5 Tips For the Perfect Equine Partner
Buying a horse is the most exciting process in the equine world.
After sacrificing countless dinners out and rummaging through coat pockets for those last few pennies, the time has finally come to make a lifelong dream, come true. (Younger you would have been shrieking with excitement!)
Full of giddy anticipation, we all begin in the same way. Building our perfect pony in our heads. Like a SIMS type video game, we pick everything from the colour and breed, to each individual characteristic.
Our minds run wild, living out our dreams: jumping double clear at 1.10, or heading down the centre line in tails.
Let’s be honest, we all have them!
It is easy to get caught up in this idea of the perfect dancing partner!
But, back in the real world, this is rarely how it plays out.
If we want to ‘succeed’ in our equine journey – in whatever form that maybe – we need to work with our horses to create the perfect partnership. Remember, they have hearts and minds too!
So, if this sounds somewhat familiar, read on.
Here are our top five things to do, to help minimise the risk of being over-horsed and disappointed.
Number 1 – Create Clear, Concise Criteria
- Grab a pad of paper, a cup of tea and write a tick-list.
- Clearly define non-negotiables, negotiables, and desirables.
- Share this list with your trusted circle, ensure the people who will view horses with you understand your non-negotiables.
- “Blinded by headlights” the excitement of seeing a horse in person for the first time can blur opinions, the criteria list can help keep clarity.
Number 2 – Play Top Trumps
- Choose a horse that is realistically suited to your experience, confidence, and goals.
- Ensure the horse is already working at, or close to a standard that is an appropriate match for the level of both rider and handler. Ground manners are just as, if not more important.
- Avoid buying a horse that requires skills beyond yours. You are meant to grow together.
- Once there is a shortlist with different strengths and weaknesses. Play Top Trumps, to weigh up the pros and cons to find the horse that ‘best fits’.
- Ensure the prospective horse is visited more than once, ideally in different settings (like arena hires) to get to know their character in many scenarios.
Number 3 – Vettings with Perspective
• Once a price is agreed subject to vetting, arrange a pre-purchase veterinary (either 2 or 5 stage) examination prior to exchanging final funds to ensure the health of the horse.
• Remember that no horse is perfect, refer back to your non-negotiables if something is highlighted in the vetting.
• If needed, seek veterinary advice or a second opinion for clarification. Take your time and don’t rush into things.
Number 4 – Ask the Right Questions
• Learn the horse’s current routine, including workload, feed, dental records, shoeing, and tack (such as the bit it is worked in).
• Find the right balance between giving the horse time to settle and keeping it in work to ensure they don’t develop too much sparkle.
Number 5 – Enjoy the Journey
• The process is rarely straightforward, expect ups and downs. Enjoy every moment, the rough patches make the highs even more rewarding.
• Stay patient, open-minded and focused on finding the right long-term match.
Buying a horse is a massive adventure and there is always something new to learn. By following a few of our tips, we hope you can navigate the process with confidence and over time, build a strong partnership with your new equine. If in doubt, consult your trusted circle of vets and equine professionals. And if you are looking to expand that circle further, visit our Services Directory today to connect and develop valuable relationships.
