Here’s what you need to know about finding your first horse

There’s a pretty magical bond between many a horse and its owner, but as a newbie? Well, you may not yet understand that. Buying your first horse is a huge milestone - one of the biggest - and it deserves due gravitas. You’ve got to take into consideration the breed, the age, and of course, the all-important price tag – so it needs some hardcore research before anything else.

It’s all well and good seeing your peers purchasing their first horses and wanting to do the same – however, you need to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons (not superficial ones). Horses are a massive commitment and take up a lot of time, but if you do it right, caring for one can be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.

From setting a budget to figuring out the best breed, here are the first steps that you should be taking before beginning your journey to horse ownership. Be prepared, because your life is about to change forever – in the best possible way, trust us.

Understand your riding goals

The first step before jumping into the good stuff is to make a plan about what you are going to be doing with your horse. We don’t mean braiding its hair or choosing the best saddle – we’re talking about whether you plan on riding this horse for competitive jumping, dressage, or leisurely trails. These core concepts of why you are getting a horse will form the basis of the type of horse you choose. Understanding your overall riding goals not only helps you think about prices, but also helps you to start thinking about the temperament, stamina, and training any potential horse offers.

You wouldn’t go and buy a competing horse if you plan on having the horse just for hacks – as you then risk it going lame if it’s not getting enough exercise. And on the other hand, you don’t want to overwork a horse that isn’t cut out for competition. So set out with a clear vision, and gather up ideas of your ideal horse.

Research

Research is of course key when looking for any kind of animal, especially as a first-time buyer. Choosing the right size and breed will help whittle down the options you are looking at and give you a clear vision of what you are looking for. Different breeds have different temperaments and training needs – just like with dogs and cats.

If you need a calm and reliable partner, then think about breeds like Paints or Quarter horses as they’ll be your best choice. To understand these breeds fully, you might want to go out into the horse industry in your local area alone and spend some time truly exploring the equestrian space. When looking for a good fit, you can plan solo days out to local stables or head to auctions and live shows to get a good overview of an abundance of choices. Horse shows and events are just a few of the amazing things to do by yourself in Brisbane especially, as there are lots of people to meet and talk to – where you can ask questions and understand their individual preferences depending on the horse they have. This research journey gives you the chance to understand horses better and sets you up for success with your pony purchase.

Budget

Next, one of the most important parts – budget. Having a budget is important as it puts the horses that you can afford into a similar bracket. The initial purchase price isn’t the end of the road, either. You’ll need to factor in the ongoing maintenance of this horse, and its expenses such as food, veterinary care, grooming, and its stable fee. Understand the amount of labour that’s likely to be involved in caring for your friend too, especially during the winter. This doesn’t include equipment costs or saddles and tack – so be careful not to spend all your budget on the horse that you first see. You need to guarantee that you have the maintenance costs to give your new friend a lovely life. You don’t want to bring home a prize stallion, only for it to not get the best care.

Try before you buy

The best advice that we can give you is to arrange a “try before you buy” setup with the potential horse that you choose. Ride the horses that you are interested in, as you may just find that you don’t connect when you’re in the saddle. Take a look at their behaviour and how they handle different challenges, as well as how they react to being handled by you. We can’t explain enough just how important it is to connect with your future horse. That bond is deep and beautiful and you may feel the initial sparks in your early meetings, although a true connection takes time and trust to build.

Overall, it’s best to take it slow when going out to buy your first horse. Speak to advanced riders and hear their stories from their first purchases. It will probably be the best investment you'll ever make, so give it the time it deserves. Happy riding!