If you're ready to start your search for a horse, here are some things you need to consider--before you fall in love with an animal that might be all wrong for you.
It's been a lot of work, but everything's finally ready for your new horse companion--stable, fencing, pasture. You have a hay supplier, a farrier, and a veterinarian lined up, a horse trailer available, a bucket full of new grooming tools, and a big empty stall--but no horse. Not yet.
How do you go about finding the right horse for you? It's a big decision and you don't want to make a mistake. Before you start visiting stables, there are a lot of things you need to think about.
How much experience with do you have with horses?
Just because you've ridden a lot doesn't mean you're ready to take care of a Thoroughbred stallion straight off the racetrack. Then again, just because you're a raw beginner doesn't mean you can't have a great relationship with a horse of your very own. You just need to find the right horse.
The first step is evaluating your experience with horses honestly. Can you ride competently? Have you ever cared for a horse before? Can you put on a saddle without someone helping you? Do you know how to clean out hooves, and can you tell when a horse doesn't feel well? Answering no to any of these questions should make you think about the kind of care you can give your horse. Before you rush out and buy your dream animal, consider taking a class, joining a club, or finding a mentor who will be willing and able to teach you what you need to know. Most "horsey" people are friendly and eager to share their wisdom with someone equally eager to learn.
What horse breeds interest you?
If you're going to get a horse, get a horse you like. If you long for a graceful, fleet Arabian, that's where you need to start. If you love the solid beauty of a Percheron, don't let anyone talk you into an Arabian.
The first step is to research your favorite breeds. Find out the typical temperament, housing and feed requirements, and any specialized care your breed may require. You'll need a bigger stall with more headroom for a Percheron than an Arabian, for instance, but an Arabian may need more daily exercise than a Percheron.