I’m a big believer in lists. Write down what you are looking for in a horse. What type of activities you want the horse to perform i.e., showing in pleasure classes or gaming, pleasure or competitive trail riding, endurance riding or family horse, etc. The activities you expect from the horse may determine which breed is best suited to your needs. Think about the price range you are comfortable with, which should take into consideration the amount of professional training the horse may have had to perform the job you have in mind. If you are looking for a “project horse” or a young horse, be cognizant of the amount of time it will take to get to the finished product. How much time per day, per week, per month you can dedicate to your equine buddy.

When you go to look at a horse that seems to meet the basic requirements keep these things in mind and bring your list with you. Share your list with a knowledgeable friend, coach or trainer who can accompany you for a second opinion. They can help you stay on track so you don’t buy that poor horse that needs a good home, but has few or none of the attributes you are looking for.

Keep in mind that most of the time the purchase price of the horse is but a fraction of the true cost of keeping a horse. Consider the cost of boarding the horse, health care requirements and annual vaccination expenses, parasite de-worming costs, regular hoof care, tack for the horse and the minimal safety riding gear, as in helmet, riding boots and gloves for yourself and family members, if the horse is to be a family horse.

Also have a list of questions you want to ask the person selling the horse. For example, does s/he cross tie? How does s/he behave for the farrier and vet? Is s/he up to date with shots? Does s/he load and trailer well? What is the horse trained for? Who did the training? What types of training methods were used? What has the horse been used for? How long have they owned the horse? Has the horse been healthy? Are there any known allergies/health concerns? Does s/he have any known dislikes? What does s/he like?

The person selling the horse should be willing to show the horse’s talents. If it is a riding horse, you should see him or her ridden and if you feel comfortable, ride him or her yourself. If not, your friend, coach or trainer should ride him or her for you and share their thoughts with you about the horse’s willingness and ability. Observe him or her being groomed and how s/he reacts to having the hooves picked up and cleaned and how s/he reacts to the saddling process.

Before you close the sale, it’s a good idea to have a veterinarian perform a general health check on the horse. It could save you money and heartache down the road. I would also suggest that the vet or a reputable farrier check out the horses hoof structure for soundness. Be sure to let them know what your intended activities are for the horse.

If you are satisfied with what you have seen and heard and the health and hoof check are both good you may just have found your new equine partner. Congratulations!