Buying a horse for the first time can be a very exciting experience. However, in one’s excitement to have a horse, it can also be easy to make some big mistakes and to ultimately choose the wrong horse for one’s needs or skill level. To ensure the best results, there are some important tips that should be kept in mind while shopping around for one’s first horse. This, in combination with taking some horse management courses at an accredited Colorado college, will make horse ownership much more enjoyable.
Do Be Open-Minded
A lot of times, people go into horse-shopping with a very set idea of what they want in terms of color and size. However, when one goes into a shopping experience with this type of mindset, they are almost always disappointed when they cannot find exactly what they’re looking for. Instead, one should try to keep at least somewhat of an open mind while searching for the right horse for them.
DON’T Take on a Young Horse
There is one exception to the above suggestion, and that is to avoid taking on a horse that is very young and has had no training. Generally, young or “green” horses (as they call them in the industry) are better left to those who are professionals. For those who are relatively new to handling horses, it’s usually better to take one on that already have some experience with people.
DO Try a Horse More Than Once
There can be a huge disparity between one’s first time riding a horse and the times after that. Therefore, it’s never a good idea to make a decision on a horse based on just one ride. Instead, it’s best to come back and ride the horse again at least a few times to make sure things are consistent. This way, it’s possible to get a true feel for the horse’s temperament before making an ultimate decision.
DON’T Forget a Vet Exam
Before deciding on a horse, it’s also a good idea to schedule a veterinary exam. This way, one can be sure that they are getting a horse that is healthy. After all, ailments in horses can be quite difficult and expensive to treat, so it’s best to make sure that the horse one is considering is healthy before deciding to buy it.