• Lifestyle & More
  • Tips
  • Training
  • Care
  • Interviews
  • Inspiration
  • How To’s
  • Faith
  • Seasonal/Holiday
  • Recipes
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

The Narrow Trail

Inspire, Learn, & Grow in Horses, Faith

  • The Narrow Trail
  • About
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Category Index
  • Ministries
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Refund and Returns Policy
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Prints

Search

Home » Tips for Buying a New Horse

Tips for Buying a New Horse

Share

11 shares
  • Facebook

If you find yourself considering buying a new horse, then you’ll want to keep these tips in mind. Unfortunately, not everyone is honest and you want to make sure the horse is what the owner says they are. You also want to make sure the horse is sound before purchase.

There are so many aspects that a person must consider when trying to find a new horse and it’s a based on the individual person. But the most important things to consider before horse shopping are. What will the horse be used for? What is your experience? What is your budget? This is going to determine what type of horse to look for. The saying you get what you pay for holds true with horses as well. So saving for the right horse will actually save you in the long run. Something to remember is a lot of times the initial cost is the cheapest thing about owning a horse.

Questions to ask Prior to Meeting the Horse

If you find a horse that fits within your above criteria, then you’ll want to gather all the basic information you can on the horse. Such as breed, gender, age, and height.

If the horse sounds like a good fit for you, then you can make a call and ask some of the following questions over the phone. If they weren’t already answered in the ad.

  1. What is the horse’s history?
  2. What are they trained to do?
  3. How are they with other horses?
  4. Can they stand for a farrier?
  5. Can they load in and out of a trailer?
  6. Is the horse spooky at all?
  7. Is the horse up to date on all shots?
  8. Have they ever bucked, kicked, or bit anyone?
  9. What ground work has the horse been taught?
  10. Are there any bad habits to be aware of?

If the horse sounds like a good fit for you, then the next step is to make arrangements to meet the horse.

Questions for the Owner in Person

Ask the owner to ride the horse first before you get on. This is not only safer for you, but will give you a chance to see how the horse moves with a rider.

Be sure you also ask for any history and papers on the horse, such as breeding papers and vaccination records. You’ll not only want to make sure the horse is up to date on everything, but you’ll want a current copy of their coggins papers as well.

Ask the owner to prove everything he says about the horse. If he says, for instance, the horse is kid broke. Then tell him to show you. Don’t just take their word for everything they say.

You can also ask for references, such as what farrier and veterinarian they use.

Lastly, ask lots of questions and take your time with the horse.

Red Flags When You Arrive

If you arrive and the horse is already tacked up and appears sweaty, then the owner could be hiding something. I would communicate to the owner that you want to watch the horse caught and tacked up after you arrive.

Don’t Get Caught Up on Color

If you are really enamored with a horse for its color, don’t let that cloud your judgement on any other aspect of the horse’s behavior. This may be one of the most common mistakes people make when buying a horse. While color is nice, behavior and soundness are much more important aspects to consider when finding your perfect horse.

I recommend reading a book called, A Good Horse is Never a Bad Color, written by Mark Rashid. I also have a book review of his books, you can check out.

A beautiful horse, but color isn’t everything!

Take Someone with You

It’s really important that you take another person with you. Possibly a trainer or even a farrier. Someone who has an eye for horses and can help you make a choice and lend support. This is really important! A second set of eyes makes a vast difference.

buying a new horse
Always take someone trustworthy with you.

Have the Horse Vet Checked

An extra precaution you can make is having the horse vet checked. That is, if the owner doesn’t already have a current health certificate for the horse. You’ll want to do this before money is exchanged! Keep in mind the buyer handles the vet bill, but if you don’t know the seller or the horse, then it really isn’t a bad idea to have this done.

A vet exam may include checking overall body condition, checking the horse’s oral health, and a laminitis check. They will often listen to the heart, lungs, check the eyes, and can usually estimate age if the horse doesn’t have papers. They can even tell you if the horse has had any previous surgery, such as colic surgery. If the owner doesn’t consent for any reason, then walk away!

buying a new horse
Not a bad idea to have a vet check done prior to buying a horse.

Horse Auctions

If you are considering buying a horse at auction. You’ll need to keep the above information in mind, but you may not have the chance to have a full vet check done. With that being said, it is buyer beware.

