Finding the right horse can feel overwhelming, especially when you start considering all the factors that go into making a good match. With horse prices often hovering near or even exceeding the average cost of a new vehicle (around $48,000), it’s crucial to approach this process with thoughtfulness and care.
It’s easy to focus on what you want in a horse—its training, abilities, looks, or show record—but it’s just as important to think about what the horse will need from you. A horse’s success depends heavily on its human partner. Questions like "Can I provide the environment this horse needs to thrive?" or "Am I experienced enough to help this horse reach its potential?" are just as critical as evaluating the horse’s suitability for your goals.
Not all horses are created equal for every purpose, and even small mismatches between the horse’s skills, temperament, or care needs and your capabilities or environment can lead to frustration—for both horse and rider. Pre-purchase evaluations, trials, and a clear understanding of the horse’s history are essential to uncovering whether a horse will truly meet your needs.
While this process may seem complex or daunting, taking the time to think through these decisions can save you from costly mistakes, heartache, and even unsafe situations. Investing in the right horse—and ensuring you are the right partner for the horse—is about building a foundation for a lasting, successful partnership. This is about more than buying a horse; it’s about creating a connection that works for both of you.
Betty’s Story
Betty, a 65-year-old retiree, dreamed of getting back into horses after many years away from riding. She envisioned quiet trail rides and an easy-going horse to enjoy her retirement. Betty lived on a property with only pasture, no covered barn, and had limited recent riding experience.
Betty found a horse online that she fell in love with based on a video. It was a flashy three- year-old reiner with just one year of training. The horse had lived exclusively in a trainer’s barn, with no trail experience and no exposure to outdoor living. Excited, Betty contacted me to evaluate the horse.
This was a classic case of a horse being mismatched with its intended purpose. A young, arena-trained horse with no trail experience was not a good fit for Betty’s needs. The horse would likely have been nervous and spooky on trails, and the lack of experience with outdoor living would have created stress and safety issues in its new environment. Without guidance, Betty might have ended up frustrated, or worse, in an unsafe situation with a horse unsuitable for her goals.
Having someone to evaluate a horse’s suitability ensures that the right match is made—for both the rider and the horse. A well-matched partnership helps to create a foundation for success, safety, and enjoyment, which is the ultimate goal of our horse search services.
Kelly’s Story
Kelly, an experienced horse owner who had been around horses for much of her life, decided it was time to add a new horse to her barn. Confident in her knowledge, she browsed online and found a horse listed at an auction that seemed perfect. The videos looked great, and the horse appeared to be exactly what she wanted. Kelly attended the auction, placed her bid, and brought the horse home.
Within a week, the horse went lame and began bucking every time it was ridden. Shocked and frustrated, Kelly realized she hadn’t done enough due diligence before purchasing. The horse had been sold because of ongoing behavioral issues and an inability to stay sound— problems that may have been linked.
Even with her past experience, Kelly overlooked critical steps in the buying process, such as researching why the horse was being sold, investigating its medical history, and learning more about its prior training and handling.
This story underscores the importance of professional representation in the horse-buying process to reduce the risk of purchase error. A knowledgeable professional can research the horse’s background, identify potential red flags, and often know the history or reputation of the horse or its trainers. Having someone to advocate for you helps you make a well-informed decision, saving you from costly mistakes and heartache.
Tom’s Story
Tom, an experienced horse owner with five years of competitive riding under his belt, was looking to upgrade his current horse. While his horse was solid, Tom wanted a step-up horse to take him to the next level in competition. After searching online, he found a horse he really liked. The horse had show earnings, was comfortable to ride, performed all the
maneuvers Tom needed, and came with glowing reviews from the current owner and their trainer.
Tom scheduled a thorough pre-purchase evaluation with a qualified veterinarian. The exam detailed both the horse’s normal findings and a few abnormalities. While the abnormalities were professionally presented and might not have been clinically significant for the horse’s intended use, they made Tom nervous. Without additional help to interpret the findings in the context of his goals, Tom decided to pass on the horse.
The horse went on to compete for another five years, doubled its earnings, and proved to be a fantastic performer. Tom missed out on what could have been an excellent partner because he didn’t have the guidance to weigh the potential risks against the horse’s strengths.
This story illustrates an important lesson: not all abnormalities in a pre-purchase evaluation impact a horse’s ability to perform their job or thrive in it. A knowledgeable professional can help you evaluate what is relevant, what risks you can live with, and what trade-o]s might be worth making to secure a horse that meets your goals. Having someone to guide you through these decisions can make the difference between missing out on a great horse and finding your perfect partner.
Checklist for Prospective Horse Buyers
Finding the right horse is a journey that requires thoughtful consideration. Use this checklist to guide your process and avoid common pitfalls:
🔲 Clarify Your Goals and Needs
What are your long-term riding goals (e.g., competition for improvement, winning or fun, trail riding, or for pleasure riding around a show)?
What skills, temperament, and training level are you looking for in a horse?
What environment will the horse live in (e.g., at-home care, boarding, or training)?
🔲 Evaluate Your Readiness
Can you provide the care, training, and environment this horse needs to thrive?
Do you have the experience to help the horse reach its potential, or will you need professional support?
🔲 Set a Realistic Budget
Consider not only the purchase price but also ongoing care, training, and unexpected expenses.
Be mindful that a highly specific or “Unicorn” horse may require more time and money to find.
🔲 Do Your Homework
Research the horse’s history, training, and prior use.
Watch videos, review show records, and ask for detailed health histories.
🔲 Work With Professionals
Partner with a knowledgeable advocate who understands your needs and can guide you through the process.
Arrange pre-purchase evaluations with a qualified veterinarian and interpret findings in the context of your goals.
🔲 Test the Partnership
Spend time with the horse in various scenarios to assess its behavior and compatibility.
Conduct a trial ride or evaluation with your advocate to ensure the horse meets your expectations.
🔲 Be Open to Trade-Offs
Understand that no horse is perfect. Evaluate which risks or imperfections you’re willing to accept.
Focus on the horse’s ability to meet your goals rather than being deterred by minor abnormalities or cosmetic issues.
🔲 Take Your Time
Rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes. Be patient and thoughtful in your decision-making.
🔲 Learn From Others
Reflect on stories like Betty’s, Kelly’s, and Tom’s to see how proper preparation and advocacy can make all the difference.
🔲 Prepare for Transition
Once you’ve made your choice, develop a transition plan to integrate the horse into its new environment smoothly.
By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to find a horse that not only meets your needs but thrives under your care, setting the stage for a successful and rewarding partnership.