Buying a Horse - How Do I Find a Horse That Suits Me?

For many people, buying a horse is a long-cherished dream that is associated with great joy, but also with responsibility and numerous considerations. It is not only a financial investment, but also the assumption of care for a living being that requires attention, care and understanding. In this context, it is crucial to be thoroughly informed in advance and to consider all relevant factors to ensure that both the horse's and the new owner's needs are optimally met. This article is intended to serve as a guide to lead potential buyers through the process of buying a horse - from the initial idea and clarifying their own needs to finding and selecting the right horse and financial aspects.

Which Horse Suits Me?

Factors that should be considered when choosing the right horse:

• Riding experience: Think about what experience you already have with horses and what kind of riding you would like to do.
• Height and weight: Think about how tall and heavy you are and choose a horse that meets these requirements.
• Temperament and personality: Think about your preferred personality and temperament and look for a horse that suits your character well.
• Goals and ambitions: Think about what you want to achieve with the horse, e.g. leisure riding, competitions, trail riding etc. and look for a horse that meets these goals.
• Health and behavioral problems: Make sure the horse is healthy and has no behavioral problems that could be dangerous for you or the horse.

Tips that can help you find the right horse:

• Try it out: Ride different horses and find out which one suits you best.
• Seek advice from experienced riding instructors or horse experts: they can give you valuable tips and recommendations tailored to your individual needs and goals.
• Consider your budget: Think about how much you want to spend on a horse and look for a horse that matches your financial means.
• Check the horse's background: make sure the horse has no history of injury or other problems that could be dangerous for you or the horse.
• Consider the upkeep: Think about how much time and money you are prepared to spend on the upkeep of the horse and look for a horse that meets your requirements.

It is important that you take your time and research thoroughly to find the best possible horse for you.

Where to Buy a Horse?

There are different ways to buy a horse. 

The Breeder

The traditional way is via the breeder, in which case you usually contact different breeders and state your expectations and what kind of horse you are looking for. 

Auctions

Here you can buy horses at auction for a certain price. This is a good opportunity to acquire a special horse at a good price.

The Dealer

A dealer usually has a selection of different horses, different breeds, ages and levels of training. There, just like at the breeder, you have the opportunity to try out the different horses and find the horse you are looking for.

Find Horses Online

It is now also possible to buy the right horse online. There are many portals that can make buying a horse easier. These portals usually allow you to filter by discipline, age, pedigree, size, distance (buy a horse near you) and much more to find the perfect horse. At ClipMyHorse.TV you can now also horses for sale and even watch videos and results of how they have performed at shows so far.

What is the Process of Buying a Horse?

Once a suitable horse has been found, an appointment is usually made to get to know the horse and try it out. Sometimes the horse is already saddled up in the riding arena or a rider has already warmed up the horse. This can have advantages and disadvantages, because if the horse is already ready and waiting in the arena and all you have to do is mount it, you can't know how the horse handles or whether any tricks have been used to make the horse particularly well-behaved during the test ride. When buying a horse, you should always allow enough time and make sure you get to know the horse from the outset. If the horse you have then tried out meets your expectations and you reach an agreement with the seller, the purchase inspectionand the purchase contract.

The process of buying a horse:

• Contacting the horse seller
• Preparation for the inspection and trial run
• Ask the seller questions about the horse
• The role of the veterinarian: purchase inspection
• Clarify the legal aspects of buying a horse and the purchase contract

Which Horse Should You Buy?

Choosing the right horse depends on your individual needs and goals. Think about what you mainly want to use the horse for, e.g. for riding, for long rides or as a leisure partner. Your experience and skills as a rider should also be taken into account.

Also pay attention to the size of the horse and whether it suits your height and build. The age and health of the horse are also important factors to consider. It is also advisable to get to know the horse's personality and make sure it suits your own personality.

Last but not least, you should get to know the horse and have it checked by an experienced vet before making a decision. It is important that you choose a horse with which you can build a close bond and whose needs you can fulfill.

What Should I Look For When Trying Out a Jumper?

When it comes to choosing a suitable show jumper, it is important to consider some important aspects during the trial. 

Here are five important factors to consider when choosing a jumper:

1. Technical ability and physical condition: Check whether the horse can perform the basic movements, such as canter, trot and walk, in a balanced and effective manner. It should also have enough strength and stamina to be able to jump.
2. Rideability: Make sure that the horse is easy to ride and that it allows you to give your aids clearly. It should be attentive and well balanced.
3. Temperament and attitude: A good show jumper should be willing and motivated. Check whether it enjoys jumping and has a positive attitude.
4. Health: Check the horse for possible health problems that may affect jumping, such as conformation faults or injuries.
5. Fit: Check that the horse fits your height and riding ability. It should be easy to ride and comfortable for you.

Ludger Beerbaum explains in the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy what to look out for when trying out young show jumpers.

What Should You Look for When Trying Out a Dressage Horse?