There are some things you need to do, though. Look any prospective horse over carefully. Check their hooves, their eyes, and their teeth. Check their joints for swelling or heat. Look for signs of drugging, such as sleepiness or glazed eyes. Again, make sure you take a person with you that is knowledgeable in horses.

Buying a horse online

It’s not uncommon now-a-days for horses to be purchased online and sight unseen. In this instance, it’s important to trust the person or site selling the horse. You also want to see lots of videos of what the horse can do. This, at times, can be sufficient to see if the horse is everything you want it to be.

Bear in mind, a lot of times, online sellers have a reputation to uphold. So as long as they have a reputable history of selling good horses, then you should feel safe with your purchase.

Other Things to Consider

Stick to your guns. Don’t let a seller talk you into a horse that doesn’t fit the exact needs you require.

Trust your gut. Do you feel a good connection with the horse?

You want this to be a perfect match, so don’t take it lightly.

There are so many things to consider when purchasing a horse it can feel overwhelming. If you don’t know where to begin, you can always try EquineNow. It’s an online sales site. You can even search by area. You can always begin letting people in your area know that you’re looking for a horse. Sometimes a trainer or horse person can help you with your search.

Thank you for being here. I want to wish you the best of luck in finding your next horse! I hope you found this helpful. If so, please share!

If you want to stick around, then please consider subscribing to our email list so you don’t miss a post.

Related

«
»

How To's, Tips 4

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah says

    March 23, 2022 at 1:03 pm

    Phenomenal tips Rachel!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      March 23, 2022 at 5:23 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  2. Amber says

    March 24, 2022 at 3:02 pm

    We just got our first horse a few months ago and luckily had a good person who sold us her. I wish I would have seen these tips before that, but I’m glad I have them now for our 2nd horse!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      March 24, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      Congratulations on your first horse. That’s so great!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Blog Categories

From the Shop

  • Narrow Trail Long Sleeve Tee $29.50
  • He is Enough Tee $25.00
  • Narrow Trail Embroidered Champion Packable Jacket $50.00
  • Narrow Trail Logo Tee $25.00

Featured Articles

Grow In Your Faith

Interview with Brittney Sisson

How to Bond With a Horse

Prayers for the Loss of a Loved One

Footer

Follow on Instagram

thenarrowtrail

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, t Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11:1

I finally took a ride to Anna's grave today. It was nice! Poncho and I shared some snacks and I read a devotional.
Even though it's a beautiful spot I know what she's seeing and enjoying is so much better. 
.
.
.
#infantloss #trisomy #devotional #heavenisreal
Faithful Friday James 1:17 Every good thing given Faithful Friday
James 1:17 
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 

Whether we recognize it each day or not, our lives are full of incredible blessings. The ability to see all the beauty in this world is one of them. When I'm thinking that I'm not where I'd like to be, I have to remind myself how full my life really is. I'm able to ride, I'm able to see! It's then that I appreciate so much more recognizing the gifts given to me from my Heavenly Father. How often do you take for granted watching a sunset or being able to throw your leg over the saddle? The moments I hold my children! So many moments to treasure!
Poncho says you need to learn liberty. Why? Becaus Poncho says you need to learn liberty. Why? Because it's a great way to build connection with your horse. 
I've updated this post from last year to include @braveheartbeasts newest video library. Kaleigh is amazing, so check her page out. 
These are great options to learn liberty at home without waiting for a clinic. Link is below and I'll also leave a link in my bio. 
https://thenarrowtrail.com/virtual-options-for-learning-liberty/
Six months ago I was scared to meet you and lose y Six months ago I was scared to meet you and lose you all in the same day. 
I'm sad you're not here with us and I think about you everyday. But I am grateful for everything I've learned and the gift of 112 minutes. 
But even more thankful for the gift of eternity with you some day.
If you've lost someone you love I know your pain. 
If you need help formating prayers to get you through your grief. Check the link in my bio. 
.
.
.
#infantloss #grief #prayers #comfortintimesofloss
A nice warm spring ride this morning. Got a pictur A nice warm spring ride this morning. Got a picture with the daffodils. 🌼
.
.
.
#horseriding #trailhorse #mft #foxtrotter #horselove #springriding
Faithful Friday Leviticus 26:12 I will walk among Faithful Friday
Leviticus 26:12
I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.

