Buying your first horse: What you need to know
Buying your first horse, for yourself or a child, is one of the most thrilling yet daunting decisions to make. All owners try their best to look after their horses, but many, especially first-time owners may feel overwhelmed or lack the experience to do so properly.
But it’s not just the horses that benefit from appropriate care and attention. Your family will be much safer and better equipped to prevent avoidable accidents.
To make life simpler and bring out the best in your very first horse, ask yourself these questions:
1. Where will the horse be kept?
Horses need space, grass, drainage and shelter from the elements. Paddocks that are clean, properly fenced, hygienic (free from waste and excrement to prevent diseases) and about one hectare in size make the ideal conditions for your horse. Things like trees, a shed or stable are suitable shelters. For enclosed shelters, make sure the roof is at least 2.5 metres in height and there is at least 12 square metres for the horses to move. They’ll also need clean bedding made from materials like straw, and of course, it will need to cleaned often so as to prevent diseases.
Lastly, horses love company so make sure their paddock is close to home (but also far enough so the neighbours aren’t disturbed!)
2. What are you using the horse for?
Are you planning to breed horses, use them for equestrian-related pursuits, or simply love their company? Different horses are obviously suited to different lifestyles, so knowing the purposes of your purchase will help you maximise horse nutrition, exercise and training regimes and so on.
3. Have you taken it for a test ride?
Before buying the first horse, take it out for a ride. Get to know its temperament and whether it’s actually suitable for your purposes. Beware of horses that kick, bite, rear and bolt. There are always plenty of horses for sale, so never rush into a purchase. Choose the right one for you.
4. What do the vets say?
Once you’ve decided on your horse, get a vet to check out the animal for any diseases in their mouth, feet, skin or gut. Horses are susceptible to viruses (like colds), tetanus, lice, worms and bot flies so develop a good relationship with your vet and learn how to take care of your horse properly. Prevention is better than cure and these animals are definitely worth it.
To get started on finding horses, warmbloods or ponies for sale, visit to HorseZone.com.au
Processing your request, Please wait....
