Buying a horse or pony is one of the most exciting milestones for any rider, but it can also feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering what to look for when buying a horse, you’re certainly not alone. From choosing the right temperament to asking the right questions, there are plenty of things to consider before making such an important decision.
To help make the process a little easier, we spoke with Polley from Pagse Equestrian, an experienced equine professional who coaches riders, works on yards, and buys, produces and sells horses. She shares her practical advice on what to know about buying a horse, helping you avoid common mistakes and find the right horse for your experience, confidence and ambitions.
Before you even begin looking at adverts, spend some time thinking about exactly what you’re looking for.
Every buyer has different goals. Some families are searching for a safe first pony, while others want a young horse they can produce and compete. Some riders simply want a reliable horse to enjoy hacking, while more experienced riders may be looking for a competition partner.
Being honest about your riding ability, confidence and experience is one of the most important things to look for when buying a horse—not just in the horse itself, but in whether you’re genuinely the right match.
“The more honest you are with the seller, the easier it is to find a horse that’s genuinely suitable.”
There are plenty of places to begin your search, including:
While online listings are useful, Polley believes some of the best horses are often found through recommendations. People who know the horse personally can usually give you a much clearer picture of its temperament, history and suitability.
When you find a horse that catches your eye, don’t just look at the photographs.
Read the advert carefully and think about what isn’t being said as well as what is.
Descriptions such as “forward going”, “needs a confident rider” or “not a novice ride” can all mean different things depending on the seller.
Ask yourself:
Rather than simply asking whether the horse is still available, explain your own situation.
For example:
A good seller wants their horse to go to the right home and should be honest if they don’t feel it’s a suitable match.
Travelling across the country to view a horse can be expensive and time-consuming.
Before arranging a visit, ask for videos showing:
Watching videos also allows you to compare the horse with the rider. Sometimes a horse looks straightforward because it’s being ridden by a very experienced rider, when in reality it may not suit someone less confident.
One of the best ways to understand what to look out for when buying a horse is to ask plenty of questions. Speaking openly with the owner will help you build a complete picture of the horse’s experience, temperament and suitability before arranging a viewing.
Useful questions include:
Remember, no horse is perfect. The important thing is understanding what you’re prepared to manage and whether those behaviours fit your experience.
If you’re buying your first horse, or simply lack confidence, taking an experienced instructor or knowledgeable friend can be invaluable.
They’ll often notice things that excitement can make you overlook.
Some buyers also choose to use professional agents to help source suitable horses.
Once you’ve arranged a viewing, it’s time to focus on what to look for in a horse when buying. It’s easy to concentrate on how the horse rides, but observing its behaviour on the ground can tell you just as much.
Take time to watch everything.
Notice:
Sometimes it’s the small observations that tell you the most.
Polley recommends watching the owner ride before getting on yourself.
This gives you an opportunity to see:
Most importantly…
Never feel pressured into riding.
If something doesn’t feel right after watching the horse, it’s perfectly acceptable to thank the seller and leave.
Safety should always come first.
If you do decide to ride, think about how you intend to use the horse.
If you’re planning to compete, ask if you can try some jumps.
If you mainly want to hack, make sure you ride somewhere that reflects that.
Ask yourself:
No two horses ride the same, so trust your instincts.
If you’re buying for a younger rider, what to look for when buying a pony can be slightly different. Safety, temperament and experience become even more important, and parents should consider whether the pony is suitable not only now, but as their child’s confidence develops.
Ask yourself:
If you’re unsure, don’t rush.
Many sellers are happy for genuine buyers to return for a second visit.
Once you’ve found the right horse, the next step is usually arranging a pre-purchase vetting.
The buyer organises and pays for this.
Vettings are commonly available as:
Some buyers also choose to have X-rays taken, particularly for higher-value horses.
However, Polley points out that vettings aren’t always black and white.
Some horses fail a vetting but go on to enjoy long, successful careers, while others pass without issue. A vetting should be viewed as part of the decision-making process rather than a simple pass or fail.
If possible, ask to see the horse somewhere other than its usual arena.
Watching it hack out, travel or attend another venue can provide valuable insight into how it copes away from home.
Moving to a new home is a huge adjustment for any horse.
Give them time to settle, but don’t leave them standing idle for weeks.
Maintain a sensible routine, continue gentle work where appropriate and introduce changes gradually.
If the seller provides some of the horse’s existing feed, continue feeding it initially before making any dietary changes. This helps reduce digestive upset and makes the transition much easier.
One of Polley’s biggest recommendations is to have support in place before your horse arrives.
This might include:
Even if tack comes with the horse, have the saddle checked to make sure it fits correctly before riding.
According to Polley, the biggest mistake is buying a horse that’s beyond the rider’s ability.
Sometimes buyers are tempted because the horse is within budget or looks impressive, but if it doesn’t suit the rider, it won’t be enjoyable or safe.
Choosing the right horse isn’t about buying the most talented one—it’s about finding the one that’s right for your experience, confidence and lifestyle.
Knowing what to know about horses before buying doesn’t mean you’ll find the perfect horse immediately, but it will help you make a far more informed decision. Taking your time, asking the right questions and seeking professional advice can save disappointment and help you build a long-lasting partnership with your new horse.
There is no such thing as the perfect horse, but there is a horse that’s perfect for your experience, ambitions and lifestyle.
A little patience before you buy can save a lot of heartache later and help create a happy partnership that lasts for years to come.
