by Allison Cox

Created on: February 23, 2007   Last Updated: October 03, 2009

All seasoned horse people have witnessed the heartache that comes about when a horselover is stuck with an unsuitable horse. That's why it's so important for first-time buyers to have a plan when they are horse shopping.
The most important thing a buyer must remember is this: It is vitally important to have a clear vision of what you want to do with your horse, and you must stick to that vision.

Everyone's vision is different. You may want a horse for a child who has conceived of a love for horses. You may want to ride trails with a club or show a particular breed or discipline. You may want to rodeo or ride endurance. Or you might just want a horse you can ride in parades (this specialty does actually exist). You know what you want, and if you want your horse ownership to be successful, you need to stick to the parameters of what it is you want to do and not allow yourself to be sidetracked into a different direction.

Regardless of the breed or discipline, all beginners' horses must share the same traits. They must be sound, well broke and without vice. It can be difficult to find the one horse who meets all this criteria. You may have to look at dozens of horses to find the perfect one. Many of those animals will be sweet, personable or beautiful animals...and still not be the horse for you. So set the rules, and stick to them. Here are some pointers:

1. The horse must be sound. If the owner will not guarantee a horse sound, you need to bring in an expert (either a vet or a very experienced horse person) to look the horse over. A beginner does not have the eye to determine whether or not a horse is sound, and even horse people can be fooled. Absolutely rule out any animal if you can actually see a physical fault yourself: Bad eyes, bad teeth, sores, scar tissue, twitchy skin (a horse that continually twitches is not a good candidate for a first horse) should result in immediate disqualification. Don't even get on horses with them because you are just setting yourself up to fall in love with a horse that will bring tragedy and heartache. Likewise a horse that colics or requires some sort of special diet, or has been diagnosed with navicular or any other foot or leg ailment. Avoid horses who continually shift their weight when standing unobserved.

Face the fact that experience is the only teacher when it comes to being able to look at a horse cold and pick out faults. Do not trust your own judgment. Book learning does help and arm yourself with all the information

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