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I have worked in the horse industry for over twenty years now, and the saddest part of the industry is seeing too many horses being bought and sold through no fault of their own.

I have often been asked to go with a client to search for their first horse. Unfortunately many people will buy a horse on its looks rather than its suitability to the rider. I would therefore advise anyone who is buying a certain breed to research them as much as possible. Learn everything about your favorite breed, then try to arrange to ride one. Whether you go to an equestrian center, or ask a friend, go and ride one and ask as many questions as you can. It is also a good idea to ask to have your new horse on a one or two week trial. Most reputable sellers will agree to this and it will give to time to really get to know the horse you are thinking of buying.

I always ask the prospective buyer to write two lists. The first list is to write down all the things you want the horse to be able to do, ie, to hack out, to be able to jump, or a dressage horse. Try to think what you want from the horse. Are you a pleasure rider, or do you want to compete on your horse.

The next list is a little more difficult as it does require total honesty. You need to write down all of your equestrian experience. I always try to look on the black side of this list and ask the client how they would cope if their horse bolted, or jumped an unexpected ditch. Ask if they are happy to canter without stirrups, or jump without reins. These questions should give you a rough idea of how experienced a rider you are.

So now its time to compare the two lists. Lets imagine in your first list you put that you wanted to mainly hack out, but also go to the occasional local show. To me that would indicate that you want a steady horse that will be fairly low maintenance ( by that I mean easier to look after than a highly bred horse). From that I would be thinking of something along the lines of a Welsh cob, or a hunter type.

Next look at your experience list. If you are a nervous rider then obviously buying a thoroughbred is not a good idea as they are too flighty. Most Cobs are steady easy going horses and so would be ideally suited to a novice or nervous rider.

Learn more about this author, Jo.H.
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