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Advice on Buying Your First Horse or Pony and What You Must Consider First
· Can you financially support a horse?
Be honest with yourself about what else you'll still want to do other than riding and caring for a horse. It is difficult to take a horse or Pony on holiday to Egypt for a week in the summer! And expensive for them to be in full Livery. Make sure you can financially support the dream, don't think you can sort it all out later. It can be heartbreaking to be forced to give up your horse, as you will inevitably become much attached Remember that the cost of keeping can be as much as £5,000 pa.
· What do you want to do with your horse?
If you want just to have fun or you are looking for a companion, make sure you are looking at horses with affectionate natures, if you have competitive ambition look for horses with talent – possibly proven history of winnings or points. Even if you have a large budget to buy your horse, be totally honest about your riding ability or you could will find yourself having to part with the new love in your life or even worse become a victim of injury, riding can be a dangerous sport even for the most competent riders.
· What Is Your Budget?
Be realistic about your needs and your budget. If you don't have lots to spend it will still be possible for you to find a suitable horse, be patient, do not rush into buying the wrong horse and be flexible with your search criteria. If you're starting out in jumping, you don't need an expensive Warmblood or Thoroughbred, try looking at All rounders or even cob type that may suit you better, it is important that you gain confidence and enjoy the sport and your riding, do not be tempted to out horse yourself. Be prepared to accept certain shortcomings in conformation, for example, if your funds won't stretch to your ideal horse.
· Consider the Commitment and the time they will take up.
Consider your job and family commitments and your lifestyle. You may still be able to fit in a horse, but only with compromise, it may be that a horse share is a good compromise and will work really well for you, offering a lot of enjoyment, sharing the cost and the time commitment. You need to be good planning your time and be committed to hard work. When it comes to making your choice, remember that n older steady hack won't demand as much of your time as a young competition horse that needs careful pampering and daily schooling.
· Ensure you have the knowledge to care for your horse correctly.
If necessary before buying your horse enrol yourself in a selection of courses. A good contact for courses and advise is The British Horse Society, (tel: 08701 202244) or write to: Horses & Courses, Crawley Grange, North Crawley, Buckinghamshire MK16 9HL, (tel: 01727 751133) or email: enquiries@horsesandcourses.co.uk
· Do you have somewhere to keep your horse at home or nearby?
Do you have stables at home; horses at home are so much easier to care for and will take a great deal less of your time than at a DIY livery yard, even one that is nearby.
DIY means that you look after the horse yourself at the yard, this is hard work and time consuming, but will pay out less. Full or part-livery is a safer bet for those on a tight schedule or requiring support while they learn about caring for a horse, but the costs can mount up very quickly.
· Make sure you can cover all the additional costs that having a horse or pony involves.
Initial vetting fees, transport costs, tack including rugs, head collars, hay nets, feed buckets, water butts, bedding, tack, feed, hay/haylage, grooming equipment, field supplies, riding clothing, etc etc
· Consider what difficulties you could be left in if you're unwell, injured or go on holiday, do you have someone who is willing and able to care for your horse or pony.
Sharing might be an option - talk to friend and other riders at your yard.
· If you are thinking of buying a second horse?
Have you decided what you intend to do with your present four legged friend? One horse can be expensive and time consuming, two is double the cost and double the time (double trouble, just like having twins!) in most cases, ensure you have the finances and the time to care for them properly.
Understanding the law when buying a horse
In the eyes of the law, horses are classed as goods and the same laws that govern other goods purchases apply to buying a horse. However, your protection depends upon whether the sale is a private or business transaction. Business sales, such as purchases through a dealer, are covered under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. Private sales fall under the 'buyer beware' category. For further information, see Julie Mackenzie's book Horse Law (JA Allen).
Most reputable dealers will offer to exchange your horse within a set period of time if you are unhappy.
With private horse sales, it may not be possible to return the horse, you may have to put the horse in training or sell him on. If this happens, don't put you off buying again. Do what you can to develop the horse to your needs and learn from the experience. Above all, don't keep a horse that is not right for you it will spoil your enjoyment and empty your wallet!
All horses should now have a passport – ensure the horse you are enquiring about has got a passport already. .
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