When trying out a dressage horse, there are some important aspects to consider to make sure it suits you and your abilities as a rider.
Here are five factors to consider when choosing a dressage horse:

• Technical ability and physical condition: A good dressage horse should have a balanced and effective execution of the basic dressage movements, such as shoulder-in, traversals and pirouettes. In addition, it should have sufficient strength and stamina to perform dressage tasks successfully.
• Rideability: Rideability is an important factor when choosing a dressage horse. It should be easy to ride and allow the rider to give clear aids. It should also be attentive and have good balance.
• Temperament and attitude: A good dressage horse should be willing and motivated, enjoy learning and working and have a positive attitude.
• Harmonious movements: Harmonious movements are important for successful dressage. It is important to check whether the horse has even and harmonious movements and whether it is able to produce smooth transitions between the different gaits.
• Training level: Check how advanced the horse is in training and which dressage tasks it has already mastered. Consider whether it is suitable for your abilities and goals as a rider.

When Do You Have to Pay For a Horse Purchase?

It depends on the agreed conditions and the sales process when a horse purchase has to be paid for. As a rule, a deposit is paid when you have decided on a particular horse in order to reserve it before other interested parties. The remaining amount is then often due when the horse is handed over or when the purchase contract is signed. It is important to clearly agree the terms of payment in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.

Can You Buy a Horse on Credit?

Yes, it is possible to buy a horse on credit. Some dealers offer in-house financing options, while others work with third-party providers to offer credit solutions for horse buyers. It is important to note that borrowing for a horse can also come with additional costs and interest. Therefore, one should carefully review the terms and costs before deciding on financing. It is recommended to consult a financial advisor or expert to find the best solution for your situation.

Is it Possible to Buy a Horse in Installments?

Yes, it is possible to buy a horse in installments. Some horse dealers offer this option, either through their own financing solutions or by working with third-party providers. It is important to note that installment payments usually come with interest and fees, and it is important to carefully review the terms and costs before entering into a contract. It is recommended to consult a financial advisor or expert to find the best solution for your situation.

Is There a Warranty When Buying a Horse?

Yes, there is a warranty when buying a horse. However, the amount and duration of the warranty depends on the applicable laws and the terms agreed in the purchase contract. In Germany, the German Civil Code (BGB) regulates the warranty when buying a horse. It is therefore advisable to check the conditions in the purchase contract carefully and to consult a lawyer if necessary.

Do you have to do a purchase inspection when buying a horse?

A purchase examination (AKU) for horses is a thorough physical examination carried out by a veterinarian. The purpose of an APE is to ensure that the horse is free of hidden health problems and meets the requirements that are placed on it. The purchase examination usually includes a medical history, an examination of the horse's body and, if necessary, further diagnostic tests. It is recommended that a purchase examination is carried out, especially when buying an expensive horse or if it is to be used for competition. However, it is important to note that a purchase examination does not provide an absolute guarantee of the horse's health. It is therefore advisable to continue to monitor the horse's health and consult a vet if necessary. The cost of an AKU depends on various factors, such as the location, the vet and the scope of the examination.

Who pays for the purchase inspection when buying a horse?

The question of who pays for the purchase examination (AKU) when buying a horse is a frequently asked question. The answer depends on the circumstances of the purchase and the agreed conditions. As a rule, however, it is customary for the buyer to bear the costs of the general examination.

This is because the buyer wants to ensure through the AKU that the horse meets the desired requirements and has no hidden health problems. An AKU is carried out by a veterinarian and usually includes an anamnesis, an examination of the horse's body, x-rays and, if necessary, other diagnostic tests.

However, it is possible that the seller will bear the costs of the AKU, especially if the horse has already been thoroughly examined and the seller is sure that it is healthy and without hidden problems. In such cases, it can be agreed that the seller will cover the costs of the AKU in order to relieve the buyer.

However, it is important to note that there are no generally applicable rules as to who bears the costs of the AKU. It is therefore important to clarify in advance of the purchase who will bear the costs of the AKU in order to avoid misunderstandings later on. It is also advisable to clarify the costs for the purchase inspection in the purchase contract to ensure that both parties are aware of the agreed conditions.

How Much Does a Horse Cost?

The price of a horse varies depending on various factors.

• One of the most important factors is the age of the horse. As a rule, younger horses are cheaper than older horses as they do not yet have as much life experience and training. However, it is also important to remember that older horses are often already well trained and experienced, which can make them a good choice for experienced riders.
• Another factor that influences the price is the breed of the horse. Some breedssuch as warmblood horses, have a higher price because they are particularly suitable for riding and have a special attraction for riders due to their size and strength.
• The sex of the horse also plays a role in pricing. Stallions are generally more expensive than mares, as they have more value as offspring and can be used as breeding animals.
• The training / level of training of the horse is also an important factor. Well-trained horses have a higher price as they already have a lot of practice and experience. This makes them a good choice for experienced riders who are looking for a horse with which they can make rapid progress.‍
• Health is also an important factor that influences the price. A sick or injured horse has a lower price because it requires more care and medical attention. It is important to check that the horse is healthy before you buy it to avoid surprises and costs later on.

To summarize, the price of a horse depends on various factors such as age, breed, gender, training and health . It is important to take these factors into account when deciding whether to buy a horse to ensure that you purchase the right horse for your needs and abilities