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Hi everyone, I’m currently in the horse shopping process, which, while so fun, has been a much more stressful experience than I anticipated. For a bit of background, I’m an eventer/jumper and have been riding for 20 years. I’m now living the adult ammy life, but I previously worked as an assistant instructor. I’m looking to transition more toward the jumpers, as I don’t have much desire to keep moving up over solid fences in XC. I’ve leased horses for many years, but never found myself in a position where horse ownership made financial sense until now. I’ve tried a handful of horses, and there are two I really like, but it’s been a surprisingly difficult decision. I know there isn’t always a clear “this is my horse!” feeling. Even my most successful partnerships and leases didn’t start that way. I feel confident in what I’m looking for, and my two top contenders both check those boxes. They’re similar types, quieter but go when you put your leg on, and both are 8-year-old ottb geldings. My question is, how do you actually determine which one is right for you when you’re trying horses, especially when they're similar on paper? Did you have that "this is my horse" feeling? |
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I knew that my horses were "the one" based on the connection. I felt connected to the horse while riding and also on the ground. By connection I mean I felt like the horse and I communicated clearly and understood each other. There was no major disconnect other than unfamiliarity with the horse's personality and quirks. You may not feel overly connected to either and that's ok! But you should go with the one you feel like you can grow with. Congratulations on getting a horse! |
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Moderator
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I was "the one" for my heart horse. My family and I bought him from a BLM sale when he was 8 months old. Unknowingly we had all picked him for the same reason - his eyes. You could tell just how smart and unafraid he was even as a baby. Fast forward about 3 years when my first horse passed away. This little mustang was waiting for me at the gate, walked me to the barn, and bumped my elbow just as my previous had. Our relationship just took off from there. He loved all of us but I was his person. Sometimes you don't pick the horse. The horse picks you. |
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Administrator
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I chose my horse based on 1) checking all the boxes for potential as far as what I wanted to accomplish with my riding. (dressage), and also I enjoyed riding him. His personality was a good fit for me. I found him in a sales/lesson barn so I had opportunity to ride him several times before I decided I wanted to buy him. If I bought another horse I probably would buy or lease an (older) schoolmaster. Learning a sport is difficult if both horse and rider are learning together, it goes slow. |
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A friend wanted to sell his horse, asked me to take her to the vet and keep her for a few days... He came by one day while I was grooming his mare and asked if I had ridden her. He said she was gentle but still green. I hopped on her bareback with a halter and rode her for 15 minutes. I bought her before he left that day and she is still mine. Conformation, speed, agility, great mind, eager, curious, quick learner and everything I needed. Ground manners tell much about the horse. If possible, liberty is the best way to see how you will communicate with each horse. |
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