Are there special things to look for in a horse?
Signs to look for a 'kind eye' and
large ears, which generally indicate a pleasant
temperament. Check how the horse reacts to you -
is he happy to have walk right around him and to
touch the underside of his belly? Never buy a
horse without first riding it yourself, or ask a
more experienced rider to ride it. You probably
need to buy a horse which enjoys being ridden, so
avoid horses who turn their head towards you when mounting,
or those which continually swish their tail while
being ridden - these are generally signs of
annoyance or discomfort.
Should I have the horse examined by a vet before
purchasing?
Yes, it is vital to have the horse
thoroughly examined prior to the purchase.
Should I choose a horse with more experience or
training than I have?
With the supervision of a qualified
instructor, an older horse with more experience
than you should always improve your
technique.
Should the horse be a mare, a gelding or a stallion?
Geldings are
less temperamental and should be your first choice, with
mares a close second. Stallions would not be suitable.
Even when on their best behavior, stallions can create
unexpected problems when meeting other horses for
example.
What size of horse is suitable for
children?
You should never buy a horse that
children can 'grow into'. That is, buying a
horse which is much bigger than is suitable to
save having to buy another one when the children
gets older. A first pony should be suitable for
their size and weight.
What should I look for when choosing stables?
The establishment should be clean
and tidy throughout and smell fresh. The horses
already staying there should have a general look
of well-being about them. Wheelbarrows and tools
should all be stored neatly and the dung-heap
should be well away from the stables themselves.
Staff at stables should be friendly and
attentive and you should have no worries
approaching them for advice or just to say 'hi'.
Look for establishments approved by your
national horse society.
What equipment do I need?
As a minimum you
will need the following: saddle, rugs,
riding hat, bandages, breeches/jodhpurs,
bridle, head collar, brushing boots,
riding boots and gloves.
Do I need any special insurance?
As a minimum you should have third
party insurance cover, including theft of
the horse and personal liability is
recommended.
Do I need a building permit for a paddock and a
shelter?
Regulations vary both
internationally and regionally. It is always
wise to check with your local building/planning
department.
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