I Shouldn’t Have Bought My Horse: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Horse

Don’t Over Horse Yourself

 Be honest about where you are in your equestrian journey and what you can handle now as well as in the near future. Dude is way more horse than I was ready for at the time. He’s quite spooky and loves to drop his shoulder and test the boundaries, which has definitely knocked my confidence a few times. I don’t get me wrong, I do not regret buying him, but I could have chosen a more “beginner-friendly” horse that would have helped me advance faster as a rider. So, make sure you pick a horse that suits your skill level and won’t overwhelm you.

Are You Financially Ready?

Let’s talk money. Horses are expensive, and the costs add up quickly. In just the last four months, I’ve spent close to R100k on Dude (Excluding the car upgrade I needed to make for my new horse-centric lifestyle). This includes everything from saddles and bridles to supplements and stabling and obviously all my “silly” purchases and fancy tack/accessories. Don’t forget about unexpected costs like vet bills, dental care, and maintenance. How often do you see the dentist? Your horse needs to see theirs twice a year! For Dude, my monthly expenses are R5500 plus an extra R850 for various additional needs. Be really honest with yourself about your financial readiness and whether you can handle both the regular and surprise costs. 

What Are Your Goals?

Think about what you want to do with your horse. Are you looking to compete? You’ll need a horse box, a 4×4 vehicle (yep, I bought one just for this), and other gear. If you’re more interested in casual rides, make sure the horse fits that lifestyle. Different horses are bred for different purposes, and this is something I didn’t fully consider when I started looking. I ended up with an OTTB, which I’m thrilled about, but it’s important to pick a horse that aligns with your goals.

Mare or Gelding?

When choosing between a mare and a gelding, consider what suits your needs and preferences. Mares often form strong bonds with their owners and can be very responsive and versatile in their work. However, they can experience mood swings related to their heat cycles, which might affect their behavior and training. Geldings, on the other hand, are typically known for their stable temperament and consistency, as they don’t go through heat cycles or mood changes. This makes them often easier to handle and train, particularly for beginners. If you’re looking for a more predictable partner, a gelding might be a better choice, while a mare could offer a more complex and potentially competitive edge. Ultimately, it’s about finding the horse whose personality and traits best match your riding goals and experience level.

Buying a horse is a huge commitment, and it’s important to get it right from the start. I hope sharing my experience helps you make a more informed decision and find the perfect horse for you.

Happy horse hunting!