Last week I was out riding Poncho alone and he got scared at times and balked, so I got off and walked him. It calmed him down tremendously. But it reminded me that when things happen in our life and we are too scared to go on, Jesus says, "Don't worry, I will walk with you." 
I could've kicked him on and told him to get over it. But it wouldn't have given much confidence in me as a leader. Leaders need to not only listen but be attuned to what is going on and around them, and the mental state of those they are leading, knowing how they can help them. 
I'm glad I could listen to Poncho and offer comfort and leadership to him when he needed it. Remember that whatever you face in life, Jesus is walking with you.
This week's blog is on growing your faith. I hope This week's blog is on growing your faith. I hope you like it. 
Follow the link in my bio and click on most recent articles. 
Have a blessed week! 
.
.
.
.
#growyourfaith #believeingod #kingdomminded #faithjourney #faithinjesus #jesuslovesyou #scripture #followjesus
Got some well needed time in the saddle this morni Got some well needed time in the saddle this morning. Poncho did awesome. Pretty spooky the first half of the ride. I did have to get off and walk him some. Which I'm okay with. The last half his head was low and he was relaxed. He even got bit by a dog and he kicked out at it but didn't spook or anything. That's one of the reasons I don't like riding the dirt road. What are you doing on your Saturday?
#mft #saddletime #happyplace
Faithful Friday Isaiah 30:18 - Therefore the Lord Faithful Friday 
Isaiah 30:18 - Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

What does waiting on God look like for you? Maybe you’re waiting for a spouse, a baby, a degree, a job, a house, or even retirement. Does it seem to be in your timing or His? At times it felt like I waited for things longer than most. 
Through disobedience, things out of my control, or not simply not being ready, some things were held back from me. And it can be painful. The Lord asks us to wait. I’m starting to think of that word as one of those 4-letter words I hate, but we don’t have to hate it. We can change our perspective and look at the word opportunity instead. What opportunity do you have in this waiting period? Maybe you’re not doing what you’d like to be doing, but what can you do to prepare yourself for where you’d like to be? 
Maybe God would have you be a better steward of your finances. Maybe you could be eating better and exercising. Maybe you could be focusing on a relationship with Him rather than who to date. 
The Lord longs to make you more like His Son and to have intimate fellowship with you, no matter what phase or age of life you are in. 
Let Him come into your life and cleanse you, refresh you, and recharge you today.
Faithful Friday - Random Act of Kindness Day Joh Faithful Friday - Random Act of Kindness Day 

John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Valentine's Day was a day to show love to those we care about most. God’s love is boundless, and He showers His people with mercy and grace every day. This commandment to love others comes easily at times. While other times, it seems unreasonable, and painfully so. 
Ephesians 4:32 - And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

It is almost easier to forgive horses because we can chalk up their behavior as instinct or impulse. It’s much more difficult to pardon others' transgressions and show grace and mercy. But it's the most selfless act we can do. The most loving thing we can do. Jesus was forgiving to the end. 
Luke 23:34 - Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
Do a random act of kindness today for a stranger! 
.
.
.
.
#devotional #faithfulfriday #valentines2023 #loveoneanother #selfless #randomactofkindess
Part of an ode Brittney wrote for the kill pen res Part of an ode Brittney wrote for the kill pen rescue horse turned endurance horse, Tuck. The little horse with lots of heart. If you love underdog stories and stories of hope, you'll want to read the article featuring Brittney and Tuck. Read it by following the link in my bio and click on most recent articles. 
.
.
.
.
#underdog #rescuehorse #killpen #endurancehorse #amazinghorse #enduranceteam
I'm super excited to bring you this month's interv I'm super excited to bring you this month's interview with Brittney Sisson. Her story is inspiring and includes a rescued kill pen horse named Tuck, the power pony! Hope you enjoy it!! 
Link in bio under most recent articles. 
.
.
.
.
#endurancehorse #enduranceriding #killpenhorse #halfarabian #enduranceteam #rescuehorse #endurancerace
Faithful Friday Psalm 121:5 The Lord is your keep Faithful Friday 
Psalm 121:5 The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

