So you're considering purchasing a horse. Congratulations!! If you've owned a horse before, but have never actually gone out to purchase one on your own, this article will help. If your new to horse ownership, consider the following steps before handing over the money for that valiant steed.

Whether you've found your horse prospects online or in the paper, you need to be cautious. No two horse sellers are the same and there are just as many corrupt horse dealers as there are nice breeders. Do your research on both the horse and the owner prior to deciding to go out and see the horse in person. Ask to contact other people who have bought from the dealer or, if you're purchasing from an individual, ask to call their vet to see what kind of horse and owner you're dealing with.

Take someone with you

Always take someone with you. This person should know your skill level and what you need in a horse. If you can, take your trainer or instructor with you, he or she knows how you ride and what kind of horse you need. If you don't have an instructor, take someone who has experience in purchasing horses. They should still have knowledge of your skill level. Your companion can also provide an objective opinion on the horse and provide a sounding board for your own thoughts and concerns.

Although taking a friend with you can be fun, it's rather impractical if he or she knows nothing about horses. If you don't have an instructor or a horse friend, consider paying an instructor or trainer from a nearby horse facility to go with you. It can save you lots of time, money, and frustration later.

Vet Check

Always get a vet check. Even if the owner says the vet just saw the horse the day before, get your own vet to look at the horse. There are a lot of horse dealers that try and hide medical problems during your first visit with a horse so it's important to get a professional to take a look at the animal. The horse may also have problems of which the owner was unaware. Premature arthritis and hoof problems can be costly down the road and you'll end up with a horse you can't use.

If your vet is unavailable to do this check (called “vetting out”), hire a local vet to do the diagnosis. Be sure that this vet has no connection to the owner or horse and can offer an objective opinion. Although it can cost a few hundred dollars to vet out a horse, it is well worth it.

Trust your instincts

If it doesn't feel right, it's not. Horses are instinctual animals and they can pick up on your moods and emotions easier than almost any other kind of animal. You have the ability to pick up on their moods, too. Trust your gut when it comes to both the horse and the seller. If one or the other doesn't seem right, you should turn around, no matter how good the deal seems.

Bad looks can mean a rough future

Poor confirmation isn't just about looks, it can mean poor movement and potential health problems in the future. If the horse looks strange in any way (neck to big or too skinny, underdeveloped rump) it can mean signs of previous health problems or poor movement. Some health issues can cause underdeveloped or overdeveloped regions of the body. Movement problems (which can sometimes mean behavior problems) can also result in poor muscle conformation. Poor movement can mean dangerous rides in the future, too.

Only experienced trainers and horse buyers can tell the difference between a horse that has poor confirmation from lack of training versus breeding or health issues. Don't let the owner or dealer tell you that it can be fixed or that it doesn't exist. If it doesn't look right, it probably isn't.

Buy a horse that will grow into you , not one you'll grow into

Be honest about your skill level. Avoid purchasing a horse that is beyond your abilities. This is where the trainer can come in handy. He or she knows your level and can help you find the horse that will best fit your skills. You do not want a horse that you can “grow into” or one that takes a very skilled rider to handle. You do not challenge or “project” horse as your first horse. You need a horse that will ease you into the process of horse ownership and adapt to your abilities as opposed to you adapting to the horse.

Consider leasing first

Leasing is one of the easiest ways to test out horse ownership. Many horse owners are looking for people to lease or “half-board” their horses. Leasing a horse comes with many of the same challenges and complications as ownership but without the permanency. This arrangement allows you to see the benefits and drawbacks of owning your own horse before you actually purchase one.

Leasing is a great way to “test-drive” horse ownership. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the intricacies of the horse-human partnership before you find your own permanent friend. Many people list leases on stable websites, the newspaper, or craigslist. See what you can find and interveiw the horse and owner prior to signing any agreements.

Good Luck!!