Read pysknifes recent thread here that has a lot of info on cost.
http://mlparena.com/mlp/index.php/topic,286674.0.html Just be really careful because there are a lot of bad dealers and people just desperate to sell at this time. You will see an add start out as saying needs experienced rider to six months later saying great for beginner. I have helped many people over the last couple years look for horses and I can tell you there are no free dead broke horses right now even in this economy. They all have issues-you just need to know if they are issues you can work with.
What level rider would you consider yourself? Do you know any trainers or people with lots of experience to take with you? What is your goal riding,just fun? What are you looking to pay? what breed? Stock? Gaited may be great for you!
Because you have had surgery it is a big issue that you have a very calm unspooky horse. So many people get a new horse and get thrown off once and get out of horses. You really need to look around and be sure this is the horse for you. Tell yourself you will look at ten horses before buying and pick the best fit. There are a lot of good options out there but horse shopping is sooooo much worse than car shopping.
Some people like to go catch the horse out of the pasture to see if they are hard to get. Of course tell the people to leave him out. Look to see if the horse is sweaty and if mud and water is around the ankles because while maybe they did just wash it they may have worked the heck out of it to tire it out for you. watch how it is in the pasture with the other horses. does it nip,run after them or do the other pick on it?(this was a big issue with my first horse and he was bottom of the herd. Not good because some will go threw a fence etc,have bites every day etc).
Bring the horse in and brush it. feel it all over. Does it flinch kick etc. Will it let you touch its sheath. Do you know how to clean a sheath it you get a gelding? will it let you get in its mouth. act like your going to give it wormer. Pick up all feet and clean them out. when you tack it up does it react ok to bit,bridle and girth? (so many people have bad bits and poorly fitting saddles I feel bad going to try some horses out!).
Depending on what type of place you are at they may or may not lunge first. Smaller circles you can see them off first. Watch closely.
Have the owner ride first. If they won't-and I have had this happen many times,it is usually best to walk away. I always almost means they are going to be a mess when you get on and the owner says they never did that with me,but my back is just bad today. If you feel comfortable after they ride get on. Have the horse walk trot canter and back. If you want this to be a trail horse do not feel bad asking to take the horse out for a trail ride.
And the horse always has some vice. I will not buy a horse that cribs. They are nervous and they tear up their stalls. I have a horse that is so messy in his stall and you can strip his stall at night and have to do it again in the morning. Boarding barns hate him!!!
Do NOT buy without a pre purchase exam (ppe). No matter what the cost of the horse if it will have life long health issues its worth it to know and avoid it. For you I would not even look at a horse under ten. You want a been there done that horse. My bfs first horse was an eighteen year old mare and she is still going strong years later.
Other things to ask when you call to inquire about the horse are basic things like have they ever bucked, kicked, do you have tack(yes the people said we ride every day but had no tack and the horses were at best green broke when we got out own). Explain you have had surgery and you may get more honesty. I know some dealers who go to auctions and the things they say are sick. the one takes pics of his grandson and says it has been his horse for the last four years when it came from auction a week ago. And all horses act up-especially when moving to a new barn so get a trainer especially during the transition.
For finding the boarding barn go look at them and find one with turn out and that has fresh water in all the stalls. Read up about colic. Turn out and water helps. You want to find a place you and the horse are comfortable in. Some barns are all drama. Find one with people like you and you will be fine. My first was all show people and we did not get along as I just wanted to do trails.
Make sure the fencing is safe. Look at what they feed. Some horses need more than others where some stay fat on air. I don't like sweet feed-my one gelding will be nuts on it,literally bucking and kicking.
Some places do not have locking tack lockers so keep your tack in your car. Its not worth it getting stolen.
I really suggest joining a horse forum. I am on horse grooming supplies forum,tons of info there.
I typed that out kind of quick and was everywhere but if you have any questions just ask!
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