A horse can be a 20-30-year commitment, so it is important to choose wisely. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a horse. The costs involved and your intended purpose for the horse are two of the most important.
The Cost
Owning a horse can be very rewarding, but also very expensive. You will probably want to consider all the costs involved before making a purchase. The purchase price of the horse is the obvious one. If you are not well versed in the market value of horses, you may want to consult with an expert before settling on a price. Your horse will need a place to live and food to eat. If you don’t have your own stable, you’ll probably want to check the price of boarding your horse at a local stable. You’ll probably also need to purchase equipment for riding and caring for your horse. Finally, owning a horse can come with risks that you may wish to purchase insurance to cover. It may be a good idea to include horse insurance cost in your decision-making process.
Your Needs
The best horse for you will depend largely on what your needs are. The best horse for trail riding will likely be different than the best horse for pulling a cart or jumping fences. You may also wish to consider your skill level and the amount of time you must commit to training the horse. An easy-going, well-trained horse may be better for a novice, while a more experienced rider may prefer other traits.
Owning a horse is a big commitment, but also a rewarding one. Having a good handle on how well a horse will fit your needs and how well the cost of that horse will fit your budget, should put you in a good position to make the right choice when buying a horse.