Are You Buying Horses for the Wrong Reasons?

Posted by Laura Thompson Oct 25, 2008

Yesterday, I wrote an article on how people can save money when horse shopping, a topic that I think is particularly important in our current economic climate. Spending too much money on a horse these days can lead to financial collapse for many families.

The reality, however, is that if you are buying a horse for the wrong reasons, you're spending too much regardless of the horse's price tag. A $200 horse who will sit in your pasture eating hay and grain without providing any value is still a bad deal, and horse owners should try to avoid this trap.

In my five years of consulting with equestrian business owners, I've encountered a number of terrible reasons people go out and buy horses. In many cases, this is because the shoppers are inexperienced and fail to seek the advice of a professional. If you don't know what you're looking for, it's best to solicit assistance from a trainer.

For example, I often hear would-be horse owners say, "We'll come together great once he's had a few rides on him." This invariably follows looking at a horse that is spirited, under-trained or possessing of bad habits. The shopper is seeing what the horse could be rather than what he actually is.

This is fine for an experienced rider who feels comfortable in her training abilities. However, this type of partnership rarely works out for the beginner horse owner. Don't buy a horse because you think you can mold him into what you want; instead, look for a horse who already embodies all of the essential qualities you want.

Similarly, I don't advise buying a horse based on what he looks like. There are millions of beautiful horses in this world, and you can find a good-looking animal who also has the personality and abilities you need. I can't say that I've never been swept off my feet by a gorgeous horse with great confirmation, but you have to learn to look beneath the aesthetics.

And finally, don't buy a horse just because your trainer, friend, mother, insurance agent or postal carrier says you should. Everyone is different, and a horse who meshes well with my personality might be a terrible fit for you. Buying a horse solely on the recommendation of someone else is never a good idea.