Do you ever just need a break? You ever feel like the pressure, and stress is too much and you are desperate for relief? 
This passage of scripture reminds me of the relief God offers. Shade from the squelching sun. A keeper of His flock. He loves and cares for us. He welcomes us to take rest under His mighty wings. 
I am happy to provide a barn and shelter for my horses. It puts my mind at ease that they have it when they need it most. It provides relief from freezing temperatures, shade from the summer sun, and blocks the winds and rain. But if you ever notice they will stand in their barn even when the weather isn't bad. Likewise, we need to take care to spend time with God, even when the storm isn't upon us. But when the storm does come, I am so glad I have Him to run to. 
.
.
.
.
#devotion #psalm #psalm121 #godisgood #dailydevotional #faithfulfriday
There are so many times I find myself wishing I ha There are so many times I find myself wishing I had more time for myself, to do the things I love. More time for riding in particular. But I was reminded this morning while cleaning. My life and my work is a ministry. The daily cooking and cleaning is much more than chores to do. It's taking care of my loved ones. I'm blessed to even have my horses. So the only time I may have is to go feed and take pictures like this one, but what a blessing. 

.
.
.
#horsephotography #equinephotos #lifeisablessing #ministryoflife
Faithful Friday Mark 20:28 Just as the Son of Man Faithful Friday
Mark 20:28
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a 
ransom for many.
I can’t think of any other animal that embodies the Lord and Savior more than a horse. They are both majestic and humble servants. 
Jesus stepped down from His seat at the right hand of God and came to Earth not to be served, but to serve. When I’m serving others, I can grow weary and burdened, but I remember I’m never more like Christ when I lay aside my own desires and put others first. Horses are such a blessing to us. I hope my life is a blessing to others as well.
To me, the bond is EVERYTHING! I wrote this week To me, the bond is EVERYTHING! 

I wrote this week's blog on the topic of bonding with your horse. Link in story.
I love how this picture my friend Rachel Sisco too I love how this picture my friend Rachel Sisco took wearing her new faith over fear tee. These are available on my website or on Etsy. Your choice!
Use coupon code SNOW15 to save 15% for the next 2 days only. (Coupon code is valid for both platforms.)
Find a link in my bio under Etsy or Shop/Merch.
Have you ever struggled to build a bond with a hor Have you ever struggled to build a bond with a horse? Believe it or not, I felt the same way about Poncho at first. At times, I thought he might be better off with someone else. We had some growing pains. But I can't imagine not having him. This week's blog is how to build that connection and bond with your horse. Follow the link in my bio and click on most recent articles. 
.
.
.
.
#horselover #ighorse #horsesofinstagramdaily
Faithful Friday Galatians 2:20 I have been crucifi Faithful Friday
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

After my baby Anna died, our pastor started a series on Galatians. I remember him asking the congregation if they ever had a life verse, and I didn’t. When he came to chapter 2 of Galations, this verse not only spoke to me, but jumped out at me. Not that I hadn’t read it before or was familiar with it, but it took on a new meaning. I knew I wanted this to be my life verse. 
After relinquishing my hopes of having an Earthly life with Anna, I found my heart open to releasing more than that- some of my past pain, my dreams, and my own will and path for my life. The lens of my life I look through looks different. 
I want Christ to live in and through me like never. I no longer focus solely on my own goals, but say, “I’ll go and do what you want me to do Lord. Not my will, but yours.” I want to live by faith! But God is so good because in so many ways, I am living my dreams. 
Do you have a life verse? I’d love to know what it is.
It's a winter wonderland here today. It's been abs It's a winter wonderland here today. It's been absolutely beautiful. 
.
.
.
.
#horsephotography #beautyofsnow #winterhorsephoto
Load More... Follow on Instagram

About the Author

Hi, I'm Rachel. I am the creator of The Narrow Trail. I've been riding horses since before I could walk. I was the horse obsessed girl that just never grew out of it you could say. I'm like most people, my days are busy and filled with taking care of my kids, running a house, and running my own business, but I always find time to have fun with all- two-legged and four-legged alike. Welcome to my site! Read More…

Copyright © 2023 · Darling theme by Restored 316

11 shares