this is a long term investment. Try to avoid impulse buys that you may regret later. A well thought out plan of action is the key to buying the horse of your dreams, your partner, your friend.

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Jessi Pizzurro has always loved horses.  She started off as a child riding western ponies and  progressed to showing hunters and jumpers. Jessi began galloping horses in 1989 at Penn National racetrack, specializing in problem horses and breaking babies.  She also groomed horses for trainer Steve Rowan Sr.  Jessi and Nino met in 1990 and began their partnership that would eventually include marriage and two beautiful children, Joey and Lauren.  She was head groom and barn secretary when Nino was assistant trainer for Terry Griffith at Delaware park.  Jessi currently grooms, keeps the books, and occasionally gallops.  Her specialty remains the first 60 days of the babies racetrack education and legwork.  She is a licensed assistant trainer and owner.   Jessi is also designing web sites and pages, including PIZZURROS Racing Stables.  Jessi's loves are her family, her horses, and her computer!