Top 7 Tips on Choosing the Right Horse for You
Because there are so many horse breeds, choosing the right horse for you can be a tricky affair. American psychologist Barry Schwartz refers to this widely experienced phenomenon as the paradox of choice. Want to buy a horse – well you have hundreds of choices available, compounded by hundreds of horse breeds.
If you’re looking for a resource on different types of horses for sale, in a way that helps alleviate your decision fatigue, continue reading, and afterwards, be sure to visit an online marketplace such as Horsesme.com, a one-stop shop for horses, training and equipment listings alike.
In this article, we’ll aim to unwind the threads that make the paradox of choice so challenging to untangle. We’ll explore how you can choose the right horse for you online in seven steps, so you can feel more confident and comfortable with whatever decision you make.
Pick a horse that’s got the right temperament
A horse that you can get along with, one that’s not too tough on you, and most importantly one that’s most suitable for your experience level and height!
Having a horse with a calm demeanour will usually make sense for a beginner. Either way, you want to be able to enjoy your riding experience.
Know what you’re looking for
Your budget is the simplest way to pinpoint your search. If you’ve got a smaller budget to work with, then that immediately makes it clear what options you can work with.
The price of a horse can range from anything between $500 to over half a million dollars. But you can usually expect to pay between $1000 to $5000 for a horse that’s been correctly trained.
Get an expert to see how you ride
Ideally, it’d be great if you could get an expert to watch how you ride so that you can have another perspective on what kind of horse might be ideal for you. Spend some time figuring out your goals and what kind of experience you want to have with your horse over the years, and then hire a consultant if possible.
Follow your intuition
Horses are known for their sensitivity and intuition – they mirror you like no other living creature can. That’s why horses are being used globally as part of emotional and mental therapy to help treat PTSD and other psychological disorders.
If you’ve got your options just down to two or three, that’s where comparing can become increasingly difficult – and this is where you just want to go with your gut instead of your head.
Write a list of questions for the owner
Always remember to think of a list of questions to ask the owner before purchasing a horse. Good questions may include why they’re selling the horse, its age, medical history, if they have any special requirements, and if they’ve been well trained.
And of course, if it’s known to kick or bite, then you should be informed beforehand. Other than that, horses can have their oddities or quirks which you need to be made aware of.
Think long term
Is this horse going to work for you long term? Is it a horse that your children can ride? You want to be able to see yourself riding a horse for many years, otherwise, you’re essentially wasting your time.
Keep in mind that your first test ride with a horse is unlikely to go as smoothly as you’d like. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to immediately tell if a particular horse is right for you.
Don’t rush
When it comes to a decision like this, you never want to rush. Horses can be a lot of fun for you and your family, but they’re also a big responsibility to contend with. Ideally, make sure to get the horse you choose to buy to be tested by a veterinarian before you make the purchase.
We hope these tips help guide you in making a horse selection that’s fitting, and that you can choose a horse that will be perfect for you in the long run.
