Tips for Buying a Horse

Know what you want to do, what is your discipline. What is the horses discipline or it breeds disciplines, do the research, do not buy just because
they are pretty.

Know your strengths and weaknesses and that of the horse. This is ever so important. Cannot stress enough. A mismatched rider and
horse puts the horse on the merry-go-round of ranches and owners. You owe it to the horse to do better than that. Make the commitment
to learn more everyday to make your horses life better. It will come right back to you a hundred fold. If you are not willing or cannot make
that commitment do not buy a horse. Get a tractor.

Figure out the horse's personality, does it match with yours.

Remember, respect is not transferable. The horse may do one thing for the owner and another for you.

Also know that humans teach horses and horses teach humans, ask yourself where you fit in that equation and where
the horse fits. Some will wait forever patiently for you to learn, others will not.

If you do not know a lot about horses, take a person with you who does.

Get there at least an hour early and observe how the owner interacts with their horses. Ask to meet the horse out
in the pasture.

Take your own tools with you. If you use a carrot stick, take it with you and see how the horse reacts to the friendly
game, at least. Take a rope halter to play with the horse on.

Don't skimp on expenses for your equipment. Think about how you would feel with that saddle on your back and you on top of that . It needs to be
comfortable for you BOTH. Remember the purpose of a saddle is to distribute the rider's weight across the horse's back, how the bars fit across the
back and the freedom of the shoulder are very important. Learn what that means to the horse prior to buying the horse. Be sure you can afford the
expense.

Equipment is not the answer to bad behavior. Hate to say it, but it is usually the human
causing the problem.