Real life horse advise?

I’m nowhere near the financial ability to own a horse at this time, but i hope to have one someday.
I know the basics, keep in mind stabling, vet and farrier, training, feed, tack, and grooming supply costs.
However, my riding experience is very limited and i don’t know how to put a simple halter on a horse. My dream is to compete in dressage.
That said, i’d love some expert tips on buying and selecting a horse.

Should i find and bring along an expert?
How will i know if a horse is a good match?
What’s the best way to bond withe the horse?

Last edited on 2019-08-16 at 22:26:02 by Wild Horse Cavern

Have you considered taking some lessons?

A good trainer will not only help you become a better rider but will also teach you correct horse handling methods to further your education.

In buying a horse, I would recommend bringing an experienced horse person with you who can help identify the things you are looking for in a horse.

Make a list! Write down the things a horse MUST have in order for you to buy it. Example, must have a good stop and good ground manners. Make another column of things you would LIKE the horse to have. Example, I would like a buckskin or a palomino horse. Lastly, make a list of things a horse CAN NOT have. Anything on this list is a deal breaker. Example, a horse that is spooky or is very forward.
Make a list and STICK to it. It helps you identify the most important things for you which is especially important when finding a horse for a person with minimal horse experience. I don't see very many beginner horses for sale in my area, so don't be discouraged if you have to look for a while. Stick to your list, you will find the horse of your dreams that has acceptable qualities and is appropriate for your level of riding.   :)

Now say you do find a horse you are interested in buying. If you can, try to see if you can try him/her out for a couple weeks, to ensure a good fit. This can be tricky due to the who's liable game, but is worth asking about if you are seriously interested in the horse. Also, a vet check is WELL WORTH the money.

Starts align, you get yourself a nice new horsey! Congrats to you. Building a relationship with a horse, just like anything else, takes time. Doing ground work is a great way to start bonding with your horse. Gain control of his feet, start teaching him to join up with you. Just spending time with your new horse will allow him to get to know you better and vice versa. All in good time.

Hope this helps! If there is anything I said that needs more explaining, I am happy to explain.   :)

I would absolutely find a trainer you click with first, and take some lessons. That way you learn the basics, like halters, proper safety, etc. When comfortable and ready, I would personally approach the trainer about a lease first, as it can give you a great idea about the actual costs involved, time, etc. 

At the facility I’m currently at, you pay board as well as grooming (mandatory), trainers fees, yearly dues that go towards ring maintenance etc. If we can’t make it out, it’s $20 for a turn out or $30 for a lunge, $50 for a trainers hack.... all of the little stuff really adds up, which is why I love the leases as the little things are often included. 

If you’re ready to buy a horse, I’d collaborate with the trainer and see what s/he thinks would be a good place to start. To me, the proper process is to go see the horses with your trainer and have the trainer sit on the horse before you. Definitely find a veterinarian you like and trust, and have prepurchase exams scheduled. We have found so many things in xrays, blood work etc that sellers have been dishonest about. And as Indigo said above, if you can work out a trial that would be great. 

Hey there. Good luck in your endeavor for a horse, but for real life matters where health and safety is involved (acquiring and owning a horse) it is really important to not just get your advice from the internet. Please consider talking to a local expert in your area. Great sources include Veterinarians, Farriers, Local feed or tack store owners and local area trainers. Talk to more than one of them to get different opinions and more knowledge. Your first step should be getting more experience to make sure you're ready to handle horses on your own. 

Oh, no need to worry.
I know getting tips just on the internet is not a good idea, and WILL be working with an expert in my area, and will be getting lessons. I will also make a list and stick to it.
These tips have been extremely helpful and given me some topics to discus with the expert.

I used to ride some, at a facility in my area, that rented horses to people for a short while, for a fee. They had the horse on a lead while they were on another one, leading me around a set trail.
The horse i was on decided to stand on her front legs with her back ones in the air. She remained this way for a minute or 2 and i thought i’d be thrown, however she soon was back on all four feet and the ride resumed. When i questioned the person who was leading my horse, she said the horse was just scratching her belly.
This did not make sense to me and something had to be seriously wrong, but there was nothing i could do at the time.
Later, i found out the facility was shut down for neglecting their horses.

I’d love to avoid a repeat of that sad experience.

Last edited on 2019-08-17 at 10:49:55 by Wild Horse Cavern

What everyone listed above is great advice. I would also recommend that once you find one that you like to have a vet do a PPE (Pre Purchase Exam). That way you know that it is healthy and sound for what you want to do. I have seen many people skip over this only to find out that the horse they bought with intentions to jump is not sound enough for that type of work. It is not always that the seller is being untruthful but they may not be aware of some issues. Bone chips can make a horse unsound for jumping but the horse may be fine on trails or flatwork. It is definitely worth the money.