{"id":910,"date":"2019-04-07T07:43:19","date_gmt":"2019-04-07T07:43:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.horseproperties.net\/blog\/?p=910"},"modified":"2019-04-01T17:50:09","modified_gmt":"2019-04-01T17:50:09","slug":"buy-healthy-horse-first-horse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.horseproperties.net\/blog\/buy-healthy-horse-first-horse\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Buy A Healthy Horse If It Is Your First Horse Ever"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nothing is more exciting to a horse lover than buying the first horse ever! At the same time, nothing is more confusing to a horse lover than buying the first horse ever. Due to the lack of knowledge, you might be tempted to make the wrong decisions. This, in turn, can transform from a supposedly beautiful experience into the most terrible nightmare. First and foremost, you need to ask yourself if you are prepared for buying your first horse ever. So, stop reading after this sentence, and take some time to think about this question: am I prepared for the first horse ever<\/em>?<\/p>\n

Good. Now, if the answer is yes, you must know that buying a horse comes with numerous responsibilities. You can\u2019t and won\u2019t be able to take care of it if you are not well-prepared. It takes time and money to take care of a horse and it\u2019s a serious, full-time job. Here are some quick tips that will help you figure things out.<\/p>\n

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    Consider the Cost<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Those interested in buying their first horse should be well-aware that prices are high when horses are healthy. If you can negotiate the price down to less than $1,500<\/em>, maybe you should give up on that one. A healthy first-time horse will cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500.<\/p>\n

    According to equine.com, most horses cost somewhere between $60 and $100 per month<\/strong> on salt, hay, and supplements. Some owners choose to spend even more in case they feed grain. \u201cMaintaining a horse is much more expensive than buying one,\u201d relates Dr. Kate Trinity, Veterinarian at Hay for Life<\/em> and former director at Rush my Essay<\/a>. Shoeing can cost anywhere between $25 and $40 per month, while routine medical checks are also mandatory. The medical care can add up to $300-350 per year.<\/p>\n

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      Think About Stabling<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Next thing to consider \u2013 and one of the most important \u2013 is stabling. Where will you keep your horse? Horses need proper shelter, constant access to food and water, and an exercise area. If you don\u2019t own terrain, you might not be able to host one at your farm. You should also consider adding fences to make the place secure. Make sure you don\u2019t use barbed wire only because it\u2019s cheaper<\/em>. Your horse might hurt itself.<\/p>\n

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        Where You Should Buy A Horse<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        You can tell whether a horse is healthy or not by the farm they grew up on. You should only <\/em>buy from certified farmers. If you are a novice, make sure you ask a professional to join you when testing the horse.<\/p>\n

        A popular method to find available horses is using the world wide web. Many websites will report everything you need to know about their horses, including age, discipline, range, breed, location, etc. You can usually watch videos of them online and pick the one you like the most. However, your decision should under no circumstances be definitive until you\u2019ve seen your favorite one live. Not all sellers will be honest about their horses, so you need<\/strong> to see for yourself before paying.<\/p>\n

        If online purchasing<\/a> is not something you\u2019re interested in, you could check reputable trainers and breeders. They are usually 100% trust-worthy because they\u2019re well-known in the community.<\/p>\n

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          The Prospects<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          After you located your prospects, it\u2019s time to start making calls and getting further information on their abilities. By the end of the day, you want to have no more than three options. After you\u2019ve narrowed down your options, go to each farm. Start observing from the moment you arrive<\/strong>. I repeat \u2013 and this is very important \u2013 start observing from the moment you arrive.<\/p>\n

          For example, instead of waiting for the farmer to bring the horse to you, go with them to meet the prospect in person. Watch the horse\u2019s reaction to both yourself and the farmer.<\/p>\n

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            The Signs <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Just to give you a clearer picture of how a healthy horse should look like:<\/p>\n