First horse---tips and supplies?

You need to ask as much about it's history as possible.

Ask about previous owners, what they did with them, why they sold him. How long the current owners have had him, what they have done with him, why they are selling him.

How old, how height are they, have they had them measured or are they guessing. Lots of people don't know the height of their horse! Take an experienced person with you, always have a second opinion you trust, instructor or knowledgeable horse person.

Never take the owners word for it, regardless of how NICE they are. People do strange things when getting rid of horses and sometimes see first horse buyers as a big target. Ask about the horses conditioning, feed required, amount of riding needed, if they are good after a spell, do they handle cars, are they spooky, bossy...... the list is endless and I'm sure you will get lots of other great tips as well.

Watch very closely the horses behaviour, how the owner handles them (do they seem tense or scared of the horse). Let them do everything in front of you. Make them catch the horse in front of you as well. Make them ride the horse first - ALWAYS. Make sure that the horse is controlled in walk, trot, canter and HALT before you think about getting on.

Regardless of your experience most people are a bit nervous about getting on a strange horse, so try not to hold on too tight and take deep breaths. Try to relax yourself as much as possible. Insist that you ride the horse in a small safe area first, when you feel confident insist that you go into a bigger area to ride.

If you can't ride them at walk, trot and canter in their own home environment, then you should not buy them. I tried a horse for my sister in a small paddock and asked to go into a bigger one, they made LOTS of excuses why I could not. I insisted and they let me, I quickly discovered she bucked when out in an open area.

Pick up all of their feet, stretch out their front legs, handle their mouth like your going to give them a wormer (some horses rear up). Look at their teeth, rub them all over including around the ears. Watch the horses body language carefully and how they respond to you.

The most important thing is preparation, make a list on paper of question to ask on the phone, make it as detailed as you can. Also take notes on each phone call so you remember later. You don't want to waste your time (or your parents) looking at unsuitable horses. Always speak to them by phone, you will get a feeling after a few calls about how people answer. If they take ages to answer questions they should know, they are probably thinking of how to word it. Sometimes, maybe and kinda are words you should watch out for. Is the horse quiet? Hmmm yeah pretty much, is an example. It can also be a sign that they are a dealer and have not had the horse very long.

Again when you go to look at a horse take a note pad with you, have a list of things to check and ask. Some people are good at having another person with them and keeping you busy. This way you forget to check things. Try to keep focused on what your doing. I take a video camera and a still camera. I video the owner riding, then my husband video's me riding and takes photos. It is great to go home and really watch it carefully. It might change your mind or may confirm your decision.

Ask about any soundness issue AT ALL, get a vet check once you have ridden the horse once (but preferably twice). Some horses have had a harder life than others and a younger horse may have more health issues than a older one. Older horse does not mean more quiet, but do avoid "green" and unbroken. The most important thing is that you feel safe on them, it will make all the difference between a happy union and tears.

Good luck, I hope you find a nice horse.

Howdy! First - CONGRATS! Second - get ready for a whirlwind of steps. Its not as easy as findin one and getting it just cause its cute like a puppy.

1. Now, are you currently riding at a facility? I would definitely ask your trainer or someone with some horse know-how to help you out. You need to know what you will be using the horse for. What type of breed your discipline will work good at. Plan on showing and your riding level to match the trained level of the horse.

2. Take someone along with you to help ask questions. Horse sellers are like car dealers, they'll tell you anything you want to hear to sell it. Here is a few - age, registered or not, last time got wormed, last time was seen by farrier/vet/dentist, any vices (like cribbing), does the horse spook?, has it ever been shown, level of training, any special requirements...the questions are endless - but the question I ALWAYS ask is - WHY are you selling this horse? The good sellers will appreciate this question.

3. Get a vet check - once you buy the horse, its yours. No taking it back in a month because its not what you were looking for...unless you make some kind of arrangement, like a lease

4. Summer time is when there will be tons of horses for sale, you can get excellent horses for decent prices - I just sold an double bred Impressive 3 yr old Tobiano mare for 1,500 - she had everything, looks movement and temperament

Stuff to have - 2 halters (in case one breaks) lead rope, brushes - hard soft and curry, hoof pick, tack box,

saddle (unless you can borrow one from your facility) pad, girth, bridle.

blanket or sheet depending on weather

Throughout the years you will collect more and more horse stuff, the basics are fine for now.

Make a little emergency box - something that can be done with time, like thrush buster, vet wrap, etc. just in case.

Good luck with everything!

wow! okay um, first thing you need to know about buying. ask about stable vices and ask them to ride the horse before you. ask about where they got ther horse and why there selling! i wouldent buy the saddle or bridle till after you get the horse. some stores let you size it before you buy and others have you guess, i would recomend a horse around 18 not to old but not green. if they use the term green walk away. dont buy that means the horse isnt trained or finished , never mix a green horse with a new rider. its not a learn as you go type of thing! and you didnt say if you were green but you did mension you have wanted one for a long time so i guess you had lessons or leased...

i hope this helped and

Good Luck and have fun!

this may sound weird, but keep a journal. it's something i really wish i would have done. i've gone through SO much with my horse in the 8 or so months i've had him, it's hard to remember details. i wish i could remember the first time he did things, the great things he did, the days he was naughty, the days i was frustrated, the days i realized how strong our bond really was. so much has happened, it's all becoming a blur. i wish i had record of our "moments". he's like my child, and to me it's comparable to first steps, first words, etc. and i don't have record.

even if it's every couple days or once a week, record your milestones.

I would suggest you take your equine vet with you to look at the horse you want to buy to make sure ot osnt some sick piece or junk.

You need to make sure that you get enough food for the horse, and make sure that you have enough room for him/her to roam. Oh the most important thing pick the best name ever.