Whether you're thinking about buying a horse for yourself or a pony for a child, there's a lot to consider before you get your cash out.
Horses are more than an expensive hobby – they are a huge investment of time and money – but if you can do it, the rewards are enormous. There's nothing like hearing your own horse nicker a welcome when you appear in the early morning. We know it's because they want their breakfast but it still gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.
What you should consider before buying a horse
Can you afford a horse?
The first thing to consider is can you afford it? The purchase price is just the start and often the cheapest part. Whether it is a native pony or a thoroughbred, costs soon add up, from veterinary and farriery bills to feed, rugs and tack. Even the healthiest of horses need dental checks and regular vaccinations against tetanus and equine influenza.
Here is our guide on what costs to expect when owning a horse... but bear in mind it is not a definitive list! And there will be other unplanned costs.
Are you knowledgable enough for a horse?
Equally as important as the finance is horsey experience. Do you know enough to own a horse – and be honest with yourself. Are you able to deal with all the problems that could come up? And are you choosing the right type of horse for your experience?
Can you recognise poisonous plants and how to get rid of them? Do you know what the signs of colic are? Or laminitis? Can you tell if you are overfeeding or underfeeding your horse?
If you don't have much experience, do you have a horsey friend you can call upon? Someone who can offer advice and practical help?
How good a rider are you – really?
We all may like to think we are a Carl Hester or a Lucinda Green, but the chances are we aren't. Be honest with yourself – how good a rider are you really? And also how confident are you when there's no one else around?
Remember if you are used to having riding lessons in a riding school, things will be very different when you are on your own as there will be no one ready to tell you what to do if things start to go wrong, or the horse starts to misbehave or become frightened.
Do you have the time for a horse?
Caring for a horse is time-consuming, from mucking out stables to exercising and grooming. It will be eating into your day every day 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year – rain or shine.
Are you able to do all this – and what would happen if you were ill or injured? If you don't have the time, can you afford to keep it at livery somewhere where someone else looks after it?
Also if you're short on time, don't buy a horse that needs a lot of exercise to keep it sane!
Do you have the space and right facilities for a horse?
If you are going to keep it on your own land, ask yourself if you have the right sort of premises to keep a horse. Even the hardiest of our native ponies need shelter from the wind and rain and our more sensitive breeds need stabling as well as adequate grazing.
The rough rule of thumb for grazing is one acre per horse, but this very much depends on the type of horse, the type of grazing and how long the horses are spending in the paddock. Grazing also needs to be well-cared and paddocks rotated to stop them becoming bare or 'horse sick' and worm infested.
Also, will the horse have any company? Horses are herd animals so should be kept with others.
What type of horse will suit you?
Not only will these considerations help you decide whether you can take on a horse, they will also help you decide what type of horse to purchase.
Perhaps it will be a family horse that will be shared between the adults and the children. In that case experience, ability and rider's heights are going to vary enormously so make sure you take everything into consideration. The last thing you want is for you or your child to lose confidence - or get injured.
A youngster might sound the perfect choice but are you really equipped to bring one on - or in reality would a schoolmaster be be better - one that you can have fun on?
Don't be afraid to ask for professional advice and always arrange for a vetting, a trial period and make sure you see it on the roads. In this day and age you don not want a horse that's traffic shy
Lastly – take your time
There is no need to rush. If you are new to horse ownining the best idea might be to loan a horse first to see how you cope with the responsibility, expense and time management – and if it doesn't work out you can give it back to the owner.
Another idea might be to share a horse with someone. Lots of horse owners often look for people to help them look after their horse. Find out what's involved before you commit.