Getting Your First Horse: A Readiness and Buying Guide

Buying a first horse is exciting and easy to get wrong. This guide covers how to decide whether you are ready, what to look for in a horse and the steps that protect you from a costly mistake.

Are you ready?

Before you shop, answer these honestly: Can you ride well enough to handle a horse that is not perfectly trained? Do you have regular access to an instructor? Can you afford the full cost, not just the purchase price? Do you have the time to care for a horse every day, all year? Can you pay for emergency care? The First Horse Readiness Finder walks through these questions and shows where to prepare more. Costs are covered in The Real Cost of Owning a Horse.

Try before you buy

Take lessons, lease a horse or half-lease before you commit. This gives you experience of daily care and shows you what kind of horse and riding you enjoy. The Riding Style Finder can help you decide what discipline to look for, and the Breed Match Finder suggests breeds that match your size, experience and goals.

What suits a beginner

Age. An experienced horse, often between 8 and 15 years old, with a steady record is usually a better first horse than a young one. A saying among trainers is that a green rider and a green horse make a bad pair.
Temperament. Calm, willing and forgiving, and tolerant of mistakes.
Training. Safe to groom, tack, mount, load and ride alone and in company.
Size. A horse that suits your size and balance; see Rider Weight.
Soundness. A sound horse costs less than a bargain horse with problems.

Where to look

Experienced instructors, reputable trainers, breed rescues and word of mouth often give better matches than online ads alone. Be wary of horses described as needing an experienced rider. Take your instructor with you to see the horse, ride it more than once, handle it from the ground and watch it being tacked up and caught. See the horse at different times of day, and ask why it is for sale.

The pre-purchase exam

A pre-purchase exam, done by a veterinarian that you choose, is the best protection you have. A basic exam checks the horse's overall health, heart, lungs, eyes, teeth, legs, hooves, and movement at the walk, trot and in flexion tests. Radiographs and bloodwork can be added depending on the price of the horse and the planned work. The vet reports what they find; you decide whether the findings are acceptable. Do not use the seller's vet.

Paperwork

A bill of sale that lists the horse, the price and any agreed conditions.
Registration papers or transfer forms if the horse is registered.
Health records and a current Coggins test.
A written trial or return period if the seller agrees to one.

The first month

Arrange board or home setup before the horse arrives; see Pasture and Fencing.
Bring the horse home gradually and keep the diet the same at first, changing feed slowly.
Keep a new horse separate from others for a couple of weeks and watch temperature and appetite.
Find a farrier and a vet, and book a baseline visit.
Measure weight and condition, see How to Estimate Your Horse's Weight.
Take lessons on the new horse to build a partnership.

Common mistakes

Falling for a pretty horse that is too much for your skills.
Skipping the pre-purchase exam.
Buying tack before knowing the horse's size and fit.
Having no plan for the farrier, vet and care costs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best age for a first horse?

Many trainers suggest an experienced horse between roughly 8 and 15 years old, with a quiet temperament and a good record, rather than a young horse.

What does a pre-purchase exam include?

A veterinary check of general health, heart, lungs, eyes, teeth, legs, hooves and movement, with optional X-rays and bloodwork. Use your own vet, not the seller's.

Should I lease a horse before buying?

It is a very good idea. Leasing or half-leasing teaches you the daily work and costs, and shows what kind of horse and riding suit you.

Tools used in this guide

More guides

Figures in this guide are general guidance for planning. Every horse is different, so work with your veterinarian, farrier or trainer on health, hoof and training decisions, and read our disclaimer.