What to Consider When Searching for Your First Horse

Horses come in all different shapes, sizes, and abilities, and some will better suit your needs than others. Once you are ready to start your horse search, consider what you need and want in a horse.

Breed

Horses have been selectively bred for thousands of years to perform certain jobs. While we may not require them to do the same tasks now, genetics are still important. Breeding plays a huge role in what disciplines a horse will be best at. It is true that thoroughbreds can rope steer and quarter horses can event, but it’s important to take into account the level at which you want to compete, if at all. Be sure to choose a breed that can meet those expectations. OTTBs and second career horses can be great at their jobs, but chances are purpose-bred horses will be able to take you further.

Age

A horse’s age is another key consideration. Determining what age range suits your experience level, interests, and capabilities is an important part of making this big decision. Younger horses are still gaining physical and mental maturity, which requires dedicated training and patience. The benefit is you can shape them early on and they have a longer riding career ahead. Middle-aged horses, roughly 8-16 years old, are likely to have more training. You’ll have plenty to learn from them but also more to learn together. These horses are in their physical prime and often strike an ideal balance of experience and longevity. Older horses come with the benefit of years of training and a settled personality. They may also have some physical limitations, but they can be a great confidence builders.

Height

When deciding how tall you need your horse to be, consider breed, discipline, and rider height. A horse’s breed plays a significant role in determining both their typical size and strength in carrying a rider. Stockier breeds like drafts and cobs can typically carry more weight than leaner horses. Drafts are also more suitable for taller riders. Their large gaits might easily unseat a shorter person, for whom a cob might be a better choice.

The discipline you plan to participate in with your horse should also play into determining ideal height. Cutting horses and polo ponies, for example, tend to be on the shorter side, between 14 and 16 hands, affording them more agility. On the other hand, taller horses are typically favored in eventing for their large strides. For disciplines that involve jumping, the ratio of rider height to horse height is especially important. A rider who is too tall for their horse can offset the horse’s center of gravity over a jump. This can cause them to trip or fall, creating a dangerous situation. A general rule of thumb is that a horse or pony should be no more than 8 inches shorter than you at the withers.

Temperament

A horse’s temperament is usually rated on a scale of 1 to 10 – with 1 being extremely calm and 10 being high-energy. Horses rated 1-3 have a very quiet disposition. These horses are level-headed and reliable in most situations. They can be great confidence builders for anxious riders, but they are sometimes seen as dull, unmotivated or even stubborn. Horses rated 7-10 are much more reactive and high-strung, demanding an experienced and firm handler who can channel their energy. A sharp and spirited horse may exhibit quicker maneuverability and athleticism, however, their constantly “switched on” nature means they’re more prone to spooking and can become impatient working for long periods.

The golden middle ground many riders find ideal is around 4-6. These horses have a balanced temperament, being both eager and sensible without crossing the threshold to overly reactive. Consider your own experience level and confidence when deciding what temperament level you can realistically and safely handle.

Maintenance

Lastly, the amount of care, time and money needed to properly maintain a horse can vary greatly depending on the individual animal and its needs. For example, an older horse will likely have higher maintenance requirements – more frequent veterinary care, joint and muscle care, specialty feeds, or medications. Young horses will require preventative care as well as an investment in training. The breed and size of horse also play a role – compact ponies and smaller breeds tend to have less intensive dietary needs versus a full-sized horse.

Active performance horses often demand a high level of conditioning, nutrition and overall management whereas the care of a leisurely trail horse might be relatively basic. A pre-purchase exam can give you insight into how much maintenance a horse will require, medical or otherwise, to help you make an informed decision. Being realistic about the level of care you can consistently provide is important in determining the right match.

Finding your ideal horse requires taking a multifaceted approach in your evaluation process. Determining breed qualities, age suitability, physical compatibility, temperamental tendencies, and anticipated maintenance will all help you in your search. But while considering these important criteria, don’t let finding “perfection” on paper limit your possibilities. The individual personality of a horse, your shared rapport, and overall compatibility are all key pieces. Remain open-minded as you search, spend quality time assessing horses in-person, and speak with trusted equine professionals about ideal candidates. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions throughout your search process. Owning horses demands an extensive commitment, but with diligence on the front end in choosing the right individual horse for your lifestyle and experience level, it can be an extremely rewarding investment for all involved.