If you’re looking into buying a horse, there are definitely some things you should know, and it’s best to talk to an expert before you do. An expert who has spent nearly her entire life on the back of the big animals, cruising through the ranches and wilds of rural northern Colorado. An expert who knows her horses, and, even more importantly, knows how to buy a horse without having buyer’s remorse.
Casey Stayman is that expert. A lifelong Coloradan, she has what she describes as “an incurable love” for all animals, and can frequently be found outside, on a horse. In addition to her experience as a recreational real estate professional for Hayden Outdoors, Casey is also a ranch manager.
She’s connected to the farming and ranching communities of the Rocky Mountain West, sharing their deeply rooted love of the land and the culture born from wandering the wilds of the West on horseback.
We turned to Casey to get her expert take on how to buy a horse—specifically for beginners buying their first horse—including what to look for and questions to ask before diving into horse ownership.
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How To Know If Horse Ownership Is Right For You
Pasture, feed, equipment for your tack room (saddle, bridle, reins, girth or cinch, stirrups, bits, halters and lead ropes and other accessories), access to an equine vet, a horse trailer—buying and owning a horse, especially for the first time, is not for the faint of heart or for someone who isn’t willing to fully commit themselves to maintaining a working relationship and the health of the animal.
But first time horse ownership can be an incredibly rewarding partnership if you put the care and work into it. Before you begin your search—particularly as a first time horse owner—it’s important to ask yourself some key questions that can help determine if horse ownership is right for you.
Questions To Ask Yourself When Considering Buying A Horse For The First Time
If you’re a beginner owner purchasing a horse for the first time, it’s important to start with a personal, fundamental checklist of questions, including:
Purpose & Goals
- Why do I want a horse? At the heart of your consideration are personal reasons, including riding for pleasure, competing or simply seeking companionship on those backcountry trails.
- What is my preferred discipline or riding style? Do you want to focus on English, Western, trail riding, jumping or dressage? If you’re not sure what type of riding you enjoy, Casey recommends getting some experience before purchasing a horse. “Volunteering at a local ranch or paying for lessons is a great way to get a better idea about how you connect with and most enjoy horseback riding.”
- Before we dive into how to buy a horse, ask yourself: is the horse for you, for your child or for the entire family? This will help determine the best temperament.
Budget & Costs
- What is my budget for purchasing a horse? Casey notes the initial cost of a horse can vary widely. “Horses vary in price, depending on so many factors. You can spend a lot of money on a well-bred horse, but it may not be a good riding horse. It definitely depends on what you’re looking for as the horse owner.”
- Can I afford the ongoing expenses, including board, vet bills, farrier visits, feed, tack, additional training and insurance (if required)? It’s essential to remember the cost of buying a horse is not just the one-time expense of purchasing. Casey continues, “The cost of equipment, feed and unexpected vet bills is a very necessary consideration.”
Facilities & Care
- Where will the horse live or be boarded? Ensuring you have access to proper pasture, stables and round pens—either on your own horse property, at an equine facility or through a lease—before you buy your first horse is key to successful horse ownership.
- Does the property have the proper horse ownership features? These can include shelter, tack room, a riding arena or round pen, riding trails and safe fencing.
- What is the daily time commitment of owning a horse? Establishing how much time it will take to provide proper horse care before buying your first horse helps ensure a long, happy equine-owner relationship. If you can’t personally give your horse the time it needs, it’s important to talk with a boarding facility.
Experience & Support
- Am I a beginner, intermediate or experienced rider?
- Do I have a trusted trainer? This can extend beyond professional trainers to mentors or friends who have knowledge of horses.
- Am I willing to invest in riding lessons or training before buying a horse?
Long-Term Commitment
- Am I ready for the 20+ year responsibility of owning a horse? It’s important to keep the lifespan of a horse in mind. These large, lovable animals can live long lives, meaning they can potentially be in yours for up to two decades.
- What will I do with the horse if my circumstances change?
- Am I prepared to provide for the horse if it becomes unrideable but still needs care?
How To Choose The Right Horse Breed When You’re A First Time Owner
When you’re looking for and buying your first horse, Casey notes quarter horses are the most common. “American paint horses, thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, miniatures and Arabians are also good horse breeds to consider for your first horse. Talk to other owners and experienced riders about the best horse breed for you.”
Before you start your search, it’s key to match your riding style to the appropriate horse. Avoid common mistakes such as choosing a breed of horse based on its look rather than how suitable it is to your situation. For example, while the idea of a Clydesdale or large, hefty draft horse might appeal, the reality is more grooming and more feed for such a big breed.
Here’s a general guide to common breeds and what they’re most known for, so you can make sure you’re asking the right questions and diving into first time horse ownership with confidence.
