If it’s your first time buying a horse for yourself or you happen to be getting one for your kids, there are likely many things that will have you carried away during the buying process itself. If you make the wrong choice when it comes to your horse, you risk ruining your horseback riding experience and even jeopardizing your safety too! So, here are the most common mistakes you’ll want to avoid when looking for your first horse:
Buying Untrained Horses
Do not fall for the mistake of buying an untrained horse just because it might be cheaper than the rest or you feel the need to ‘start from scratch’ with this brand-new venture of yours. It will definitely not end well if you plan to train the horse yourself- it can actually lead to quite dangerous situations if not done right. And if you plan on passing your horse along to a trainer, this will waste months because training is not something that can be done overnight.
Saying No to Older Horses
Beginners might think that older horses lack the stamina and wouldn’t be as great as their younger counterparts but in reality, these senior horses can be ridden well into their later ages in life without any worries. In fact, it might be more beneficial for a beginner to be paired with an older horse, who is either already trained or definitely calmer than the younger ones.
Buying A Young Horse
This one is for all the parents out there with the sentimental notion of buying a young horse that will grow old with their child. It’s a touching idea, for sure. But it is a dangerous one nonetheless. You’ll want to get a more experienced horse, especially if this one will be for the children. A mature horse will understand how to handle certain risky situations that even the rider (your child) won’t know about yet.
Buying A Particular Color
If you plan on selecting from a variety of horses, just based on color, this is a poor decision. If they all have the same training level, then you have nothing to lose but if the horse you’re opting for has been poorly trained then you might want to consider another option. After all, you’re riding the horse- not the color.
Not Considering Expenses
A lot of effort goes into horse maintenance. Not only do you have to spend a lot on high quality equipment- from grooming materials like a hoof pick and curry comb and much more to riding equipment such as a saddle and saddle pad- but you also have to invest a lot of care into making sure that your horse is healthy. Be honest with yourself about how much you can actually dedicate to this venture before you begin.
These are the most common mistakes you’ll want to avoid when it comes to your first horse. Above all else, make sure you look past all the materialistic notions. This is a hefty responsibility and if your heart isn’t in it, it will definitely show!
