1. Is this horse healthy, and does he have any current injuries?

First things first: A vet check is essential. This is the best way to find out if a horse is healthy and has any current injuries, and if so, what those injuries are. You’ll also want to look into its past medical history, as well as any potential long-term health issues that may arise from its breed or age.

Finding a good vet can be tough—and that’s why we’ve put together this list of questions you should ask before taking your new horse home!

2. What is his temperament like?

• What is his temperament like?

This is a big one! This factor will determine how well he does with other horses and people, as well as how easy it is to train him. You’ll want to know whether or not he gets along with other animals, as well as if he’s ever had any problems with humans or if there are any known behavioral issues that could potentially present themselves upon purchase. For example, some horses can be spooky and hard to handle at first but come around after some time spent together; others are more content on their own and prefer not having another animal near them at all times (which isn’t ideal if you plan on riding in groups). Also keep in mind the size of your property when looking for an appropriate horse: smaller areas may cause more problems than they’re worth when trying to satisfy the needs of both human and equine residents!

3. What type of person were you looking for in a horse?

How much time do you have to spend with your horse?

• Do you want to ride your new horse every day, or just on weekends?
• How often will you be doing it?

Will there be other people involved in training and riding the horse with you?

• Is there someone else who would be riding this horse regularly and could help train it? Or are they more interested in barrel racing or jumping a course instead of trail riding, which may result in different training needs for the animal. If so, what are their interests (and yours) when it comes to riding horses

4. Has this horse ever been suddenly spooked, or taken off running with someone on top?

If a horse has a tendency to spook or take off running with you on top, it’s important to know that before buying it. You don’t want to be in harm’s way and get injured.

A running away horse can be dangerous for you as the rider, and your riding experience will also be different if the horse isn’t safe. If they do run away with you, you need to know what to do so both of your lives are protected.

5. Does the horse have any behavioral problems that need to be worked through or around?

• Does the horse have any behavioral problems that need to be worked through or around?

If you’re buying a horse, you want as few problems as possible. But sometimes when a horse is abused (physically or emotionally), it can develop bad habits like biting people or charging at other horses. If you buy from someone who knows these things about the horse, ask them about them and how they think they can be fixed. It may not be an option for everyone to buy this kind of problem child and fix him/her up–but if it’s for your family, then maybe it will work out!

6. If this horse is green broke, or unbroken, is the seller willing to take you through a riding lesson so you can test him out before you purchase him?

If this horse is green broke, or unbroken, is the seller willing to take you through a riding lesson so you can test him out before you purchase him?

A green or unbroken horse will be far more difficult to handle than one that has been trained from a young age and ridden regularly. This is why it’s important for you to make sure that if the seller is not willing to give you lessons, then they should agree to sell the horse at a discounted price. If they refuse this as well, then I would say it’s best not go through with any deal until he has been broken in by someone who knows what they’re doing.

7. If you are mainly going to ride your horse on trails, has this horse ridden on many trails, and how many hours per week does the current owner usually ride him on trails?

• If you are mainly going to ride your horse on trails, has this horse ridden on many trails, and how many hours per week does the current owner usually ride him on trails?

Horses should have some experience with trail riding before they go out with a new rider. They should also be able to handle the amount of trail riding that you want to do.

8. Are there any particular grooming items that you will need to purchase which this seller happens to already have on hand–bridle, saddle, saddle pads, blankets/sheets, etc.–that they would be willing to throw into the deal if you bought them all together?

• Are there any particular grooming items that you will need to purchase which this seller happens to already have on hand–bridle, saddle, saddle pads, blankets/sheets, etc.–that they would be willing to throw into the deal if you bought them all together?

If you are new to horses and just starting out with your first one, it may be difficult for you to know what all of the basics are that a horse needs in order for him or her stay healthy and happy. If a seller has these basic necessities already on hand (and in good condition), then that could save both parties some time and money. You can also ask whether he or she is willing by asking: “Do you have any additional items at home?” Which might include things like halters/headcollars (for leading), brushes/combs (for brushing), hoof picks/clippers (for trimming).

A lot of different areas need to be explored before rushing into buying a new equine

• Ask the right questions.
• Determine the right training level.
• Determine the right temperament for you.
• Figure out what it is you want out of your horse and then make sure your new equine partner will support that goal.