Tips on buying a horse

Few animals on earth embody grace and beauty the way a horse does. Its features and mannerisms almost always exude a gentle kindness and a knowing presence that leaves you feeling loved and at ease whenever you're around one. Though a horse comes with a considerable investment of time, money, and affection, owning such a creature can be very rewarding. If you are contemplating adding a horse to your family, there are important things to know before and while you look.

Take lessons
First, if you're unfamiliar with horses or have had no previous riding experience, don't just run out and buy one. "I would recommend not to jump in but to start with lessons and finding out what it takes to own a horse," says Tracy Porter, a professional horse trainer and clinician from Milton, Wisconsin. These lessons should include all aspects of horse ownership, such as cleaning up after, grooming, and feeding -- not just riding. This is also a much cheaper alternative to buying a horse outright, and it gives you a good feel for whether this is the right hobby for you.

Set a budget, but be flexible
And be realistic. Look at it as if you're just starting to drive. You don't want or need a race car. Similarly, if you're just starting to ride, you don't need a champion blue-ribbon winner. Don't let yourself get talked into buying a horse based on its potential to win shows. If that's what you hope to do one day, first learn to ride.

"Don't be real picky on your first horse in terms of a dream horse," Porter says. "You can always upgrade later."

Another thing to keep in mind is the cost. Owning a horse is inherently expensive and is, by no means, maintenance-free after you've bought it. Think of the cost of hay and grain, straw or wood shavings for bedding, vet bills, farrier visits, and riding equipment. That's, of course, assuming you already have a fenced-in pasture. The point is, don't go looking to save money on this purchase. With horses, you often get what you pay for. Besides, if it's the right horse for you, a little financial flexibility is a good thing.

Where to shop

Stay away from many private sales. "Don't just go out and buy from someone who has a horse for sale in the backyard. Try to find professional establishments, someone who's been in the business a long time," says Mark Sheridan, an international show judge and trainer from Cave Creek, Arizona.

What's even worse than buying a horse from someone's backyard is purchasing one sight unseen over the Internet. Never commit to buying a horse without going to test it in person. "You're taking someone's opinion. And even if they don't mean to be dishonest, it's very possible to run into problems," Porter says. "Don't buy sight unseen."