Buying your first horse is an exciting step for horse lovers. In this guide, our equine marketing team and lifelong equestrians share our top tips for new horse owners—everything you need to know as a new horse owner in this complete beginner’s guide.
Before You Begin Your Search
Buying a horse is expensive, but keeping one is a big financial and time commitment. Paying for stabling, horse feed, and bedding are only part of your regular outlay. Your horse will need the farrier every four- to six weeks, plus annual vacations. You will need a grooming kit, saddle, bridle and a basic wardrobe of well-fitting rugs. Horse insurance, vet bills and lessons are also expenses to consider.
If you work full time or have a young family, will you have time to visit your horse daily and exercise them, or will you need someone else to do basic chores and train and ride your horse? These costs all add up.
Planning your finances before you buy a horse will help you decide if you can afford a horse and your monthly outgoings.
Be Prepared
Before you buy your new horse, you must find a yard to house them. You may choose to go for DIY livery, which means you do it all yourself with some basic paid help when needed. Alternatively, put your new horse on full livery, where they muck out your horse, feed, turn out and bring it in from the field. Full livery options vary, with some including riding or exercise, so you should ask what is included in the monthly fees and what is extra. If you decide to rent a field, you must check on them twice daily and feed and change rugs when necessary.
Do Your Equestrian Research
Before you get your horse, look at equine dentists, saddlers, instructors, farriers, equine vets, and equine osteopaths in your area to see which ones you would like to use for your horse. Be aware that some individuals may not be taking on new clients, so it could be worth giving them a call to enquire in the first instance.
Allow Your New Horse Settle Into Their New Home
Allow your horse to settle into their new home before taking them out to competitions or venturing on your own out hacking. As a new partnership, you owe it to your new equine friend to take time to get to know each other and build a trusting relationship. Work with your horse on the ground using the TRT method to build a strong friendship based on respect and understanding, and enjoy your time in the saddle without putting too much pressure on perfection.
Plan Your Appointments
Once you have your new horse at home, it may be that they will need the farrier, vaccinations, or saddle fit sooner than expected. Try spreading your appointments out over a couple of weeks rather than trying to fill a whole day with multiple appointments. Horses can become stressed with a change in routine, so plan your equine appointments based on your horse’s temperament and routine during the early days.
Enjoy The Ride!
Horse ownership is a fantastic experience but can also be stressful at times. Injury or behavioural problems can set you back and knock your confidence, so build a good support network of friends at the stables and have a small pool of equestrian experts you can reach out to for great advice and help through any challenging times you and your horse might experience in the future.
Need Some Advice On What You’ll Need? Here Is Our Essential Equestrian Gear For Every Horse Rider
