What to Know Before Buying a Horse: Expert Advice by Kelly Marks and Joanna MacInnes

What to Know Before Buying a Horse

There’s an old saying: “The way to buy a good horse is to buy a lot of bad horses.” Even the most experienced buyers know there’s an element of chance involved. Monty Roberts, for instance, has purchased many horses, with varying degrees of success. When it comes to buying horses for business or competition, success is often measured in financial terms or by the number of competitions won. For the average horse owner, defining a successful purchase can be much more subjective.

Many owners may defend their costly and unsuitable horses with statements like, “It was fate that brought us together!” While it’s admirable to have a positive attitude, it’s crucial to consider your future dreams and potential nightmares before acquiring a horse.

IH Tips for Buying Your ‘Lifetime’ Horse

For general buyers, the two worst outcomes are:

1. Becoming too frightened to ride due to behavior issues.
2. Discovering that the horse is unsound and can’t be ridden.

Before buying, consider if you have an affordable backup plan involving professional riders and veterinary cover. Also, think about strategies to minimize these risks.

Best Age to Buy a Horse: What to Know Before Buying

While buying a young horse with potential can be tempting, it comes with many physical and emotional challenges. For those with one chance to get it right, consider a horse aged seven years or older. By this age, the horse’s character is established, and major genetic issues are likely to have surfaced. Remember, a perfect horse doesn’t exist—focus on finding one with imperfections you can live with.

Nature vs. Nurture

Setting yourself up for success involves not just a thorough trial of the horse but also understanding its breeding. Genetics play a significant role, and choosing a horse bred for soundness and a kind temperament can stack the odds in your favor. While many horses lack breeding information, knowing the reasons behind a mare’s use for breeding can be insightful. Horses bred for specific purposes, like racing or show jumping, may not always be suitable for casual riding.

Beware the ‘Free’ Horse

Even if you’re given a horse, a 5-stage vetting is crucial for insurance purposes and to avoid unforeseen veterinary bills. A thorough vetting can prevent costly surprises and ensure you’re prepared for horse ownership.

Expert Insights: An Example Of How The Best Of The Best Make Their Buying Decisions

by Joanna MacInnes

IH member and good friend, Joanna MacInnes, owner of the Whalton Stud, Penrith, Cumbria, has been breeding top quality horses and ponies for over 50 years, winning many major trophies and championships throughout the UK in that time.

Jo undoubtedly has a great ‘eye’ for a horse but, when I asked her secret, in typical modest fashion she says: “I am not sure I am the right person to ask this, as I have bought very few horses in my life apart from stallions!”

I asked Jo how she came to buy Kilvington Scoundrel, the most successful sire of show horses and ponies of all time (At HOYS 2012, Scoundrel sired the champion and reserve hack, champion and supreme riding horse and the 148cms Riding Pony of the Year. At the Royal International in the same year, he sired the champion hack, champion novice riding horse and supreme champion pony, which was also supreme at the BSPS Summer Championships).

“When I went to see him, he was a very backward yearling with a great opinion of himself, but he had lovely limbs, a huge unfurnished front, and a charming head and eye.

He was larking about too much to tell how he moved, so I asked his owner to turn him into a field and was promptly bowled over by his superb movement and natural balance.

“I really was so impressed with him in action that, in spite of in no way wanting or needing a colt at the time, I bought him that evening. I just could not get him out of my head and thought it would be a great shame to geld him,” says Jo, who had only gone to see him to offer advice to the breeder.

“In normal circumstances, I think you need to have a clear idea of the type of horse/pony you are looking for, bearing in mind what you want to do with it and try not to be side-tracked from your ideas. When I bought Java Tiger, who turned out to be a highly successful sire of dressage, event and show horses, I was looking for a thoroughbred with good conformation, a good temperament and straight, athletic movement.

“Above all, you must really feel you have found what you are looking for (or even something you really like when not looking for it!) and not be tempted to compromise on your ideas. They say ‘all things come to him who waits’ and you are less likely to regret a purchase if you have patience and resist the temptation to ‘make do’.”

What IH Members Say

On Experience: “We have 9 ex-race horses. Each one was in a home they shouldn’t have been in. With better advice, these decisions might have been more informed.”On Buying Young Horses: “Two friends bought four-year-olds expecting sensible riding club types. Both were misled by sellers claiming the horses were sane and sensible.”On Thorough Vetting: “Next time, I’ll buy a horse already doing the work I want. Vetting should be thorough, not just a basic check.”

Conclusion

Knowing what to know before buying a horse requires careful thought and planning. From understanding the implications of the horse’s age and breeding to ensuring a thorough vetting, these steps can help you make an informed decision. Remember, patience and a clear vision of your goals are key to finding the right equine partner.