10 Things to do BEFORE you go horse shopping

Part 3 7. Decide where you will keep a horse.

If you plan to board, check out several boarding stables. Your first choice is probably the barn where you’ve been taking lessons. Look at some others to have for back-up choices and as a general comparison.

If you plan to keep your horse on your own property, build a safe fence, a solid barn and know that your time schedule will allow you to feed your horse at least twice a day – every day – rain or shine, hot or cold, sick or healthy (well, you get the picture).

Find out any local and state liability regulations on keeping a horse on your property before you bring your new horse home.

8. Figure how much you can afford for the initial price of a horse.

The original purchase price of a horse is a large upfront expense. Obviously, the more you can afford to spend on a horse, the more choices you’ll have to look at when shopping. If you have this money saved up in advance, you’ll have better barganing power with a seller. If you have to buy your horse on payments, you’ll limit your bargaining power and choices because many sellers won’t want to take payments.

9. Figure out your monthly expenses.

Monthly expenses include board, lessons and supplements if you keep your horse at a boarding stable. If you keep your horse at home, you’ll be buying feed, hay and stall bedding instead of a board bill.

There are reoccuring expenses that don’t come every month but still need to be added up for a year’s cost and averaged as a monthly expense. These include farrier visits, worming, vaccinations and vet care such as floating teeth and a Coggins test.

10. Tack and Supplies

Purchase the basic supplies before you get your horse so that you’ll be all set when you bring him home. Brushes, shampoo, linament, leg wraps, buckets and a first aid kit are a good start on supplies to have ready.

An all purpose headstall and a few bits, saddle pads, a saddle, halter and a long lead rope with a stout snap are your basic tack supplies.

If you follow these 10 steps before you begin horse shopping, you’ll be able to better focus on the horse that will be the best choice for you when you do begin your search.