Light Horse Breeds – Known For Riding, Sport And Versatility
Quarter Horse
- Notable characteristics: versatile, impressive sprinting ability and calm temperament
- Riding style and use: Western riding, trail riding, beginner-friendly mounts
Arabian Horse
- Notable characteristics: endurance, stamina and a distinctly narrow face
- Riding style and use: Competitive and endurance riding
Thoroughbred Horses
- Notable characteristics: speed, athleticism and sensitivity
- Riding style and use: racing, jumping, polo and eventing
Morgan
- Notable characteristics: versatile, willing and very strong
- Riding style and use: driving, riding and family horses
American Paint Horse
- Notable characteristics: colorful coat patterns and calm temperament
- Riding style and use: Western riding, trail riding and pleasure riding
Warmblood Horse Breeds – Commonly Used As Sport Horses, Especially In English Disciplines
Hanoverian Horse
- Notable characteristics: elegant, athletic and trainable
- Riding style and use: dressage, show jumping and eventing
Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) Horse
- Notable characteristics: power, balance and competition
- Riding style and use: dressage and jumping
Oldenburg Horse
- Notable characteristics: size, versatility and power
- Riding style and use: dressage, jumping and hunter classes
Draft Horse Breeds – Large, Strong Workhorses
Clydesdale Horse
- Notable characteristics: very large size, feathered legs and gentle temperament
- Riding style and use: parades, driving and pleasure riding
Shire Horse
- Notable characteristics: immense size and strength (largest in the world)
- Riding style and use: draft work and exhibitions
Percheron Horse
- Notable characteristics: endurance, strength and willingness
- Riding style and use: draft work and riding
Belgian Horse
- Notable characteristics: pulling power and calm disposition
- Riding style and use: pulling contests and heavy farm work
Gaited Horse Breeds – Great For Smooth, Comfortable Rides
Tennessee Walking Horses
- Notable characteristics: calm nature and smooth running walk
- Riding style and use: show and trail riding
Missouri Fox Trotter
- Notable characteristics: sure-footedness and smooth foxtrot gait
- Riding style and use: ranch work and long-distance trail riding
Paso Fino
- Notable characteristics: naturally smooth four-beat gait
- Riding style and use: endurance on trails, show riding and pleasure riding
Icelandic Horse
- Notable characteristics: hardy nature and unique gaits
- Riding style and use: versatility in harsh climates and trail riding
Ponies – These Smaller, Hardy Horses Are Known To Be Beginner-Friendly
Shetland Pony
- Notable characteristics: small size, strength and fun personality
- Riding style and use: children’s mounts and driving
Welsh Pony/Cob
- Notable characteristics: good temperament, athleticism and versatility
- Riding style and use: sport pony competitions and children’s riding
Connemara Pony
- Notable characteristics: sure-footed, kind natured and athletic
- Riding style and use: eventing, children and small adult riders and jumping
Fjord Horse
- Notable characteristics: strength, calmness and unique dun coloring and dorsal stripe
- Riding style and use: farm work, driving and leisure riding
While there are a variety of breeds that might work well for what you’re looking for, Casey offers this general rule for first time owners buying a horse: “Depending on the rider, look for a calm, well mannered and easy-to-handle horse. Make sure they stand quiet when tied, when they’re getting saddled and when you’re handling their hooves.”
What Are The Costs Associated With Buying A Horse?
Casey notes that horses are special animals that require daily care and attention, and this means budgeting for both. “Budgeting for a horse depends on the location of the horse, specifically if you’re going to keep it on your personal property or pay for board and feed somewhere else.
Also, if you as a first time horse owner plan on keeping your horse on your personal property, ensure you have enough grass or supplemental feed, including hay and grain.” This latter point is important to note. You can’t run down to your local pet supply store for hay; you’ll need a good relationship with a local supplier.
One of the core questions to ask when buying a horse? Casey tells us: “Do you or the horse need additional training? If so, make sure to account for those costs.” Other factors to consider when purchasing a horse include equipment, horse trailer, saddle, shoes, etc.
According to Casey, in her area, pasture boarding can run between $150 – $200 per month. Board and feed with a stall can cost upwards of $400 – $500 per month, really adding to the costs of first time horse ownership. Tack on the cost of a 60-pound bale of grass or alfalfa hay (approximately $10 – $12 each), and the price of owning a horse can increase quickly, especially if you have to rely on others for boarding and feed.
How To Ensure You’re Buying A Horse In Good Health
Part of what to look for when buying a horse is ensuring the horse you’re considering is in good health. Just like any major purchase, it’s important to do your research before buying, especially if this is your first horse purchase.
Casey emphasizes the importance of the medical side of things. “You should always request a vet check when purchasing a horse, along with vaccination records, medical history and registration documents if the horse is registered.”
