There's a joke in the horse world that, "the cheapest part of buying a horse is the horse itself!" While it's funny, it is also true. There is a lot that goes into owning a horse that you might not expect, so we are here to help you sort through all the information!
To start with, let me tell you a story about a girl who LOVED horses. This girl, told her parents from the time she was 2, that she wanted a horse. She wanted to grow up and do something with horses. Her dad, a midwestern farmer, didn't want a "hay burner." After all, they were good for nothing but eating money. So when this girl grew up, she rode with any friend that would let her. She leased a horse down the road. And when she was 19 years old, she moved to Texas and bought a horse. Thankfully, this girl became fast friends with another girl who had some horse sense. So her friend helped her to buy a horse, but this girl did not listen to her friend when she fell head over heels for a 3 year old bay beauty she named Earl (pictured above). This 3 year old "started" horse was really a 4 year old with very little experience. This girl spent years struggling with confidence and fear because she got bucked off/fell off her horse so many times. For awhile, though the love of horses never dimmed, the light and joy sure did. It took almost 5 years before this girl could enjoy her horse confidently!
If you haven't guessed by now, "this girl" is me. I am that girl that thought she could learn while her horse learned, but instead the fun and joy with horses went out for a long time. Looking back on what I went through, and the people that helped me through it, this is why I am so passionate about helping people learn about horses. I would be honored to help you find your perfect horse match. I've written this "Beginner's Guide to Horses" to help you learn what it takes to enjoy horses to their fullest!
Let's talk budget for your horse. buying a horse could cost anywhere from $1500 to $150,000 or more depending on what your goals are. Most people who want a horse that they can trail ride on, enjoy at the occasional weekend show, and have fun with are looking under $10,000 probably closer to $5,000 and under. To see what the market is like in your area of the country, I highly recommend checking out Facebook groups. Nearly every state has a "Oklahoma Horses for Sale" or "Arizona Horse Corner" or "Arizona Everything Equine." These Facebook groups have tons of different kinds of horses listed from kids' horses to finished rodeo horses, retired show horses to upcoming prospects. You can sort through these listings to get an average price of horses. Remember, no matter how much money you spend on a horse, no horse is perfect! I've personally spent anywhere from $800 - $9500 on horses I have owned over the years.
Many horse trainers will agree that the highest level of horsemanship is colt starting. The less a horse knows, the more the rider needs to know! Remember this during your search and be honest with yourself on your experience level.
Once you have an idea of what your goals are and you have a budget. You are going to want someone with a decent amount of horse experience to go with you to see some horses. I would suggest always going to look at more than one horse so you have something to compare to.
Here are things to look for when you are looking:
- Is the horse already saddled or sweaty?
- Is the horse tied up or still in its stall or pasture?
- Will the current owner ride the horse or are they avoiding demonstrating how the horse rides?
- How much leg pressure/hand pressure does the person use while riding?
- Are there many distractions around? Is the horse used to commotion?
- How do you feel standing next to, leading, and riding the horse?
Next, let's talk about how you are going to haul your horse once you purchase it? Will you be buying your own truck and trailer or will you have someone haul it? If this is your first horse, or your first horse in a long time, I highly recommend working with a trainer. Going this route, your trainer will save you a lot of money by charging a hauling fee rather than you purchasing a truck and trailer! The trainer will also save you a lot of headaches and stress as you get used to owning a horse.
You've bought a horse and got it home, or to a boarding facility, now what?! You have a relationship to build! As fun as riding is, it's more fun once you've built a bond and trust with your horse. Spend time feeding, grooming your horse, saddling, and doing ground work before you hop on and ride off into the sunset. These things can take hours if you enjoy them or 15-20 minutes if you are eager to ride, but they are important steps to building trust with your horse.
If this is your first horse, or your first horse in a long time, take some lessons. From personal experience, I can assure you, the more you learn with your horse, the more fun it becomes. Your confidence will grow and so will your horse's confidence. Soon you'll be an unstoppable team!
As you learn and grow, always remember to try new things. If trail riding is your jam, try going into an arena sometime. If you are into show horses, take your horse for a leisurely ride out of the arena. You can find someone with an obstacle course, or use some cones and barrels to build your own. Trying new things will expose holes in your horsemanship and holes in the training your horse has had. Not only will you have more fun switching things up a bit, but you will also have more opportunity to learn and teach your horse.
Ultimately, owning a horse is a big responsibility and commitment, but it's also one of the most rewarding things I have ever embarked on. There's nothing like saddling up after a long day and forgetting all your troubles as you look between the ears of your horse. There's nothing like the bond you feel when your horse carries you over ledges and up a mountain. There's nothing like the friendships you form while trail riding or horse showing. Owning a horse will bring out the best, and worst, in you, but it will also help you grow and expand. You will be better because of it!
There's a reason there's a quote that says, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
Alright, you've made it this far, we've convinced you buying a horse is right for you. Let us help! Whether you live locally in NW Oklahoma, or you are else where in the country, Brandon and I can help. Contact us and we'll get started! Have a horse you're struggling with? Contact us and we'll help you get on the right path!
Can't wait for you to enjoy your new mount! Sara
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