Thinking of getting a horse

[zina10]

Hello

Everyone has already brought up very good points ! First thing I want to say is this...Horses are not a hobby. Its a lifestyle. It really is It tends to take over a large part of your life. And it can be a beautiful thing.

The other thing is this. The initial purchase price of the horse is not what matters so greatly. Its the monthly expenses. The unforeseen expenses. A "free" horse costs you just as much every month/year, then an expensive one. That is something to keep in mind when you are shopping for a horse.

Don't pick a horse with your heart alone, and don't pick it based on looks. As Wolfy said, horses can be dangerous animals, even the kind ones. So picking up a calm/kind/been there done that horse is the best thing you can do for yourself. Even if its not the color you wanted. Even if its a little older (love the older ones)

Its easier to give an older horse a joint supplement and deal with mild and manageable arthritis rather then to deal with a young horse thats still full of it, going through phases, and barely broke. Mind you, even some older horses can be "green" or possibly left on a pasture without having been worked with.

There is no "perfect" horse, but choose carefully, and better yet, take someone else with you. Always make the owner ride first. Visit each horse you are interested in more then once.

Make sure the horse doesn't just ride alright, but also has good ground manners. A horse should be able to be tied without pulling, holding still for the vet and farrier, shots, etc. A horse should be respectful of your space, not bump into you, or pull you along.

Little things here and there you can work with. You may already know all this, not sure if you used to ride/have horses, or not.

Choosing the "wrong" horse can turn what could be a great experience, into misery.

All that said, I did all the wrong things. I bought a horse without taking someone else, I was lied to. My horse was as green as I was. It DID end up working out, but it wasn't easy.

Most horses, no matter how well trained, will test you in the beginning. Don't be alarmed. Horses look for leadership, they want to test yours, to make sure you ARE a leader and someone to be trusted to take care of them. With leadership comes trust. With trust comes love. You can't treat a horse like a puppy. In time you build an amazing bond, but it doesn't happen overnight.

When it comes to the expense of tack, I have to say this... "He who buys quality items, only cries once"
Its really true, you definitely do not need a snazzy show saddle or "bling" but try to buy quality. It is 100% better to buy an older/used quality saddle, then a new crappy made in mexico one. Make sure the saddle fits the horse. Many times it does not at first try, and that creates a lot of problems with the horses behavior and health.

Basically, how you go into this whole adventure, how you prepare and stuff, will set the tone for this whole adventure. Invest in the time and money to do it best you can, and it will pay back in so many ways.

Despite the cost, the time, the sweat blood and tears, I wouldn't want to be without my mare anymore. The time at the barn and with my horse (even the work) is therapy.
Can't even explain it, really. But its the best thing I have done for myself.

Good luck