Things You'll Need
- Feed/water Buckets
- Hoof Picks
- Horse Vaccinations
- Grain/oats
- Horse Illustrated Magazine
- National Horse Magazines
- Horses
- 8-foot Lead Rope
- English Saddle
- Western Saddles
- Bridles
- Horse Comb/brush Set
Instructions
Check auctions, horse farms or classified ads in the newspaper for horses for sale. Talk to local veterinarians. Or call your humane officer, who will always know of an unwanted horse in need of a good home.
Become familiar with horses before you put any money down. Go to horse auctions, visit local horse barns, read books about horses or explore a few horse Web sites.
Get some expert advice. It is difficult to pick out a sound horse with a good temperament unless you have a great deal of experience in dealing with the animals.
Check to see that the horse you intend to buy does not have badly cracked or deformed hooves, a runny nose or runny eyes. Also make sure it does not appear lethargic.
Ask a horse veterinarian to examine the horse you've selected. This is the best way to ensure that you're buying a healthy horse.
Consider the rider's size. If the horse is for a child or a short woman, choose a shorter breed, such as a Paint or a smaller Arabian. If this horse will be ridden by a tall or athletic person, you might opt for a quarter horse.
Purchase a horse that's appropriate for the skill level of the rider. If you're a novice, don't buy a thoroughbred, a stallion or a skitterish, untrained horse. Warm-blooded breeds like thorughbreds are generally more high-strung, while cold-bloodeds are more docile. Neutered males (geldings) tend to be easier to train than females (mares).
Expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000 for an 8-year-old unregistered quarter horse. The cost for a horse will vary in different parts of the country and depending on whether the horse is trained or untrained.