How To Buy A Horse: The Best Breeds For First-Time Buyers

Welcome to the series; How To Buy A Horse. A series of blog posts that address some of the most commonly asked questions of first-time horse buyers.

Getting started in the world of horses can be daunting. Without a guide, it’s a labyrinth of information, where you’re confronted with options you don’t’ understand, decisions that could be costly, and the occasional hidden pitfall that leads to a dead-end. If you’re exploring the idea of horse ownership, either for yourself or for your child, and you find yourself metaphorically staring at a blinking cursor wondering where to start, then this series is for you.

As we delve into the intricacies of horse ownership, from budget concerns to the timeless lease versus buy debate, consider this series your compass in the landscape of equestrian decision-making.

We’ll address overlooked financial realities, ponder the horse or pony dilemma, and I’ll provide my own version of a first-time horse buyers checklist to prepare you for a collaborative and well-informed partnership with a professional.

Let’s get started.

Our first commonly asked question is…

What are the best breeds for first-time horse buyers?

There’s a prevailing notion circling the internet that certain breeds or genders are inherently better suited for beginners. And there is some truth behind some breeds having a reliable temperament or nature, and some breeds being better suited for one job over another. However, we’re going to look at this question with a bit more practicality.

So, we’re going to start our series not by answering this commonly asked question, but instead explaining why you don’t need to ask it at all.

If you’ve read much of my content, you may know this about me – I love a good metaphor. So here’s another.

Imagine if someone asked you, “what’s the best car for a first-time driver?” The answer doesn’t hinge on the make or model; it depends on factors like safety, reliability, budget, and fit for the intended purpose. The same holds true for your horse-seeking pursuits. It’s not about the horse’s color, breed, or gender; it’s about finding a partner that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

*With an exception perhaps if you are interested in exploring breed-specific disciplines (Arabs or Quarter Horses for example ) then the breed obviously matters. But if you, like me, are focusing your attention on the hunter / jumper discipline, or dressage and eventing too, these principles apply.

🌟 Imagine your confusion if you were looking to buy a truck to get you and your equipment to a work site every day and I told you the perfect vehicle for a first-time driver is a 2-door hatchback.

🌟 Imagine the frustration if you needed a car to drive long distances on the highway and I said, the best vehicle for a first-time driver is a large, heavy, gas guzzling SUV – it’s super safe of course.

🌟 Imagine the discouragement if I told you the safest and most reliable vehicle to buy your first-time driver is a brand-new Mercedes.

None of this makes any sense. And the point is, that when it comes to horses, and finding a partner for you or your child, the breed, gender, color, how tall the horse is, all these things are irrelevant.

Navigating buying a horse is a that maze requires more than just an online search. It’s an art form, a dance of compatibility between horse and rider. That’s why, as you venture towards horse ownership, having a seasoned professional by your side can make all the difference. A coach, with their expertise, can assess your riding skills, understand your aspirations, and guide you towards an appropriate equine partnership.

Don’t have a coach yet? Here are 7 Ways To Find A Coach that will help you get started.

You may also want to brush up on the important difference between a riding instructor and a coach which you can do here.

Now, as you shift your perspective from finding the perfect breed to building a support system, hopefully, that blinking cursor has found a direction.

Read the next post in the series – How To Buy A Horse: buying a horse on a budget.