Here’s a good checklist to follow when purchasing a horse:
- Arrange a pre-purchase veterinary exam (PPE) and have a qualified equine vet assess the following:
- Vital signs
- Eyes, teeth, skin and hooves
- Flexion tests
- Signs of lameness, arthritis or joint issues
- Bloodwork
- Assess the horse yourself:
- Weight and body condition – the horse should not be overly thin, malnourished or, conversely, overly obese
- Coat – a healthy horse has a sleek, shiny coat
- Eyes and nostrils – eyes should be clear and bright and the horse should not show signs of discharge or a “runny nose”
- Hooves – a horse’s hooves should be solid and free of cracks, much like healthy fingernails in humans
- Movement – watch the horse walk, trot and canter to ensure there is no limping or uneven gait
Seller Questions — Things To Ask When Buying A Horse
It’s important to approach the sale of a horse with a comprehensive list of questions that can help you determine if it’s the right fit for you. Here are some important questions to ask when buying your first horse:
- How old is the horse?
- What breed and height is the animal?
- How long have you owned the horse and why are you selling?
- Is the horse registered and, if so, are the registration papers available?
- What type of riding has the horse been trained for?
- How frequently is the horse ridden?
- Has the horse been shown or competed?
- Who typically rides the horse, (e.g. beginners, children, advanced riders)?
- How would you describe the horse’s personality?
- Does the horse have any concerning habits, such as biting, bucking or rearing?
- Has the horse ever been lame, injured or had other major medical issues?
- Does the horse have all current vaccinations?
- When was the horse last seen by a vet, dentist and farrier?
- Does the horse have any ongoing medical conditions or special needs?
- What does the horse currently eat and how often?
- What are the horse’s current living conditions—stall, pasture or combination?
- Does the horse get along well with other horses?
- Is the horse easy to load in a trailer?
- Has the horse traveled or been trailered frequently and for long distances?
- Can the horse be ridden alone or does it need to ride with other horses?
- Does the horse have any physical restrictions?
How To Buy A Horse Without Having Buyer’s Remorse
When it comes to saddling up and buying a horse for the first time, Casey provides thoughtful caution and red flags for soon-to-be owners. “There is no such thing as a bomb-proof horse. If the owner is not willing to handle or ride the horse, you should be very cautious.
If you arrive and the horse is already saddled and sweating, that could be a sign the current owner tried to tire the horse before you showed up in an effort to make it more docile and better behaved. Additionally, if the seller is not willing to let you ride the horse—assuming the horse is broke and rideable—or if the seller is not willing to share medical information, it’s probably not an ideal choice.”
In addition to all of the essential horse buying questions mentioned above, knowing how to spot key signs the seller is trying to hide a medical condition, untrainable behavior or otherwise incompatible horse, will help ensure you, and your new horse, ride away happy.
Where To Buy A Horse For The First Time
Ready to become a first time horse owner? Here are some places you can buy a horse:
- Private sellers
- Breeders
- Trainers and riding instructors
- Rescues and adoption organizations
- Sales barns and dealers
- Online classified ads and marketplaces
- Auctions
While there are a variety of ways you can buy your first horse, Casey recommends keeping it close to home, or at least within the equine community, if possible. “There are horse sales across the nation that are a great way to purchase a horse.
If you are new to purchasing a horse, I would recommend working with a reputable rancher, trainer or friend so you can go look at the animal in person before buying.”
First Time Owner Next Steps — A Beginner’s Checklist For Buying A Horse
If you’ve considered all the factors of what to look for when buying a horse, done your homework, talked to the local equine community and envisioned what life will be like spending your days riding, you’re ready for first time horse ownership.
Here is a quick beginner’s checklist to help ensure you don’t miss important considerations.
- Evaluate if horse ownership is right for you.
- Ask the right questions that will help determine if your lifestyle is good for a horse, and vice versa.
- Establish a budget—both for purchasing the horse and then boarding, feeding and providing for vet bills and proper equine care.
- Know your horse breeds and choose one that fits your goals and lifestyle.
- Arrange a veterinary exam before buying your chosen horse.
- Assess the horse yourself.
- Talk with the local equine community, including trainers, farriers and vets, about what’s involved in buying and owning a horse in your area.
You Have The Horse. We Have The Property To Take You From Beginner Owner To Pro.
If you own a horse, chances are pretty good you would prefer to spend your days riding more than anything else. It’s an incredible life—connecting with your animal on the trail, in the ring or out on the range. As Casey puts it, “You know you’re ready to buy a horse when that’s the lifestyle you want every day.”
The recreational real estate experts at Hayden Outdoors get it. Like Casey, they’re ranchers and farmers, cowgirls and land lovers who understand the importance of time in the saddle, and time with your horse. They can help connect you with the perfect horse property—one where riding into the sunset is the lifestyle you get to live—every day.
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