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Buying a new horse is a big decision, and it's important to approach it with both your heart and your head!

So, you're thinking about adding a new four-legged family member to your life? How exciting!  

Remember, this isn't just any purchase – it's about finding a partner for your equestrian adventures and a friend to share your life with. 

10 points you should consider :

1. Know Your Riding Level and Goals

First things first, be honest with yourself about your riding skills and what you want to achieve. 

Are you a beginner looking for a patient teacher, or an experienced rider ready for a new challenge? 

Maybe you're dreaming of conquering the show jumping circuit, or perhaps you just want a reliable companion for trail rides. 

Whatever your goals, make sure your new horse's experience and temperament match your needs.

2. Consider the Horse's Age and Health

While that adorable foal might tug at your heartstrings, remember that young horses require a lot of training and experience. 

On the flip side, an older horse might have the wisdom and patience you need but could come with health issues.

Always get a thorough veterinary check before making a decision, and consider how the horse's age aligns with your long-term plans.

Further to this, you need to consider if you have other horses, and if this new horse gets along well with other ponies.  

Age can be a factor in how patient the horse will be with other horses.

Curiosity is also another good trait to look for.  A curious horse is different to a skittish horse.  And one of these traits can give an indication of health....  So be sure to take notice when looking at a new horse.

3. Evaluate the Horse's Temperament

Just like us, horses have unique personalities. Some are bold and energetic, while others are calm and easy going. Spend time with the horse, observe how it reacts to different situations, and see if its temperament meshes well with yours. Remember, you're looking for a partner, not just a pretty face!

Sometimes it's easier to be very honest with yourself and understand the type of person you are.  That way it can guide the type of personality you can handle in a horse.

For example, you might enjoy the challenge of a feisty pony.  For this, you are commonly quite a strong personality yourself.  However, if you are more of a meek and mild personality, you may find the adrenalin of being around a feisty horse a bit too much.

It's ok, you just need to be honest with yourself so you can help choose the right pony to match your personality to give you both the best experience.

Also, look for good Ground Manners.  Sometimes these habits are a good indicator of the level of training, or lack-there-of over it's years.

Notice if it stands calmly when being groomed, you can pick it's feet up easily, stands still when saddling up etc...

Another habit to check for is how it reacts to Horse Treats as a reward.  Does it respond with body language which makes it look happy, or does it not understand what they are?  

This can give you an indication of how close, and how often, a person as actually been in contact with it and how much training has actually been done in reality.

4. Assess Your Budget

Let's talk money, honey! The initial purchase price is just the beginning. 

Factor in ongoing costs like feed, veterinary care, farrier visits, and boarding fees. 

Don't forget to budget for tack and equipment too. Make sure you can comfortably afford to give your new horse the care it deserves.

5. Consider Your Time Commitment

Horses are a big responsibility and require daily care and attention. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to your new friend. If you're super busy with school or other activities, you might want to look for a low-maintenance horse or one which has had more training.

Further to this, along with time considerations, you need to see if the new horse you are considering actually enjoys human company.

Some horses naturally distance themselves from humans, which can be a sign of past welfare issues. That’s particularly true if the horse turns away from humans and shuts down.

A horse which does this will need more time from you in order to bond with you and come to trust you.  

6. Evaluate Your Facilities

Where will your new horse live? 

Whether you're planning to keep it at home, or renting a paddock, make sure the facilities meet your horse's needs. 

Consider factors like pasture space, shelter, and access to riding areas.

7. Try Before You Buy

Always, always, ALWAYS ride the horse before making a decision. 

If possible, ride it multiple times in different settings. This will give you a better idea of how well you work together and whether the horse is suitable for your riding style and goals.

Also ride it at different hours of the day as well.  Plus, be sure to give it some horse training treats before you leave to see if it remembers you when you return.  

You never know how many people are inspecting this horse and creating a simple bond over horse treats, or food rewards, will give you a better read of the horses personality and if it remembers you in a positive way or not.

Don't be afraid to have some absolute "Non-negotiable" behaviours which are your deal-breakers! 

Dangerously aggressive behaviours toward humans or animals, such as ferocious biting or kicking or head-down bucking with the intent to throw the rider, should be non-negotiable red flags—no matter how great the horse’s breeding or their history.

8. Look into the Horse's History

Don't be shy about asking questions! Find out about the horse's background, including its training, previous owners, and any past health issues or injuries. This information can give you valuable insights into the horse's behaviour and potential future needs.

Don't be afraid to ask questions from all the way back!  

Such questions could include Weaning?  This is helpful as weaning can be one of the most stressful periods in a pony's life.

If they were weaned progressively or was it weaned abruptly?  Horses weaned progressively can tend to be more calm and less stubborn.  

Remember, the person selling you the horse wants to do the deal....  so they may not always be forthcoming about the horses moods.... however, asking seemingly irrelevant questions such as weaning will give you an insight into it's early life and then can give you indicators about how it reacts now....  

These indicators might present themselves when you try before you buy and thus give explanations to what it's doing and why.  This then allows you to make more or an informed decision.

9. Consider Your Support System

Do you have access to experienced horse people who can offer advice and support? Having a good support system – like trainers, veterinarians, and fellow horse-loving friends – can be incredibly helpful, especially if you're new to horse ownership.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Last but definitely not least, trust your gut feeling. Sometimes, you just click with a horse, and that connection is priceless. 

If something feels off, even if you can't quite put your finger on it, it's okay to keep looking. Remember, this is a long-term commitment, and finding the right match is worth the wait.

Buying a new horse is an exciting journey, and it's okay to feel a mix of emotions – from giddy excitement to nervous butterflies. 

Take your time, do your homework, and don't be afraid to ask for help or advice along the way. With careful consideration and a bit of patience, you'll find that perfect equine partner to share your adventures, your triumphs, and yes, even your secret dreams and worries (because we all know horses are the best listeners!).

Remember, bringing a new horse into your life isn't just about finding the perfect mount for your next competition or trail ride. It's about welcoming a new friend, a new family member, and a partner who will teach you as much about yourself as you'll learn about them. 

Happy horse hunting, and may you find that special four-legged someone who makes your heart gallop with joy!

Make sure you contact the team here at Huds and Toke when you find that perfect pony so we can supply you with all the Healthy Horse Treats you will need!

All the best from Huds and Toke.